Blog

Philip Lance, Ph.D., is a psychoanalyst, community organizer, and Episcopalian priest. He began his career in 1988 when he became one of the first openly gay persons ordained in the Episcopal Church.

As part of the Coalition for Economic Survival, Carlos Aguilar works to ensure that L.A. tenants have access to safe, healthy and affordable housing and provides people with tools to empower them.

Physician, community advocate, wife and mother of two, Rev. Dr. Phyllis Everstine Hayes-Reams, is a physician in the Department of Geriatrics, Palliative Medicine, Continuing Care and Social Medicine at the Kaiser Permanente South Bay Medical Center.

Performance artist, comedian and writer Kristina Wong is also an actual elected representative of Wilshire Center Koreatown Sub-district 5 Neighborhood Council in Los Angeles. She is also the founder of the “Auntie Sewing Squad,” which makes free masks.

During her 30 years of teaching elementary school, Patricia “Pat” McLaughlin was praised by parents as “a teacher who made a difference.”

At the start of the pandemic, Dr. Barbara Ferrer became the voice of calm to millions of residents by sharing the facts and encouraging Southern California residents to follow evolving guidelines.

Whether it’s refurbishing a garden, providing homeless vets with some of the essentials for life on the streets or preparing meals at the Ronald McDonald House, Castro-Montoya is a true Local Hero.

Ben Caldwell is an artist, director, educator, independent filmmaker and mentor, offering professional advice and support through his KAOS Network media lab and open mic hip-hop workshops. 

Florence Nishida, botanist, mycologist and life-long gardener founded LA Green Grounds in 2010 with the mission of teaching Los Angeles residents to grow food (and share with neighbors) in their own front yards.

Restauranteur, speaker, philanthropist and surfer, Wing Lam, serves as CEO of Wahoo’s Fish Taco and co-founded the global franchise brand in 1988 with his brothers. His most recent philanthropic project is California Love Drop.