THE USC LATINO ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PROUDLY PRESENTS THE
2021 USC LEGACY AWARD HONOREE
Michael A. Felix ’83 USC Trustee
DR. JOHN R. HUBBARD AWARD HONOREES Jorge Campos Franco Jorgel Chavez Christina Ruiz MASTER OF CEREMONY
Saul Alvarado ’00 Gala Chair & Board of Directors Vice Chair USC Latino Alumni Association
The USC Latino Alumni Association is one of the most successful Latino alumni associations in the county, with a $9.4 million (market value) endowment. Over the past 45 years, the USC Latino Alumni Association has awarded more than $21 million and provided more than 9,100 scholarships to USC students. 2
WELCOME Dear Trojan Family and Friends, The Board of Directors and the Corporate Advisory Council welcome you to the 46th USC Latino Alumni Association’s Scholarship Gala! As a starting point, I wish everyone much health and prosperity in these trying times. We will soon overcome and again enjoy each other’s energy and presence. In 1973, the USC Latino Alumni Association (LAA), formerly known as the Mexican American Alumni Association, was founded by eight Ismael Bautista, Jr. ’03 trailblazing alums and Raúl Vargas to promote the academic success of Latinos at USC. Each year, the LAA awards over 200 partial-tuition scholarships of up to $5,000 each to outstanding USC undergraduate and graduate students. Over the years, the support of people like you have made it possible to award more than $21 million in funds to nearly 9,100 USC students, including myself. This noble achievement would not have been possible without the full support of the USC alumni body, our Trojan friends, and corporate benefactors. Accordingly, I would like to thank our presenting sponsors Entravision and KXLA Television-44 and all of you for your continued support. You enable us to fulfill the mission and vision of LAA and develop our future leaders. Today, under the transformational leadership of Mercy Willard, Executive Director, and Dolores Sotelo, Associate Director, coupled with the involvement of USC scholars and alumni, the LAA also supports USC students in leadership development, mentorship, service opportunities, and networking. Tonight, we recognize and pay tribute to Michael Felix ’83, a USC Trustee and former LAA scholar, with the 2021 Legacy Award. He truly represents the Trojan Spirit for his many years of service to the University in multiple roles, for his personal and professional achievements, and for his steadfast support of the Latino community. Congratulations Michael, on this recognition and for your continued leadership! We would also like to recognize and congratulate the Dr. John Hubbard Award finalists for their academic rigor, leadership and community engagement throughout their years of study at USC. I want to thank Saul Alvarado ’00, our 2021 Gala Chair and LAA Board of Directors Vice-Chair, the members of the Gala Committee, Maria Sechrest ’87, Hubbard Award Committee Chair, together with the LAA team for organizing a wonderful virtual celebration that will inspire us all tonight. Enjoy the evening and Fight On Forever! Very truly yours, Ismael Bautista, Jr. ’03 Chair, Board of Directors USC Latino Alumni Association
3
WELCOME FROM THE GALA CHAIR Dear Friends, It is a pleasure to welcome you to the USC LAA’s 46th Scholarship Gala. The event provides us an opportunity to highlight an exemplary alumnus with the Legacy Award and graduating senior with the Dr. John R. Hubbard Award. Through the generous support of our presenting sponsors Entravision and KXLA Television – 44 and other key sponsors and supporters like yourself, this is possible. Your investment of time, energy, and financial support have a monumental impact on our scholarship recipients’ future.
