(SACRAMENTO) – Assemblymember Timothy S. Grayson (D-Concord) honored lifelong Vallejo resident Midsi Sanchez as the Woman of the Year for the 14th Assembly District at a ceremony today at the State Capitol.
“Midsi’s strength and ability to turn her personal trauma into an opportunity to support, educate, and help others is as inspiring as it has been impactful,” said Assemblymember Grayson. “I feel honored to be able to shine a light on Midsi’s story and the work she’s doing to serve children and families in our community.”
Midsi Sanchez is a tireless advocate for missing children and child safety. As a survivor of child abduction herself, Midsi unfortunately knows the pain endured by children and families when an abduction occurs. On August 10th, 2000, the day of her eighth birthday party, she was taken by a serial killer who had tragically previously claimed the lives of nearly ten other children. After being abused and held captive for three days inside of his car, Midsi had the courage to escape when her captor accidentally left the keys to her chains inside the vehicle as he went to a local convenience store. In 2009, years after Midsi was reunited with her family and her captor was put behind bars, she found her voice and passion for advocacy when she heard of and reached out to the Kantu family whose daughter had been abducted.
Midsi has now worked with the KlaasKids Foundation for nearly ten years, promoting child safety awareness and has personally dedicated herself to supporting families whose children have gone missing by assisting them with media outreach, coordinating large community search efforts, and guiding them through the emotional trauma associated with abduction. Last year she founded the Midsi Sanchez Foundation to expand child safety awareness education through sharing her personal experiences.
The California Assembly hosts the annual Woman of the Year celebration to recognize an outstanding woman from each Assembly District. Each honoree is introduced on the Assembly Floor and receives a special certificate for her accomplishments. A Capitol tradition since 1987, this annual event highlights the achievements of distinguished women throughout the state during Women’s History Month.
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Tim Grayson represents the 14th Assembly District that includes the communities of Benicia, Concord, Clayton, Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Vallejo, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek. For more information please visit the Assemblymember’s website, www.assembly.ca.gov/a14.