WISPPA Co-Founder Named Woman of Distinction by Judy Chu

U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park) honored WISPAA co-founder and co-chair Barbara Peterson Sinclair as a community leader in the health profession during the fourth annual Women of Distinction Awards.

The event, held Saturday at the Huntington Library, honored women entrepreneurs, volunteers, civil servants and a female Olympian, all from the San Gabriel Valley. The 16 honorees represent the 16 cities in the 27th Congressional District. Each honoree was chosen from nominations submitted by members of their communities.

"From competing for our nation on the global stage, to advocating for those with developmental disabilities, to representing the cutting edge of entrepreneurial achievement, each [honoree] has had a profound impact on the world around them,'' Chu said in a prepared statement.

"Most importantly, all overcame tremendous obstacles in their careers, proving themselves to be wonderful role models for others who aspire to their success. I thank each of this year’s 16 Women of Distinction for their contributions, and urge them to continue being a shining beacon of inspiration for women and girls in our district and around the world.” 

The full bios for all honorees may be read here. The following is Sinclair's bio: 

Ms. Sinclair is also the co-founder and current co-chair of Women Involved in South Pasadena Political Action – an organization dedicated to assisting government in being more transparent and encouraging women to become more involved in city affairs.

Barbara Peterson Sinclair is an innovative trailblazer in the field of nursing and healthcare, particularly in the care of women and aging populations. In fact, she is often credited with the development of the role of nurse practitioner. Ms. Sinclair has served in numerous leadership positions, such as the Director of Nursing Institute and Extended Education Coordinator at Cal State Los Angeles, Interim Dean for the School of Health and Chair of the Division of Health Sciences at Cal State Dominguez Hills, and consultant for program development at Cal State San Bernardino and Cal State Northridge.

Most recently, she was asked to come out of retirement to function as the Interim Director of the School of Nursing at Cal State Dominguez Hills. In addition to leading academic institutions, Ms. Sinclair also maintained a clinical nurse practitioner practice, directed a variety of international continuing education programs in health related fields, and consulted with a significant number of public and private groups on aging issues.

Her projects have generated over $3.2 million in grants and contracts. As a result of her accomplishments, she frequently spoke to national and international audiences and served as editor-in-chief of several professional journals.

Ms. Sinclair is also extensively involved in professional and charitable organizations, serving on the National Advisory Council for March of Dimes and as the president of the Los Angeles County Commission on Aging.

In the past, Ms. Sinclair served as the President of the Cal State LA Foundation, Community Housing Service Board Member, SPEF Volunteer Girl Scout Leader, California League of Women Voters Member, and board member in numerous other organizations.

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