Saul Alvarado ’00
As we celebrate tonight’s achievements, I would like to congratulate this year’s Legacy Award honoree, Mr. Michael A. Felix ’83. Michael embodies the Trojan Spirit through his professional and personal achievements, dedication to the Latino community, and service to the university. I would also like to extend special commendation to the exemplary student honorees of the Dr. John R. Hubbard Award. On behalf of the USC Latino Alumni Association Board of Directors, Corporate Advisory Council, and our gala committee, I would like to thank you for your continued support and partnership. Your help is a direct investment in the future leaders of industries. Enjoy tonight’s memorable celebration. Sincerely yours, Saul Alvarado ’00 Gala Chair & Board of Directors Vice Chair USC Latino Alumni Association
4
PROGRAM SPECIAL PERFORMANCE
USC Trojan Marching Band WELCOME
Mercy Willard Executive Director, USC Latino Alumni Association
Patrick Auerbach, EdD ’08 Associate Senior Vice President for Alumni Relations, USC Alumni Association
MASTER OF CEREMONY
Saul Alvarado ’00 Gala Chair & Board of Directors Vice Chair, USC Latino Alumni Association
SCHOLAR IMPACT SPOTLIGHT
Juan Pablo Contreras Mariachitlán (Latin GRAMMY® nominated)
Performed by Juan Pablo Contreras and the Jalisco Philharmonic USC Thornton School of Music USC Latino Alumni Association Scholars
SPECIAL GUEST
Dr. Carol Folt President, University of Southern California
2021 USC LEGACY AWARD PRESENTER
Taylor McAllister ’13 Digital Reporter, Fox Sports West
2021 USC LEGACY AWARD HONOREE
Michael A. Felix ’83 USC Trustee
DR. JOHN R. HUBBARD AWARD PRESENTER
Maria Sechrest ’87 Dr. John R. Hubbard Committee Chair, USC Latino Alumni Association 5
USC Latino Alumni Association 2021 LEGACY AWARD HONOREE
Michael A. Felix ’83 USC Trustee Michael Felix is a financial services professional and dedicated USC supporter who has held numerous leadership positions with USC alumni groups. He most recently served as global head of investment operations for Los Angeles-based The Capital Group Companies, where he oversaw a team of more than 900 associates across the globe until his retirement in July 2019. Felix earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the USC Marshall School of Business in 1983. He has since served the university in many volunteer roles, including past president of the USC Alumni Association Board of Governors and past chair of the USC School of Dramatic Arts Board of Councilors, the USC Caruso Catholic Center Advisory Board, and the USC Latino Alumni Association Corporate Advisory Council. Felix also serves as a board member of USC Associates. The USC Alumni Association recognized his longtime volunteerism with its Alumni Service Award in 2014. As his career flourished, Felix began giving back to USC by volunteering with the USC Latino Alumni Association. His connections to the university strengthened when his two daughters, Taylor and Jordan, became students and Song Girls at USC. Their involvement in dance inspired Felix to support the USC School of Dramatic Arts and later the USC Kaufman School of Dance, where his wife, Debbie, serves on the Board of Councilors. The Felix family’s ties to USC continue with son, Austin, who is studying economics. Michael is the first Latino to have served as President of the USC Alumni Association Board of Governors. He is now a USC Trustee.
6
7
DR. JOHN R. HUBBARD AWARD FINALIST
Jorge Campos Franco Bachelor of Science in Human Biology Minor in Health Care Studies Jorge Campos Franco is a first-generation, pre-medical student from Santa Clarita, California. He is a USC Trustee Scholar and a former Rose Hills Research Fellow. Over the past two years, his research has focused on investigating the process of mammalian hippocampal neurogenesis in hopes of leveraging treatments for cognitive decline and brain rejuvenation. During his time at USC, Jorge witnessed firsthand the language and cultural barriers that Hispanic immigrants face when attempting to access and navigate healthcare. To address these health inequities, Jorge co-founded the Kidney Disease Screening and Awareness Program (KDSAP) at USC, an organization dedicated to providing free health screenings and health education to the underserved communities in Los Angeles. Jorge understood early on the difficulties of navigating college and finding valuable career opportunities as a first-generation college student. To mitigate these challenges for others, Jorge became a part of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity Inc. (LUL). As President, Jorge founded the Los Angeles Diversity Career Conference, LUL’s annual signature event that exposes over 150 students yearly to various professional development programs. As a result of Jorge’s programming, many underrepresented students have found internships and full-time employment with companies such as Facebook, Goldman Sachs, and Kaiser Permanente. Following his graduation from USC, Jorge will apply to medical school and pursue his aspirations of becoming a pediatric neurosurgeon and increasing healthcare accessibility to those living in underserved communities.
