Rep. Mike Levin Honors Local Educator and Advocate Dr. Joely Proudfit as Constituent of the Month
Oceanside, CA – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA) announced that Carlsbad resident, educator, and activist, Joely Proudfit, Ph.D., is the December Constituent of the Month. A Luiseño/Payómkawichum woman, a true Native to Southern California, Dr. Proudfit is indigenous to Southern California where her ancestors have been since time immemorial. Dr. Proudfit first tapped into her activism in college as a way for her to stay connected to her Native ancestry and support Native voices. Now a renowned and tenured professor, Dr. Proudfit dedicates her life’s work to the education and promotion of proper representation for Native Americans and Indigenous peoples in media and society. Dr. Proudfit is also the first Indigenous woman appointed to California’s Commission on the Status of Women and Girls by Governor Newsom.
See below for Rep. Levin’s statement recognizing Dr. Joely Proudfit in the Congressional Record:
“Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize Carlsbad resident, educator, and fierce advocate for Indigenous peoples, Dr. Joely Proudfit, for my December Constituent of the Month. A Native Southern Californian and a Luiseño/Payómkawichum woman, Dr. Proudfit first tapped into her passion for activism in college as a way for her to stay connected to her Native ancestry and support Native peoples. As the first member of her family to complete a high school diploma, and now a renowned and tenured professor, Dr. Proudfit has dedicated her life’s work to furthering the education and promotion of proper representation for Native Americans and Indigenous peoples in media and society.
“Dr. Proudfit strives to serve as a role model to Native youth by encouraging all who enter her classroom that anyone can achieve success with self-determination and a desire for knowledge. Dr. Proudfit also uses her platform as an educator and highly visible advocate to shed light on the harmful stereotypes and false narratives perpetuated around American Indians and to change perceptions of tribal communities.
“What makes California’s 49th District so special is the rich blending of cultures, backgrounds, and walks of life throughout our communities. The voices and stories of Native Americans have fallen to the shadows far too often. I am so grateful to have leaders and role models like Dr. Proudfit who are the voices we need for these communities to be seen and heard. The contributions and voices of Native and Indigenous peoples are fundamental to our national story, and Dr. Proudfit’s work to lift up tribal communities has made our community and our country stronger. I’m proud to recognize her as my December Constituent of the Month.”
Representative Levin’s Constituent of the Month program recognizes outstanding North County San Diego and South Orange County Residents who have gone above and beyond to help their neighbors, give back to their community, and represent the best of our country. Rep. Levin’s November Constituent of the Month was Marine Corps Bronze Star veteran, Captain Derek Herrera. His October Constituent of the Month was Oceanside resident and Vista Family Health Center Physician Assistant, Edilberto Canseco.
To nominate a resident of the 49th District to be the Constituent of the Month, fill out this nomination form.
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