Alhambra Chamber Asks…

Each month, Around Alhambra asks people in our community to answer a question about life in Alhambra. This month, we posed this question to community members from across the city:

“Who is a woman who inspired you?”

Sources of inspiration included family members and an educator, all people we can each cite as inspiring forces in our own lives.

My mother-in-law, Manuela Soto, had a saying for how you handle situations in life, "Take it like a woman," emphasizing how strong and resilient women are. From working in the cannery, raising 10 kids, to living to be 102 -- she might have been onto something!” Suzi Dunkel-Soto, Immediate Past-President, Alhambra Chamber of Commerce; Realtor, Century21

My mother-in-law, Alice Shulman, for as long as I remember (over 40 years), has been my inspiration to continue running Tom's Uniforms. Alice (or “mom,” as I call her) has always taken on leadership roles in every event or job assigned in the many organizations that she is involved with.” Rivi Shulman, Co-owner, Tom’s Uniforms

Dr. Julie Hadden of AUSD

So MANY women have inspired me! Dr. Julie Hadden, retired AUSD Superintendent whom we lost this year, continues to inspire me because she believed in students, staff, and colleagues —often before they saw their capacity for greatness — and she changed the arc of lives.” Denise Jamarillo, Superintendent,

Angelle Laigo of Str33t Records

My maternal grandmother inspires me. She came to this country alone, and was able to bring all her children from the Philippines. She emphasized education and inspired my love of music. She was my inspiration to open Str33t Records.” Angelle Laigo, owner, Str33t Records