8
DR. JOHN R. HUBBARD AWARD FINALIST
Jorgel Chavez Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Minor in Communications, Policy, and Law Master of Public Administration Jorgel Chavez is a passionate first-generation transfer student from Bell Gardens, California. Though neither of his parents received a middle school education, they knew the importance of it and encouraged Jorgel to pursue higher education. His parents always told him, “aprovecha tu que tienes la oportunidad” (take advantage of the opportunity, since you have it). From his time at Long Beach City College to graduating from the University of Southern California with his BA and MPA, Jorgel did just that. At USC, and as a Norman Topping Scholar, Jorgel became involved in various endeavors ranging from school activities to seeking public office. He connected with the Center for Political Future, in which he sought an internship serving for Governor Gavin Newsom’s campaign. In Spring 2019, Jorgel began working with Students for Education Reform, a local non-profit, advocating on issues that were dear and true to his heart in education. Further, Jorgel was elected as the Pi Sigma Alpha, Political Science Honor Society President. Most recently, Jorgel worked with Hub Cities Consortium and with Cristina Garcia, his local assembly member. As COVID-19 continued to wreak havoc on Southern California, Jorgel decided to get involved and advocate for his community; therefore, in Fall 2020, he began campaigning for a council seat in his home city of Bell Gardens. Though he was a full-time student, Jorgel was the director of his own campaign, taking care of everything from social media, endorsements, events, and even door-to-door knocking. When November 3rd arrived, Jorgel had beat out three incumbents by 899 votes, making him the youngest councilmember in Los Angeles County. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in public service and aims to establish a foundation granting other USC students the opportunities that were once given to him.
9
DR. JOHN R. HUBBARD AWARD FINALIST
Christina Ruiz Bachelor of Science in Public Policy Master of Public Administration
Christina is a 26-year-old, Mexican American, single mother, and first-generation college student. She proudly identifies as a formerly incarcerated foster youth, and child sex trafficking survivor of Los Angeles County. She has also experienced homelessness. At the age of two, she entered the foster care system, where she experienced many forms of abuse ranging from systematic negligence, physical labor, and sexual exploitation. She has leaned on education and service work to change her outcome in life. During college, Christina has garnered several notable accomplishments. Among them are becoming an Undergraduate Representative on the USC Norman Topping Student Governing Board, a Latina business owner, and a Licensed Continuing Education Unit (CEU) trainer. She provides education development services for foster parents, law enforcement, universities, and county officials. Recently, she was appointed as California State Youth Representative for the California Board of State Community and Corrections Executive Steering Committee. She is also a Policy Council Representative for the Coordinated Entry System, through the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). Christina’s work has taken her to places like Morocco, Africa and Spain where she volunteered and conducted qualitative research on youth orphanages, institutionalization, geographical inequalities, housing conditions, and vulnerability to human trafficking. Christina has received several awards for community impact and leadership as well as a Proclamation from L.A. County Board Supervisor, Hilda L. Solis. Her goal is to become a Latina political actor within the public sector, where she can pursue equal access to higher education for Latino communities, enhance public safety, and progress the welfare for youth affected by the state systems.
10
2020 DR. JOHN R. HUBBARD AWARD WINNER
Maria Del Pilar Morales Bachelor of Science Global Health Minor in Human Rights Maria Morales is a first-generation college student from Orange, CA. Coming from a first-generation, immigrant home, Maria grew passionate about public health and increasing access to quality health care services for people from marginalized communities. During her time at USC, Maria has dedicated her time and talent to various areas of educational involvement and has embedded herself into the fabric of the campus community. Maria played a key role in establishing Latino Students in Medicine— an organization focused on the retention of Latino students within pre-health pathways. Currently, she serves as the organization’s president, where she focuses on establishing strategic relationships with campus partners to ensure that the needs of low income, pre-health students of color are met. Furthermore, she is the Student Advocacy Chair for Keck Student Ambassadors. Lastly, Maria is a four-year, veteran of the iconic Spirit of Troy (USC’s Trojan Marching Band), where she is a member of the tenor saxophone section. In addition to her involvement at USC, Maria is a Research and Communications Fellow for Hispanas Organized for Political Equality, an LA-based nonprofit focused on the empowerment of Latinas across all sectors. After graduation, Maria aspires to pursue a career in law and policy to support efforts in health law and advocacy, in order to help reform the healthcare system and address the health disparities she has witnessed within marginalized communities.
