by Timothy Rutt
Altadena activist and educator Barbara Bigby was honored as "Woman of the Year" for the 44th Assembly District by Assemblyman Anthony Portantino on Monday.
“It gives me great pleasure to name Barbara Bigby as Woman of the Year for the 44th Assembly District,” said Assemblymember Portantino. “Mrs. Bigby’s lifelong mentorship of children demonstrates her passion for the safety and welfare of young people and her leadership of the Altadena NAACP shows a long-standing commitment to improving the community. “
Bigby has been owner and director of Bright Eyed Day Care Center for over 30 years. She has also served two terms as president of the Altadena NAACP, where she focused on education advocacy.
She has been a member of the YWCA, DeVeal Family Services Foundation, Sybil Brand Commission, and numerous advisory councils and committees. Bigby has received numerous awards for community service over the years including YWCA Outstanding Woman of the Year, Community Leader Award for John Muir High School’s Mentor and Partnership program, and the NAACP State Conference Outstanding Freedom Fund Service Award.
“Mrs. Bigby has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to educating our children and to civil rights. Her mentorship of young people through her church and the many volunteer organizations shows just how dedicated she is. I am extremely pleased to add a State Assembly honor to her list of accomplishments,” said Portantino.
