Barbara A. McGee, the City Clerk of Rialto since 1994, never forgot the opportunities she was afforded growing up in her native Shreveport, Louisiana. Her extended family, friends and church community shared what little they had with everyone. They stepped up with the support she needed to earn a sociology degree at Southern University in Baton Rouge.
Today, she gives back to her community in numerous ways. She understands the positive guidance that is needed to ensure the success of the city and its residents.
For her many contributions, Assembly Member Carter named McGee the 2012 62nd District Woman of the Year, an award that earned her formal recognition at the State Capitol on Monday, March 26.
“She represents the highest level of being an elected public official, but has not lost her sense of community service,” Assembly Member Carter said.
McGee, who has a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Azuza Pacific University, has secured grants for the City of Rialto that promoted healthy living and another that boosted participation in the 2010 U.S. Census. She has developed a hate crime symposium, a family festival and co-hosted the city’s annual State of the Woman conference and helped organize Rialto’s Centennial Celebration.
McGee takes community leadership roles often on behalf of the city. A longtime Kiwanian, she has co-chaired the holiday food drive for the East Rialto Kiwanas. She has helped organize Christmas toy giveaways for the Center for Healing Childhood Trauma and has led volunteer efforts for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life in Rialto.
McGee distinguishes herself through her work with youth, often mentoring young adults who have gone on to successful careers. She started in the 1990s as a job developer at the Bethune Center in Rialto. She has also helped co-sponsor youth football camps at Cal State San Bernardino and stayed active in Kiwanis Key Clubs for youth. She has hosted international youth in cultural exchange programs and worked closely with seniors and veterans in the community.