Sen. Dodd: Meals on Wheels Director is Yolo County Woman of the Year

DAVIS – Joy Cohan, who has demonstrated leadership in addressing food insecurity and senior nutrition in roles with the Yolo Food Bank and most recently, as executive director of Meals on Wheels Yolo County, has been named Yolo County Woman of the Year by Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa.

“Fewer Yolo County residents are going hungry these days, thanks in large part to Joy Cohan,” Sen. Dodd. “Not only is she putting more food on the tables of people who need it most but it’s better and healthier food.  Her commitment to helping seniors and the most vulnerable in our community is outstanding, and I am honored to present her with this recognition.”

“I’ve proudly called Yolo County home for more than 30 years, and the opportunities I’ve had to enhance life here for others have made my own life so much richer,” Joy said. “To be recognized for this work is inspiring! Sen. Dodd’s personal call sharing the news about my selection for this award is among the most memorable surprises of my life.”

Joy has lived in Yolo County for 31 years, first in Woodland and the last 11 years in Davis. She has led Meals on Wheels Yolo County since January 2022. Since her arrival, the organization has increased its impact upon senior nutrition in the county by 60%, and she has initiated capacity expansion initiatives and actions aimed at doubling the current service level by mid-2024. Before Meals on Wheels, Joy was director of philanthropic engagement at Yolo Food Bank. It was there that she came to know food security challenges in Yolo County, and the opportunities to inspire the community and elevate the local food system to meet them.

Earlier in her nonprofit career, Joy led the Davis Downtown Business Association as director for nearly five years. She was director of development at Hillel in Davis and Sacramento for three academic years, and was the first executive director for Davis-based Academics Without Borders.

Joy grew up in Huntington Beach and studied journalism, public relations and marketing at Cal State Long Beach. She worked in magazine publishing in the 1990s before moving north. Joy is married with three adult sons.

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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Sonoma, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties. You can learn more about the district and Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.