11
USC LAA LEGACY AWARD HONOREES 2007
Carmen P. Nava
2008
George L. Pla
2009
Frank H. Cruz
2010
Dr. Pablo Prietto
2011
2012
2016
Dr. Richard Zapanta
Susan Sifuentes Trigueros
2013
2017
David, Priscilla & Michael Lizárraga
Ruben A. Smith
2014
Domenika Lynch
2015
Rigo Diaz III
2018
Roland, Ron & Walter Ulloa Manuel X. Anguiano
2019
Karime Sanchez Bradvica
DR. JOHN R. HUBBARD AWARD HONOREES 1977
Ines Hernandez
1978
Robert Morales
1979
Martha M. Escutia
1980
Eduardo Magdaleno
1981
Mercedes Marquez
1982
Martha Tapias
1983
George Aguilar
1984
Lydia Castañon
1985
Luis Perez
1986
Tom Calderon
1987
Diana Perez
1988
1999
Elvira Garcia
Emily Mark
1989
2000
William Garnica
Maricela Rodriguez
1990
2001
Richard Alcocer
Patricia Salazar
1991
2002
Esteban Cruz
Angel Gomez
1992
2003
Nayeli Garci-Crespo
Cindy Panuco
1993
2004
Samuel Perez
Damaris Diaz
1994
2005
John Najera
Maria G. Gutierrez
1995
2006
Susan Villa
Juan A. Alvarez
1996
2007
Fabiola Pereyra
Lucy Flores
1997
2008
Edgar B. del Rio
Valerie A. Flores
1998
2009
Angela Martinez
Eric Zuniga 12
2010
Lauren Alderette
2011
Silvia Merlos Green
2012
Erica Silva
2013
John M. Sandoval
2014
Rigoberto Bejarano
2015
Enrique Olivas
2016
Stephanie Brito
2017
Felicitas L. Reyes
2018
Diana Valenzuela
2019
Carlos Marin
2020
Maria Del Pilar Morales
LEADERSHIP Board of Directors Ismael Bautista, Jr. Southern California Gas Company a Sempra Energy Utility Chair Saul Alvarado E & I Cooperative Services Vice Chair
Luis Campa M Chemical Company
George A. Perez 1st Century Bank
Robert Campos Liberty Paper
Joel Pulgarin Paramount Safety Supply
Carolina Castillo, EdD USC University Relations
Lupita Sanchez-Cornejo AT&T
Yasmin Davidds, PsyD, MCC Dr. Yasmin Davidds Leadership Institute & Multicultural Women Executive Leadership Foundation
Susan Sifuentes Trigueros Southern California Gas Company a Sempra Energy Utility Douglas Solorzano Wells Fargo Advisors
Lorena Martinez Sun Ophthalmic
Mercy Willard USC Latino Alumni Association
Mina Martinez Prestige Protocol Maggie Miranda Pfizer Primary Care
13
Corporate Advisory Council Carmen L. Herrera Certified Public Accountant & Entrepreneur
Frank H. Cruz USC Trustee
George L. Pla Cordoba Corporation
Michael A. Felix USC Trustee
R. Joseph Plascencia JP Tech Insurance Services Inc.
Efrain Garza Fuentes, EdD Monumentum Consulting
Julius Robinson MUFG Union Bank, N.A.
