CCWF hosts staff Clover Awards Ceremony

March 27, 2026

Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) recently hosted its first Clover Awards Ceremony, recognizing staff who lead with integrity, courage, and humanity.

The Clover Award was created to formally recognize and honor staff who consistently rise above expectations as leaders and role models.

Staff enjoyed the first CCWF Clover Awards.

“Our Warden recognizes the importance of staff wellness, and we created the Clover Award to celebrate staff members who are always doing the right thing, even when no one is watching,” said Lt. Monique Williams.

The incarcerated population submitted anonymous ballots, voting for staff members they felt were positive role models. They also considered staff who were mentors, communicated well, provided compassionate care, and exhibited excellent problem-solving skills. All nominees were recognized.

The 15 staff members who received the Top Finalist Clover Awards were:

Plant Operations Painter N. Bibb
Officer I. Mendoza
Officer B. Bruffett
Officer G. Cortina
Officer A. Izmaylov
Officer F. Naranjo
Officer L. Patton
Officer M. Phipps
Officer S. Rossotti
Officer J. Sahagun
Officer L. Sanchez
Officer E. Smith
Officer Y. Xiong
Officer T. Yang
Officer J. Corona

As honorees were announced, staff and the incarcerated population loudly cheered, celebrating those who have impacted them.

“The last time I was recognized was in the third grade,” Plant Operations Painter Bibb said. “It felt really good to be recognized.”

The awards category also featured a Fallen Clover, honoring fallen staff who had been Clover-worthy in their time with the department and CCWF.

Clover Awards honors CCWF staff

Warden Anissa De La Cruz spoke at the event. She said she was proud of the incarcerated population for recognizing the institution’s staff. This event also provides a voice to the population.

To fund and create the award ceremony, Retired Chief Deputy Warden Velda Dobson Davis worked alongside incarcerated leaders and the Community Resources Manager’s Office.

In attendance were Division of Adult Institutions (DAI) Director Gena Jones, Deputy Director Jennifer Benavidez, Associate Director Kathleen Ratliff, as well as Retired Annuitant (and former CDCR secretary) Kathleen Allison.

The emcee of the event was Michele Kane, Deputy Director of the California Correctional Training Authority (CALCTRA).

Submitted by Lt. Monique Williams. See more photos from the event below.