WELAYMCA HOTF2024

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WEINGART EAST LOS ANGELES YMCA

Proud to support the Heart of the Family Awards

We’re all made for more. More possibility. More transformation. More partnering to build healthy families and futures. That’s why Adventist Health White Memorial is proud to partner with the Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA. We share your commitment to a whole-person focus that helps each individual meet their full potential. Because when our community is fourishing, we can all experience more.

Congratulations to the Honorable Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Abigail R. Marquez for being recognized by Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA for their tireless work in

our community.

On

17th Annual Heart of the Family Awards

NURTURING INNOVATIVE MINDS 17th Annual Heart of the Family Awards

NURTURING INNOVATIVE MINDS

KASANDRA M. SANCHEZ

17th Annual Heart of the Family Awards

KASANDRA M. SANCHEZ

KASANDRA M. SANCHEZ

On behalf of the Board of the Directors -Chief Investment Officers and the Families we serve it is my honor to Welcome you to the Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA (WELA Y) 17th Annual Heart of the Family (HotF) Awards.

behalf of the Board of the Directors -Chief Investment Officers and the Families

On behalf of the Board of the Directors -Chief Investment Officers and the thousands of Angelenos we serve it is my honor to Welcome you to the Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA 17th Annual Heart of the Family Awards.

we serve it is my honor to Welcome you to the Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA (WELA Y) 17th Annual Heart of the Family

Today we celebrate our collective impact and honor exceptional Angeleno Leaders, and their admirable commitment to strengthen our community.

We are back after a 3 year hiatus as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. This is a special HotF Awards as we celebrate our collective impact.

We are back after a 3 year hiatus as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. This is a special HotF Awards as we celebrate our collective impact.

Honorable Mayor Karen Bass, a trailblazing figure in American politics, has made history as the first woman and second African American to be elected Mayor of Los Angeles, the second largest city in the United States. Mayor Bass's leadership is characterized by her unwavering commitment to addressing the needs of the community. Early this year, she hosted a town hall at WELA Y, listening attentively to the concerns and aspirations of our community.

Today we honor individuals who lead wholeheartedly with innovation. Their commitment to strengthen our community is admirable. They are

oday we honor individuals who lead wholeheartedly with innovation. Their commitment to strengthen our community is admirable. They are

Honorable Congressman Jimmy Gomez, a long time WELA Y champion. Congressman Gomez chairs and founded the Congressional Dad Caucus and Renters Caucus advocating for issues which directly affect our community

Honorable Congressman Jimmy Gomez, a long time WELA Y champion. Congressman Gomez chairs and founded the Congressional Dad Caucus and Renters Caucus advocating for issues which directly affect our community

Her presence at community events demonstrates her genuine interest in fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity. We are grateful The Mayor's office has consistently shown a strong presence in supporting WELA Y’s community events, recognizing the importance of community celebrations in building social cohesion and Eastside pride. Congrats Mayor Bass and thank you, WELA Y will remain the center for community wellbeing with your valued Leadership.

As a result of his advocacy WELA Y secured substantial funds to ensure we continue essential programs like the youth model legislature and court, STEM enrichment, family camp, and sports equity. These programs are not an added benefit for members but rather crucial services for the community. Congratulations Congressman Gomez on the Heart of Family Award.

esult of his advocacy WELA Y secured substantial funds to ensure we continue essential programs like the e and court, STEM enrichment, family camp, and sports equity. These programs are not an added benefit for members but rather crucial services for the community. Congratulations Congressman Gomez on the Heart of Family Award.

Lizett Carbajal, Vice President, Community Relations & Communications at Telemundo 52 & NBC 4. She leads community engagement and communications strategies. In recognition for her leadership and vision at the 2023 Backpack giveaway ensuring thousands of children throughout Los Angeles were prepared for a successful school year, with backpacks, and school supplies. Her compassion matched her actions as she led the charge with her colleagues at Telemundo & NBC for multiple days of service. Congratulations Lizette on your Heart of the Community award.

Lizett Carbajal, Vice President, Community Relations & Communications at Telemundo 52 & NBC 4. She leads community engagement and communications strategies. In recognition for her leadership and vision at the 2023 Backpack giveaway ensuring thousands of children throughout Los Angeles were prepared for a successful school year, with backpacks, and school supplies. Her compassion matched her actions as she led the charge with her colleagues at Telemundo & NBC for multiple days of service. Congratulations Lizette on your Heart of the Community award.

