The Ambassador of the Year award recognizes individuals who contribute to community engagement and support local businesses through chamber activities. Echarte said the recognition reflects collective effort rather than individual achievement. Photo courtesy of Harvest at Dixon/Dixon Chamber of Commerce

DIXON, CA (MPG) – Sara Echarte, manager of the Dixon Chamber of Commerce, was named the 2025 Ambassador of the Year during the annual Celebrate Dixon gala March 14.

Echarte said she was both honored and surprised when her name was announced.

“I was honored but also a little apprehensive because I’m so proud of my whole ambassador team,” said Echarte. “I didn’t think I was the right pick, but I’m so thankful and honored.”

The Ambassador of the Year award recognizes individuals who contribute to community engagement and support local businesses through chamber activities. Echarte said the recognition reflects collective effort rather than individual achievement.

“It’s nice to receive recognition for all your hard work and to be seen, but I don’t do it for the recognition,” said Echarte. “I do it to support a better community.”

Over the past year, Echarte said she took pride in stepping into a leadership role during a period of transition for the chamber.

“I was really able to step into this new role after Shauna Manina’s abrupt departure and really get feet on the ground and get out there to continue to keep the chamber functioning and working as smoothly as possible,” she said. “That made me really proud.”

Echarte described the past year as one marked by ongoing challenges, which she addressed with the help of a strong support network.

“Every day is an obstacle,” said Echarte. “I have faced many obstacles in the last year, but I’ve been able to overcome them by having a village around me, whether it’s the board, my husband or my personal friendships. I have a great support system around me. At the end of the day, it’s not about me, it’s about the community.”

Serving as an ambassador also broadened her perspective on Dixon and its residents.

“Being an ambassador, I’ve really been able to form relationships with other business people in the community, people I may not normally cross paths with in regular life,” said Echarte. “It’s opened my eyes to older generations and the traditions of the community. That’s given me a respect for the expectations of the community as a whole.”

Echarte credited several individuals for their guidance and support, including Anna Deusenberry, Wendi Hendershot and Liz Guzman.

“I think Anna Deusenberry is someone I lean on a lot, who I trust and can get open honest feedback from,” she said. “Also, Wendi Hendershot and Liz Guzman have been great.”

For those considering involvement in the ambassador program or other community efforts, Echarte encouraged participation.

“If you’re thinking about being an ambassador or getting involved, just get out there and do it,” said Echarte. “Everyone is welcoming, and we need a younger generation to learn from our elders and keep Dixon exciting and special.”

Echarte said balancing her ambassador responsibilities with family and work commitments has been manageable due to the supportive nature of the local community.

“With the chamber, it’s always family first, business second, and chamber third, so everyone is very understanding,” she said. “They’re all very welcoming, like I’ve brought my children to events, and they always feel very welcome.”

Looking ahead, Echarte said she plans to focus on her role with the chamber full-time after stepping down as an ambassador. Her goals include increasing community engagement and expanding awareness of the chamber’s mission.

“I want the chamber to be a desirable place where people want to join,” said Echarte. “I want us to grow and be out in the community more and for people to understand what the chamber is.”