Known to many as “Dr. Joy,” Enriquez was one of 80 women from districts across the state invited to the Assembly to celebrate their achievements. Not coincidentally, March is national Women’s History Month.
Enriquez is known as a doctor with a heart. She very often provides medical care for free or reduced cost and is involved in a host of charitable causes on the coast and beyond.
 Dr. Josefina Enriquez, right, consults with a Coastside patient. Enriquez was honored during ceremonies in Sacramento on Monday after being named Assembly District 19 Woman of the Year. |
Among other things, Enriquez has lent her services to the local RotaCare clinic — even asking for donations to the clinic instead of birthday presents — and helped to open a free-standing clinic in Mexico. She was never more urgently needed than last year, when she took on hundreds of patients from the now-defunct Coastside Family Medical Center.
“She gives selflessly to her patients and her entire community,” Hill said. “Dr. Enriquez has truly made a difference in our lives.”
Enriquez has blazed a trail in ways unrelated to her field. She was the first woman member of the Half Moon Bay Rotary Club and has been inducted into the San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame.
She has long advocated for health insurance for all. During an August 2009 town hall on health care reform in Montara, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Jackie Speier, Enriquez said, “When you’re sick and you need help, health care should be a right, not a privilege.”
All who know her seem amazed by Enriquez’s stamina. Even at 70 years of age, she keeps a full schedule. When does she plan on retiring?
“When I’m 80. That’s the plan,” she said with a laugh when asked about the recognition. “I still feel like I’m 18. I run and go to church every day.”
The ceremony honoring district women of the year was the centerpiece of a daylong celebration that included a morning reception followed by a luncheon with all the legislators and each of their ‘Woman of the Year’ designees. The honorees also met with the state’s first lady.
The Assembly honor isn’t the only one coming for Enriquez. The Bay Area News Group and Comcast are honoring her as one of their “Hometown Heroes” during ceremonies planned for March 18 in Oakland.
w