McClellan honors 23 women, including 3 from Henrico

Three women from Henrico County are among 23 from Virginia's Fourth Congressional District who were honored recently by U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan as part of her inaugural Women of Excellence program for their contributions to their community.

“Growing up in a family of amazing women made such a profound impact on my life and molded me into who I am today," McClellan said. "I owe them so much. It is such an honor to present this award to 23 incredible women who have done so much for our community. Their work to improve the lives of others and uplift those around them has strengthened our commonwealth.”

The Henrico honorees were:

• Rebecca L. Lakin, the volunteer founder and director of The Giving Wall since 2017, a story-driven website that helps neighbors in need overcome financial barriers to progress. Lakin also was recently elected as a director for the Henricopolis Soil and Water Conservation Board in Henrico County.

• Dr. Shantell Lewis, the chief audiologist and owner of Virginia Professional Hearing Healthcare Center and Virginia Professional Hearing Aid Center, who is described as a tireless advocate for the environment and community well-being. She also is a member of the Virginia Department of Health's COVID-19 Health Equity Working Group.

• Aileen Rivera of Henrico, who serves on the board of the Falls of the James Sierra Club and who has been an environmental advocate whose efforts McClellan said are making a difference in environmental justice, environmental health, and community well-being.