Ms Escamilla, a Realty Specialist with HUD's Fort Worth Property Disposition Center, was selected on March 20^th from among 18 finalists throughout the city. The Fort Worth Woman of the Year award recognizes her work with the children of Van Zandt-Guinn Elementary School. It is the third poorest school in the Fort Worth Independent School District. Virginia saw children in need and dedicated herself to making a difference.

Deputy Secretary Alphonso Jackson and Region VI Director A. Cynthia Leon congratulate Ms Escamilla on her award.

Virginia helped marshal the resources of fellow HUD employees and the entire community as part of her plan to help enrich the lives of the Van Zandt students. She coordinated the Van Zandt-Quinn Adopt-a-School program, helped organize a pen pal program and establish career days, and provided key leadership for fundraising events. The thousands of dollars raised were used to purchase and install new, safe playground equipment at the Van Zandt school yard (featured in the Daily Focus in October, 2001).