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
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,
Brenda Hernandez Executive Director
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