The Santa Cruz County Women's Commission announced its Trailblazers Awards for 2008 Saturday in a ceremony at the Watsonville Center of Cabrillo College.

The Women's Commission is in the process of producing a report on the Status of Women and Girls in Santa Cruz County, which discusses local trends and makes recommendations for action in the following areas: Health, education, economic justice, criminal justice, domestic violence and political participation. The commission solicited nominations to demonstrate outstanding work being done in those areas and to honor six remarkable women.

Nancy Cox-Konopelski was recognized for her work mentoring young women to pursue math and science careers and with Expanding Your Horizons conferences at UC Santa Cruz.

Carmen Perez was awarded for working with youth to develop leadership and education on drug use, gangs, violence and health. She formed and supported a youth leadership program, Reforming Education, Advocating for Leadership, which provided youth a platform to use their lives as their testimonials and share their voices in matters that affected young people in the community.

Kathryn Agnone was recognized for coordinating law enforcement and community efforts for the prevention of violence against women. Agnone serves as the coordinator of the city of Santa Cruz Commission for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and manages outreach events such as Teen Men's/Teen Women's Day, Take Back the Night and Denim Day.

Wendy Rae Johnson was awarded for mentoring young women at risk through Big Sisters and recovery for women in jail.

Patricia Gorman was recognized for working with homeless and terminally ill women and children at the Jesus Mary Joseph Home.

Elizabeth Schilling was awarded for directing the Live Oak Family Resource Center, providing education, community building and information and referral services.