La Quinta Para-Karate Coach Lauded As Woman Of The Year By 4th District Supervisor Perez

LA QUINTA, CA — A La Quinta nonprofit owner and Para Karate coach for Team USA has been selected by Supervisor V. Manuel Perez as Woman of the Year in the Fourth Supervisorial District, according to a recent news release.

Perez selected Sensei Tamara Canedo-Lifschutz, who will be presented the award at the March 3 Riverside County Board of Supervisors meeting in Riverside, according to Perez's office.

“Our 4th District Woman of the Year, Sensei Tamara Canedo-Lifschutz, is a special individual in what she does,” said Supervisor Perez. “She is an extraordinary and compassionate living angel who shares her life with special needs populations by teaching them martial arts every single day in the Coachella Valley. She will be written into the history books for students to learn what it truly means to be named Woman of the Year.”

Canedo-Lifschutz is the founder and CEO of Seiden-Juku, a La Quinta nonprofit dedicated to building leaders in inclusion and diversity through the art of Karate-Do and Para-Karate, serving individuals with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, wheelchair users, blind athletes and youth impacted by foster care, abuse and bullying.

Born and raised in the Coachella Valley, she was appointed Para-Karate Coach for Team USA by USA Karate with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, and stands firmly by the belief that “Inclusion is not an accommodation – it is a human right.”

“In a male-dominated field, I have learned that my greatest superpower is being a woman and a proud Latina – because representation, heart and courage change the game,” said Sensei Tamara Canedo-Lifschutz.

The recognition will be part of Riverside County’s commemoration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month during the month of March.

Supervisor Perez adds:

“History consistently teaches us that women who dare to dream and decisively choose to take on trailblazing action on behalf of vulnerable populations inspire us all to lead as they do. The moral responsibility and having purpose in life become real, front and center, and no longer only a wish but rather a dream come true.”