Abigail Marquez, the esteemed General Manager of the Los Angeles Community Investment for Families Department. Her profound understanding of WELA Y's transformative impact in the community led her to champion and secure funding for our newly inaugurated Community Center, which opened its doors in 2023. Through her Leadership WELA Y expands access to quality educational sessions, health & wellness training, and valuable resources, for our community. We look forward to continuing our collaboration in building a brighter future for all Angelenos through your Leadership.. On a personal note a deep thank you for being a hermana in service, as an unwavering partner to WELA Y and champion of the most vulnerable families for over a remarkable decade.

Congratulations and wholehearted Thank you to Armando Alvarez. This year's Frank Quevedo Ambassador Award is a special acknowledgment for WELA Y as it recognizes an outstanding volunteer. Armando constantly goes above and beyond the call of duty and embodies the spirit of volunteerism.

Dulce Acosta, senior principal director for community and local Gover nment Partnerships at USC. WELA Y is fortunate to connect with Dulce through her dynamic work at USC. She advocated the East Los Angeles/ Boyle Heights most vulnerable during the Covid 19 pandemic serving shoulder to shoulder with WELA Y Staff and community leaders. The Frank Quevedo Ambassador Award is special acknowledgment for WELA Y as it recognizes an outstanding volunteer. Dulce constantly goes above and beyond the call of duty and embodies the spirit of volunteerism.

Dulce Acosta, senior principal director for community and local Gover nment Partnerships at USC. WELA Y is fortunate to connect with Dulce through her dynamic work at USC. She advocated the East Los Angeles/ Boyle Heights most vulnerable during the Covid 19 pandemic serving shoulder to shoulder with WELA Y Staff and community leaders. The Frank Quevedo Ambassador Award is special acknowledgment for WELA Y as it recognizes an outstanding volunteer. Dulce constantly goes above and beyond the call of duty and embodies the spirit of volunteerism.

I would like to recognize my Board of Directors-CIOs, specifically our Special Events Host Chairs Honorable Judge Lucy Armendariz and David Galaviz and the Special Events Committee. I am especially thankful for our dedicated staff lead by our fearless Executive Director Brenda Hernandez, for your Innovative Minds, Hearts, Leadership and steadfast Investment & commitment to WELA Y.

I would like to recognize my Board of Directors-CIOs, specifically our Special Events Chairwoman Dr. Zuhey Espinoza and the Committee. I am especially thankful for our dedicated staff lead by our fearless Executive Director Brenda Her nandez, for your Innovative Minds, Hearts, Leadership and steadfast Investment in WELA Y

I would like to recognize my Board of Directors-CIOs, specifically our Special Events Chairwoman Dr. Zuhey Espinoza and the Committee. I am especially thankful for our dedicated staff lead by our fearless Executive Director Brenda Her nandez, for your Innovative Minds, Hearts, Leadership and steadfast Investment in WELA Y

Lastly to the pulse of WELA Y……YOU our valued community legacy partners, first time sponsors, supporters, and invited guests. We cannot do our work alone, together we make possible happen. Let’s celebrate! W ith great appreciation and admiration,

Lastly to the champions of WELA Y……YOU our valued community legacy partners, first time sponsors, supporters, and invited guests. We cannot do our work alone, thank you for investing in the deserving community of Boyle Heights/ East LA and WELA YMCA. Let’s celebrate! With great appreciation and in community,

Lastly to the pulse of WELA Y……YOU our valued community legacy partners, first time sponsors, supporters, and invited guests. We cannot do our work alone, together we make possible happen. Let’s celebrate! W ith great appreciation and admiration,

Kassandra M. Sanchez

Board Chairwoman, Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA

NURTURING INNOVATIVE MINDS

17th

BRENDA HERNANDEZ

Dear Friends, Colleagues and Community Partners, It is a privilege to serve as the Executive Director of the Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA, and I am thrilled to welcome you to the 17th Annual Heart of the Family Awards celebration.

It is a privilege to serve as the Executive Director of the Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA, and I am thrilled to welcome you to the 17th Annual Heart of the Family Awards celebration.

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our Special Events Committee, whose hard work and creativity have revitalized and reimagined this signature event. A special acknowledgment goes to our Board Chair, Kassandra Sanchez, for her unwavering commitment and leadership in ensuring the continued success of this cherished tradition.

These past few years have been uniquely challenging, but the support we receive from partners like you enables us to meet the most pressing needs of our community. The pandemic deeply impacted Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles, but our families have shown remarkable resilience. We couldn’t continue our mission without your steadfast partnership.

Today, we are proud to honor two incredible individuals who embody the YMCA’s mission. It is our privilege to present the Heart of the Family Award to Honorable Mayor Karen Bass and the Heart of the Community Award to Abigail R. Marquez, General Manager of the Community Investment for Families Department.

