Senator honors PIH Health Downey hospital nurses
Alexis Zamarripa, Sen. Bob Archuleta and Stephanie Jones.
DOWNEY – For sisters Stephanie Jones and Alexis Zamarripa, nursing has never been just a profession, but a calling rooted in compassion, resilience, and a shared commitment to serving their community.
That bond came full circle this year as both were recognized by State Senator Bob Archuleta during Women’s History Month, Stephanie as a past Woman of the Year honoree in 2021, and Alexis as a 2026 Woman of Achievement.
“Stephanie and Alexis embody the very best of public service,” Archuleta said. “Their leadership, compassion, and dedication have made a lasting difference, and it is an honor to recognize both of them.”
In 2021, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Stephanie Jones was named Woman of the Year for her extraordinary leadership as Clinical Director of Surgery and Sterile Processing at PIH Health Downey Hospital. With more than three decades of experience, she played a critical role in developing safety protocols, expanding patient care capacity, and supporting frontline staff through one of the most challenging public health crises in modern history.
But like so many moments during that time, the recognition came quietly. Due to pandemic restrictions, Stephanie was unable to attend an in-person ceremony.
Four years later, it was a shared moment.
In 2026, her sister, Alexis Zamarripa, Chief Nursing Officer at PIH Health Downey Hospital, was honored as a Woman of Achievement for her leadership and lasting impact on patient care and nursing excellence. With nearly 30 years in healthcare, Alexis has helped shape a culture of collaboration, safety, and compassion, mentoring the next generation of nurses while guiding her team through both challenge and growth.
This year’s ceremony became more than just a recognition.
For Stephanie, it was a chance to finally celebrate a moment that had been deferred. For Alexis, it was an opportunity to stand alongside her sister, to share their journeys in healthcare leadership.
Together, they represent not only a family dedicated to service, but a legacy of care that has touched countless lives in the Downey community.
In a profession defined by long hours and quiet sacrifice, the recognition of these two sisters serves as a reminder that behind every hospital team are individuals, and families, who give so much of themselves to care for others.
And this time, they were able to celebrate together.
Archuleta’s 2026 Women of Achievement are: Jill Dunn (Brea); Christina Ennabe (Diamond Bar); Noemy Florentino (Bellflower); Dr. Martha O. Garcia (Walnut); Diana Garcia-Taylor (La Habra Heights); the González Sisters (Anaheim); Leona Harris (City of Industry); Dr. Elizabeth Maldonado-Rios (La Puente); Council Member Mary Ann Pacheco (Whittier); Yvette Romo (Rowland Heights); Lidia Sanchez (Norwalk); Dr. Jennifer Sandoval (Santa Fe Springs); Mimi Song (Santa Fe Springs); Mayor Georgina Tamayo (Montebello); Captain Maria Villegas (Downey); Alexis Zamarripa (Downey); and Deputy Fire Chief Eleni Pappas (Los Angeles County).
The women were honored at a ceremony in the City of Industry last month. The event brought together local elected officials, community leaders, and family members to celebrate the achievements of these remarkable women and their collective impact across the 30th Senate District.
Archuleta also recognized Captain Melissa Hammond at the State Capitol as the 30th Senate District’s 2026 Woman of the Year for her leadership and service with the California Highway Patrol.
A West Whittier native and graduate of UC Berkeley, Hammond began her CHP career as Academy Class President in 2006 and later ranked number one statewide on the Lieutenants’ promotional exam before being promoted to captain. She now commands the Santa Fe Springs Area CHP office, one of the busiest in the state, serving and protecting the very communities that helped raise her.
“It is an honor to recognize a dedicated public safety leader whose commitment continues to make our communities safer,” Archuleta said.