2025 GALA
Thank you to our amazing donors, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters for making our event an inspiring and unforgettable evening! We are deeply grateful for your support and belief in our mission. Together, we are making a lasting impact on our community and inspiring young minds to thrive. Take a look below at some of the amazing moments captured at our event!
EVENT HONOREES
Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez
43rd Assembly District
Recipient of the Community Leader Award
Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez represents California’s 43rd Assembly District in the San Fernando Valley, including San Fernando, Pacoima, Sylmar, and surrounding communities. A daughter of immigrants, she was raised in the Northeast Valley with a strong sense of service and social justice. Her career has centered on combating poverty and homelessness, including leading LA’s Guaranteed Basic Income pilot and other family support initiatives. Formerly a San Fernando City Councilmember and Mayor, she championed civic engagement and economic development. In the Assembly, she focuses on immigrant rights, economic growth, education, climate action, and housing. Read her full bio here.
Lupita Sanchez Cornejo
Recipient of the Inspirational Leader Award
Lupita Sanchez Cornejo is a respected leader and business strategist, currently serving as Regional Vice President of External and Legislative Affairs for AT&T California. With a proven track record in telecommunications, she leads corporate strategy, stakeholder engagement, and community initiatives across the Greater Los Angeles region. Recognized for her leadership, she has received numerous honors, including the President’s Volunteer Service Award (four times), Corporate Leader of the Year by the National Latina Businesswomen Association, and Mujer del Año by the Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She was also the first Latina and woman of color elected Chair of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce in its 100-year history. A USC alumna with a master’s in public administration, Lupita has held executive roles in the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office, served on numerous state and local boards, and continues to champion innovation, equity, and social responsibility through civic leadership and philanthropy.
Sandra O’Neill
News Anchor for Telemundo 52
MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES
Marisol Jimenez
DIY Girls Alumna
B.S. DESIGN ENGINEERING, BROWN UNIVERSITY ’25
STUDENT SPEAKER
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
CONTRIBUTOR SPONSORS
FRIEND SPONSORS