Both of these outstanding leaders have made lifelong commitments to advancing positive social change, and we are deeply grateful for their dedication to the community. Their leadership serves as a powerful example of how women continue to play an essential role in shaping our future. In a world where women's voices and leadership are increasingly vital, Mayor Bass and Abigail Marquez remind us of the importance of empowering women to take the helm in driving change.

Women leaders bring unique perspectives, compassion, and strength to their roles—qualities that are more critical than ever as we face complex social challenges. By supporting and championing women’s leadership, we help ensure a more equitable and inclusive future for all. The YMCA is proud to uplift women like Mayor Bass and Ms. Marquez, whose contributions demonstrate the transformative impact that women leaders can have in building stronger, more resilient communities.

Our success and the 114 years of service to the families of Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles have only been possible through collaboration with supporters like our honorees, event sponsors, and dedicated community partners. The Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA continues to be the leading community center for youth, families, and seniors, touching the lives of countless individuals every month. We truly are the heart of this community.

We look forward to continuing our shared journey with you, as we remain dedicated to serving the families of East Los Angeles and Boyle Heights for generations to come.

In community,

Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA

About Mayor Karen Bass

MILY HONOREES

Heart of the Family Award Recipient

Honorable Karen Bass

Los Angeles Mayor

Mayor Karen Bass has led the nation’s second largest city with unprecedented urgency that has delivered results for all Angelenos.

Thousands more unhoused Angelenos have come inside in her first year than the year before, leading to a reported drop in homelessness for the first time in years.

During her first year, LAPD received record numbers of applicants while homicides and violent crime decreased. 100,000 more city services like pothole repair and graffiti removal have been provided. Thousands of businesses opened. Hundreds of millions of dollars secured through locking arms with state and federal partners as Los Angeles continues to urgently lead on climate.

And she’s just getting started.

A daughter of our city, Mayor Bass was raised with her three brothers in the Venice/Fairfax neighborhood and is a proud graduate of Hamilton High School. After serving as a front-line healthcare provider as a nurse and as a Physician Assistant, Mayor Bass founded the Community Coalition to organize the predominantly Black and Latino residents of South L.A. against substance abuse, poverty and crime, and to pioneer strategies to address the root causes behind the challenges faced by underserved neighborhoods.

After being elected to represent Los Angeles in the State Assembly, Mayor Bass was elected Speaker, making her the first African American woman to ever lead a state legislative body in the history of the United States. There she and other legislative leaders were awarded the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for their work making tough decisions to keep the state from bankruptcy while protecting vital services during the largest economic decline since the Great Depression.

While representing Los Angeles and Culver City in Congress, Mayor Bass helped protect small businesses during the pandemic, created policy to drive local jobs from federal infrastructure funding, and led the passage of what the Los Angeles Times called “the most significant child welfare policy reform in decades.”

Mayor Bass is the 43rd Mayor of Los Angeles and the first woman and second African American to be elected as the city's chief executive. She earned her bachelor's degree in health sciences from CSU Dominguez Hills before graduating from the USC Keck School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program and earning her masters degree in social work from USC.

Mayor Bass’s oldest daughter Emilia planned to follow in her mother’s footsteps working for social change. The Mayor continues to be inspired by Emilia and her son-in-law Michael’s passion for life. She has three other children, Scythia, Omar and Yvette, and two grandchildren, Michael and Henry, who live in the Los Angeles area.

2024 HEART OF THE FAMILY HONOREES

Heart of the Community Award Recipient

Abigail R. Marquez

General Manager, City of Los Angeles

Abigail R. Marquez – General Manager

City of Los Angeles, Community Investment for Families Department

Abigail Marquez has spent twenty years working for the City of Los Angeles advancing anti-poverty programs and policies. In 2021, she was appointed by the Mayor and the City Council to serve as the General Manager of the newly created Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD). As General Manager of CIFD, she is responsible for the planning and administration of the City's Consolidated Plan, which includes $120 million in federal funds allocated annually to support capital projects and the department’s social service delivery systems.

This includes 19 FamilySource Centers operated by contracted non-profit community organizations with the goal of serving over 50,000 low-income residents across the City and the Domestic Violence/Human Trafficking Shelter agencies which offer both emergency and transitional shelter services to survivors.

In this role, she also leads a team of approximately 100 public servants and provides strategic direction to advance the department’s vision, mission, and values. During her tenure, Mrs. Marquez has played a significant role in helping to increase funding for the City’s Domestic Violence/Human Trafficking Shelters and the FamilySource Centers, led the implementation of several key COVID-response programs, and managed the allocation of increased federal funding allocated through the CARES ACT .