Art M. Gastelum Gateway Science and Engineering
Raul Rodriguez Univision Communications
Christina M. Gonzalez Verizon
Ruben A. Smith, Esq. AlvaradoSmith
Carlos Gutierrez, Jr. Ernst & Young LLP
Ron L. Ulloa KXLA Television-44
David C. Lizárraga TELACU Education Foundation
Peter R. Villegas Mercury Public Affairs
Carmen P. Nava USC Trustee
Mercy Willard USC Latino Alumni Association
Fernando De Necocea (Ret) Southern California Edison
Gina Zapanta Eastside Orthopedic Medical Associates / ZapantaAlder Law
14
2021 Gala Committee Saul Alvarado E & I Cooperative Services Gala Chair
Ismael Bautista Southern California Gas Company
Adolfo Molina Vallarta Supermarkets
Lizette Carbajal Telemundo 52 Los Angeles
Sonia Molina, DMD, MPH Molina Endodontics
Yasmin Davidds, PsyD, MCC Dr. Yasmin Davidds Leadership Institute & Multicultural Women Executive Leadership Foundation
Christine Marie Ofiesh Philanthropist George A. Perez 1st Century Bank
Veronica Estrada, EdD Pacific Oaks College
Lorena Guerrero de Plascencia JPTECH Services Inc.
Maria Sechrest MARRS Printing & Packaging
Javier & Dorian Villasenor Entrepreneurs
Carmen L. Herrera Certified Public Accountant & Entrepreneur
Jennifer Aguillon Weissler Extra
Mina Martinez Prestige Protocol
Mercy Willard USC Latino Alumni Association
Mauro Martinez T- Mobile
Dolores Sotelo USC Latino Alumni Association
Maggie Miranda Pfizer Primary Care
Isabel Aranda USC Latino Alumni Association 15
Sponsors * Presenting Entravision
KXLA Television-44
Signature Carmen & Robert Nava
Michael A. Felix & Family
Rigo Diaz
Susan Garner
Benefactor The Coca Cola Company
Union Bank
ZapantaAlder Law
Trustee AT&T
Cordoba Corporation
Veronica & Raul Rodriguez
Carmen L. Herrera
Lorena & R. Joseph Plascencia
TELACU Education Foundation
Chubb Group Insurance
Trojan 1st Century Bank
Ernst & Young LLP
Adventist Health White Memorial
F. Gaviña & Sons
Alex Alonzo Amy & Jules Buenabenta Bank of America
Jackie & Gil Cisneros Heather Cruz Honorable Hilda Solis
C3 Technology Services
Law Offices of Gladdys J. Uribe
Christine Marie Ofiesh
Maria T. Sechrest
Dr. Yasmin Davidds Leadership Institute Multicultural Women Executive Foundation East West Bank Eric & Katie Echeverry
Pfizer Richard S. Flores Robert Munakash Ron Osborne Saul & Glenda K. Alvarado
Southern California Gas Company Telemundo 52 T-Mobile US Bank USC Alumni Association USC Credit Union USC School of Dramatic Arts & USC Kaufman School of Dance USC Marshall School of Business USC University Relations Vallarta Supermarkets
Friend of the LAA Amapola Deli & Market
Genova Chen & Amy Gussin
Valley Vista Services
Capital Group Private Client Services
South City Gas Inc.
Wubaldina Hinojosa, CNA, HHA
Convergent Networks
USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts & Sciences *Sponsors list current as of print deadline
16
A Special Thank You
Isabel Aranda
Vivian Sampson
Patrick E. Auerbach, EdD
Juvi Segura
Rob Ritter
Dolores Sotelo
Jeff Collins
Sean Uray
Juan Pablo Contreras Judith Cummings Santos Herrera
Tribesmen Pictures
Kak Lee
Bruce’s Catering
Caroline Lett
USC Latino Alumni Association Scholars
Cya Nelson Edgar Pablos
USC Office of Cultural Relations and University Events
Adam Rosen
USC Trojan Marching Band
Celia Ruedas
Wife of the Party
17
Recognizing extraordinary Latino alumni and students A legacy of the USC Mexican American Alumni Association since 1973
#USCLAAgala #USCLAAImpact