Schiff Honors Alexandra Helfrich – 28th Congressional District Woman of the Year

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) honored inspiring women from communities in the 28th Congressional District. This recognition is made each year during Women’s History Month.

“It was an honor and a pleasure to meet with the 2014 ‘Women of the Year’ awardees, and to recognize their outstanding work and community leadership,” said Rep. Schiff. “Each woman honored has demonstrated an ability to help others, to work tirelessly for a cause important to us all, and to make our communities a better place. They serve as a shining example of service throughout the 28th Congressional District, and it was wonderful to recognize their extraordinary work and capabilities.”

Schiff entered a special tribute to each woman into the Congressional Record:

I rise today in honor of Women’s History Month. Each year, we pay special tribute to the contributions and sacrifices made by our nation’s women. It is an honor to pay homage to outstanding women who are making a difference in my Congressional District. I would like to recognize a remarkable woman, Alexandra Helfrich of Burbank.

When her eldest daughter began elementary school, Ms. Helfrich learned that the school did not have any arts programs. She began to fundraise and sought out grant opportunities to bring arts education back into the classroom. Ms. Helfritch worked with other parents, the PTA and Booster organizations to provide opportunities so every Burbank Unified School District (BUSD) student could experience music, visual art, theater, dance, and media arts. Through these collaborations, art programs became available at schools during the school day and after school as well.

Ms. Helfrich has served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Burbank Arts For All Foundation since 2007 and served as its co-chair from 2010 to 2013. The Burbank Arts For All Foundation works to ensure every student in Burbank public schools receives a quality arts education as a part of their core curriculum. To support the foundation’s mission, Ms. Helfrich continues to serve on its Executive Committee. Ms. Helfrich’s volunteer efforts have provided opportunities as well as increased access for children to become creative learners.

Ms. Helfrich has also served the Burbank Unified School District as a parent representative to the District Safety Committee, where she helped update the Special Education Parent Handbook. She is currently serving on the District Local Control Accountability Plan Committee. In addition, Ms. Helfrich, who is a committed school fundraiser, has consistently served on Booster Club Boards since 2007.

Ms. Helfrich is married to Mark Helfrich, a feature film editor and director, and they have two teenage daughters.

I ask all Members to join me in honoring an exceptional woman of California’s 28th Congressional District, Alexandra Helfrich.