November 18, 2024
Senator Angelique V. Ashby honored as IIDA California’s 2024 Legislator of the Year
The IIDA Northern and Southern California Chapters of the International Interior Design Association are happy to announce State Senator Angelique V. Ashby as the recipient of our 2024 Legislator of the Year Award. Senator Ashby is the fourth annual California legislator to receive this award, joining a cohort of remarkable past recipients. This award recognizes exemplary leadership, commitment to public service, and alignment with the values of IIDA and commercial interior designers in California.
Senator Ashby has long been a trailblazer. She’s the first woman in over two decades to represent Sacramento District 8, in the California State Senate, and in her short time in office, she’s already become a standout leader. Earlier this year, she was named Chair of the Senate Business and Professions Committee, a role with pivotal influence in the path forward for our profession. From her time on the Sacramento City Council, where she secured millions to support community infrastructure, to her work championing programs for women and children experiencing homelessness, she’s consistently prioritized meaningful, tangible change. Her commitment to supporting working women is especially resonant for commercial interior designers as our profession is uniquely women-led compared to other design and construction professions. Among other important legislation, she authored SCR 29 in 2023, the resolution that declared Women in Construction Week to highlight women as a vital component of the construction industry.
On Monday, November 18th, representatives from both California IIDA chapters had the honor of presenting Senator Ashby with the award at her Sacramento office. This moment wasn’t just about recognition; it was about celebrating her leadership in advancing conversations around equity and opportunity. We especially thank Senator Ashby for her engagement during the 2024 California Architects Board sunset review where the practice barriers for interior designers were highlighted and discussed as a key issue.
Congratulations, Senator Ashby. The IIDA Northern and Southern California chapters look forward to continued collaboration with the Senator’s office. To learn more about Senator Ashby’s initiatives and legislative work, or to show your support, you can visit her official website.