Marquez works closely with the Mayor and City Council to establish poverty-reduction goals for the City; plays an active role in implementing homelessness prevention programs; and led the implementation of L.A.’s Guaranteed Basic Income pilot, a $38M investment and among the largest pilots in the nation, as well as the Children’s Savings Account program, Opportunity LA, which has already reached over 100,000 first-graders across the region.

Mrs. Marquez is a transformational and visionary leader. She is committed to designing and implementing programs that are inclusive and responsive to the needs of all Angelenos. She has served on various boards and currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Los Angeles Community College Foundation and the Los Angeles County Children and Family First Commission, which oversees funding for First 5 LA.Mrs. Marquez is a transformational and visionary leader. She is committed to designing and implementing programs that are inclusive and responsive to the needs of all Angelenos. She has served on various boards and currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Los Angeles Community College Foundation and the Los Angeles County Children and Family First Commission, which oversees funding for First 5 LA.

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA

2024

BOARD MANAGERS

Kassandra M. Sánchez, Chairwoman of the Board Principal | The Konsult Group

John Murillo, Chair Emeritus Market President/ Enterprise Bank

Michael Alder

Senior Trial Attorney AlderLaw

James Alva Founder & CEO Adelante Partners

Honorable Lucy Armendariz

Judge Los Angeles County

WELA Y 17th HotF Host Chair

Alex Ibarra Commercial Banker Chase

WELA Y Finance Committee Chair

Jeremy Dillard, CPA Partner/Assurance & Advisory

SingerLewak LLP

WELA Y Vice Chair & Board Development Chair

Dr. Brenda Galvez

Deputy Executive Director LA-Tech.org

Desi Gamez

Vice President, Property & Casualty

Peter C. Foy & Associates

WELA Y Executive Committee

Julio Garcia II President Jive Live Entertainment

Pascual Garrido Director of Legislative & Community affairs, SCE Federal Credit Union

Kristie Hernandez Community Advocate

Bill Torres Chief Executive Officer

Bill Torres & Company, Inc.

WELA Y Executive Committee

David Galaviz

Associate Vice President Community & Local Government Partnerships

University of Southern California

WELA Y 17th HotF Host Chair

Zuhey Espinoza

Associate Vice President & Chief Government Relations Officer

University of La Verne

WELA Y Special Event Chair

Sonia Navarro

Specialist, Community Market Development Thrivent Financial

Your 2023 Contributions in Action

Youth & Teens

With your support in 2023, the Y empowered young people to be confident and engaged global citizens who work to strengthen their communities.

150 school age youth partipated in free summer enrichment programs that helped address summer learning loss and engage in meaningful enriching activities all in the safe, nurturing environment of the Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA.

65 delegates served through the Model Legislature and Court Program through 2 seasons of youth and government.

We provided kids sports and enrichment programs

100+ 500

We engaged teens and young adults in leadership and service

The Y ensured that every child has an opportunity to pursue their best possible future.

Sports Education

Over 1,000 hours of free Robotics, STEM, and Rocketry programs, helping youth ages 5-13 with their communication, collaboration and leadership skills

More than 300 youth received homework help and enrichment activities, keeping them active and learning even after the school bell rang.

The Y empowered kids to develop lifelong, healthy habits from the inside out.

1,712,791

We served pounds of produce.

More than 64 new female athletes were engaged in our Girls Golf Leadership program, gaining confidence and building positive relationships with adults and kids alike.

174 children in weekly basketball and tennis clinics learned essential skills to help them stay safe and have a fun way to stay fit and healthy throughout life.

Healthy Living

At the Y well-being activities went beyond just working out to helping us find our purpose.

125 local teens were able to participate in the Ys “Get Summer” Teen Initiative.

The Y’s signature Healthy Kids Day event inspired more than 80 WELA families to instill healthful habits.

Nourishing Our Communities

The Y worked year-round to ensure no one goes hungry in Boyle Heights, East Los Angeles, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno, and the Greater Eastside.

1,200 families come through our produce distribution lines every month

Over 60% of produce distribution participants are Seniors and Elders

At our Annual Thanksgiving Event we provide families over1,000 Turkeys

Since 2020, our YMCA has served over 8 million pounds of food to fight food insecurity

Our Annual Back to School Giveaway provided over 600 Backpacks to prepare youth for school WEINGART EAST

300

We served active older adults.

600

We activated volunteers who shared their time and talents

1,000+

Provided support to families applying for rent relief to keep them housed

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