News release
Sen. Suzette Martinez Valladares, R-Acton, announced she has named Jill Mellady of Santa Clarita as the 2026 Woman of the Year for Senate District 23.
Each year during Women’s History Month, California legislators honor exceptional women from their district during the annual Woman of the Year Floor Ceremony at the California State Senate, said a news release from the senator’s office. The ceremony recognizes women whose leadership and service have made a meaningful impact in their communities.
“Jill represents the very best of community leadership,” Valladares said in the release. “Through her professional success, volunteer service and unwavering commitment to improving the Santa Clarita Valley, Jill has made a lasting difference in the lives of residents in our community. I am proud to recognize her as the Woman of the Year for Senate District 23.”
Mellady is the president and co-founder of Mellady Direct Marketing, a family-owned direct marketing agency headquartered in Santa Clarita. Alongside her husband Jim, Jill has built a successful business dedicated to helping organizations effectively communicate with their audiences and strengthen consumer engagement, the release said. The company is a family effort, as Jill and Jim work alongside their adult children, Stephanie and Brendan.
“Beyond her professional achievements, Jill has demonstrated a deep commitment to community service throughout the Santa Clarita Valley,” the release said. She serves as a board member and marketing and public relations chair for the SCV Sheriff Foundation and is a member of the board of directors for the Valley Industry Association. She has also played a significant role supporting local education through her leadership with the College of the Canyons Foundation, where she previously served as board chair for three terms, the release said.
A proud alumna of College of the Canyons, her dedication to her alma mater and the Santa Clarita community was recognized in 2016 when she received the institution’s Silver Spur Award, the release said.
Valladares honored Mellady during the Woman of the Year Floor Ceremony at the State Capitol on March 16.
