Alissa Friedman, executive director of Opportunity Junction in Antioch, has been selected as the 11th California State Assembly District’s Woman of the Year for her significant contributions to the community. Friedman will participate in the Woman of the Year ceremony in the California State Assembly on Monday, March 26.

“Alissa has created, through Opportunity Junction, an important access point for women in our community to become educated, trained and able to find a job,” said California Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla. “Alissa has shown incredible community leadership and has been able to provide practical assistance to many individuals and families in the 11th Assembly District.”

“I feel honored and humbled to be singled out by Assemblywoman Bonilla, whom I hold in such high regard,” said Friedman. “The credit for Opportunity Junction’s success in placing local residents into sustainable employment, though, goes to our dedicated staff and volunteers, fueled by the inspiration of working with participants who are determined to develop the skills and confidence to achieve self-sufficiency.”

Friedman has overseen the growth of Opportunity Junction from a pilot workforce development program to a hub for training, education and job placement. She joined the organization in 2001 as project manager and took over as executive director in 2003.

Opportunity Junction’s mission is to fight poverty by helping low-income adults gain the skills and confidence to support themselves and their families. Programs include the flagship Job Training and Placement Program (which prepares participants for administrative careers), the evening Technology Center, Do-It-Yourself Tax Assistance, and Bay Point Career Development Services. Despite the economic recession, 84 percent of those who complete Opportunity Junction’s job training enter employment within six months.