The Santa Maria Women’s Network Women of Excellence Awards Dinner is an annual event in recognition of women in our community who have contributed with strength of character, personal growth, past work, and a vision for the future. We respect these types of women, and we seek to embody their character in our own lives. Women who work or reside in the Santa Maria Valley can be nominated by anyone other than themselves or a family member. The following categories are awarded: Women Taking Creative Risks; Women of Spirit; Women Helping Women; and Lifetime Achievement. This year, 2013, AAUW Santa Maria nominated Hinda Beaman.
Several of our members were there to cheer Hinda on as she received this most deserved honor and recognition. We are so proud of Hinda, for her work in our community, her work in our AAUW branch, and the blessing of her friendship and loyalty.
We would also like to extend our congratulations to Margaret Cooper, another AAUW member, nominated by another person/organization. It’s wonderful to see these women honored by another organization in our community … we are so proud!!
HINDA BEAMAN – LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER
Santa Maria Women’s Network 2013 Women of Excellence
Hinda’s life has had great joy but she has also endured personal tragedy. Hinda has had an incredible motivational spirit throughout her life to succeed in her endeavors.
During her 22 years in Santa Maria, Hinda has experienced happiness as an active member of the Friends of the Santa Maria Public Library. Jack Buchanan, retired Santa Maria librarian, writes, “I first met Hinda in the mid 1990’s when she became the City of Santa Maria’s representative of the County Library Advisory Committee; a position which she still holds. She also became extremely active in the Friends of the Santa Maria Public Library; serving as President several times and all of the other offices except Treasurer. I was impressed the first time I met Hinda – overwhelmingly positive, friendly and outgoing. I knew I had stumbled across a gem. All the past years have proven me right. Hinda is afraid of nothing. Not afraid to ask people for money to support the library. Not afraid to exhort fellow Friends to do more, give more, volunteer more. She has spoken out for the Library countless times before the County Board of Supervisors and the City Council. Her devotion to the Library has been unmatched.”
Her devotion to education and civic issues prompted her to also join League of Women Voters, Literacy Council, and AAUW – American Association of University Women. Hinda believes in AAUW’s mission to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research. In all of these organizations, she takes a leadership role.
Hinda had a fortunate childhood in Connecticut with a family who exposed her to the performing arts and books; in Hinda’s own words, “A wonderful life!” Regardless of where she has lived, she has been an asset to her community. In the beginning, it was living in Los Angeles as a single parent of three children. Because of her youngest child’s heart problem, she turned her energy to raising money for the first heart-lung machine. This earned her first medal of community recognition. Hinda continues to be involved with Heart Sunday.
Hinda’s new marriage brought her to Agoura Hills, Ca where she was instrumental in getting LAFCO to approve Agoura Hills as a city. Simultaneously while involved in her city, she worked as an executive secretary. This job was the experience of a lifetime because she directly interfaced with Chinese employees and their culture.
A significant life goal of Hinda’s was to get her 4-year college degree. She already had an AA but as a high achiever and in her own words, she “started from scratch at age 60 in getting my BA in time to collect my Social Security.” It is commendable that her thirst for an education led her to achieve this goal, graduating at age 64 when most people would be retiring from such an arduous task.
Hinda has suffered the sudden loss of her beloved adult daughter and the tragic death of her only sister within a short time span. She continues to care for her two physically ill sons and her current partner, Dan.
Enduring these personal tragedies, she maintains her optimistic spirit and joy of life. On any given day one can see Hinda swimming, walking, smiling, and wearing a T-shirt representing a cause. In the future Hinda plans to continue her commitment to the community and family.
As Jack Buchanan says, “It would be a fitting tribute for Hinda to receive the Women of Excellence Award for she is, indeed, Excellent.”
FROM THE SANTA MARIA WOMEN’S NETWORK
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
SOCIAL EVENT & AWARDS DINNER PROGRAM
March 6, 2013
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:
This award is designed to honor an outstanding woman who has given substantially of herself as a life style. Nominees will be women who have dedicated themselves to each path chosen in life, be it career or volunteer work. These women inspire others by their willingness to expand their scope of giving at every crossroad in life.
HINDA BEAMAN
Raised in Connecticut with a childhood she describes as, “A wonderful life!”, Hinda was exposed to the performing arts and books. Twenty-two years ago she found her way to Santa Maria. Her devotion to education and civic issues prompted her to serve in the League of Women Voters, Literacy Council and AAUW. Hinda believes in AAUW’s mission to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research. In all of these organizations she takes a leadership role. Over a period of ten years whe brought “history to life” for elementary students. One of her proudest accomplishments in life is helping to erect the new Santa Maria Library. Hinda attended every City Council and Board of Supervisors meeting fighting for the funding for the new library. She spoke at each one making sure the subject was not going away. The Library being her first love, seeing children there makes her happy. A very active member of the Friends of the Santa Maria Library, she was several times its President. She has served as a City of Santa Maria’s representative of the County Library Advisory Committee since the mid 1990’s.
Hinda cites the loss of her daughter and the ill health of two adult sons as challenges in her life. Because of her youngest child’s heart problems she turned her energy to raising money for the first heart-lung machine. This earned her the first medal of community recognition from the Heart Association. Hinda continues to be involved with Heart Sunday. Amazingly, Hinda achieved a lifelong goal when she started college at age 60 to earn a B.A. degree. She proudly finished by 64, before reaching time for Social Security! Enduring her personal trials Hinda maintains her optimistic spirit and joy of life. On any given day she can be seen swimming, walking, smiling, and wearing a T-shirt representing a cause. Hinda currently looks to get back to her activities and sees more travel in her future. She also plans to continue her commitment to family and community. Hinda reminds us: The happiest you are is when you are helping others.