SAN GABRIEL VALLEY AWARDS GALA"A Black and White Affair"Thursday, October 24, 2024, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pmThe Partnership is proud to recognize individuals and organizations for their extraordinary achievements to the San Gabriel Valley at our annual Awards Gala! 2024 Gala PhotosAwardee VideosFollow this link to view the video tributes to our awardees on YouTube!
LocationWe gathered this year at: NOOR, 300 E Colorado Blvd Suite 200, Pasadena, CA 91101 Sponsors
Leadership Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
MC
Awardees
Business of the Year: Foothill TransitFoothill Transit exemplifies the San Gabriel Valley spirit: community- and sustainability-minded, forward-thinking, and resilient. Founded in 1988, Foothill Transit currently operates a fleet of 357 buses that cover over of 327 square miles across the San Gabriel and Pomona valleys, reaching from the edges of San Bernardino and Orange Counties and into downtown Los Angeles. Governed by a joint powers authority of 22 cities and the County of Los Angeles to better support the needs of the San Gabriel Valley, Foothill Transit is laser focused on what the community needs – safety, courtesy, responsiveness, efficiency, and innovation. Earlier this year, Foothill Transit hosted a hydrogen fuel cell bus trip for the Partnership to familiarize our community leaders with hydrogen fuel cell bus technology and what it means for the San Gabriel Valley. Foothill Transit puts the San Gabriel Valley on the map as a national leader in zero-emissions technology. In 2010, Foothill Transit became the first in the nation to deploy fast-charge, all-electric buses and currently runs 19 battery electric buses, including the first two double deck electric buses in North America. Foothill Transit deployed the region’s first 33 hydrogen fuel cell buses in 2023, and has the largest hydrogen fuel cell bus fleet in North America. Foothill Transit continues to lean in toward its goal of a fully zero-emissions fleet by 2040, as mandated by the California Air Resources Board. The San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership applauds Foothill Transit for its work in making life for our local residents convenient, clean, and competitive among places to live and work in Southern California.
President/CEO of the Year: Roger Sharma, Emanate HealthRoger Sharma is an extraordinary executive. Faced with the pandemic and unprecedented challenges to the healthcare industry, Sharma steered Emanate Health, one of the San Gabriel Valley’s largest healthcare organizations, into a new era of economic prosperity. Among his many accolades, Roger has been named for five consecutive years to the national list of the “100 Hospital and Health System CFOs to Know” by Becker’s Hospital Review, a respected health care industry publication. Roger Sharma has more than 20 years of experience in health care finance and leadership. He worked closely with former CEO Rob Curry in successfully guiding the organization to a secure financial future, shepherding Citrus Valley Health Partners into its new form as Emanate Health, thus propelling the growth of service lines and expanding physician practices. Before joining Emanate Health, Roger served as Senior Vice President of Financial Operations for City of Hope in Duarte. He previously held leadership positions at St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach, California Hospital Medical Center in Los Angeles and Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center. A Certified Public Accountant, Roger earned his Presidential and Key Executive Master of Business Administration degree from Pepperdine University. He also completed an executive education program in health care delivery at Harvard Business School, is an inaugural fellow of Coro’s Health Leadership program and is a fellow of Leadership Southern California.
Public Service Award: Senator Josh NewmanCalifornia State Senator Josh Newman represents the 29th Senate District, which includes portions of Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties. He currently serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on Education and the Senate Select Committee on Transitioning to a Zero Emission Energy Future, and is a member of the Senate Committees on Transportation; Elections & Constitutional Amendments; Energy, Utilities & Communications; and Budget & Fiscal Review. Prior to his election in 2016, Senator Newman’s professional experience included service as an officer in the United States Army; executive-level positions for a series of internet and mobile technology start-ups; and as the founder of an initiative that assisted young military veterans throughout Southern California pursue rewarding, career-oriented post-service employment. He is a graduate of Yale University and resides in Fullerton with his wife, daughter, and three weird but lovable rescue chihuahuas.
Excellence in Workforce Development: Seidner's Collision CentersSeidner’s Collision Centers is a family-owned and operated business that has been providing an “Extraordinary Repair Experience” throughout the San Gabriel Valley and Inland Empire since 1964. Their goal is getting those in need back into their vehicles as soon as possible, returning their life back to normal. In the last few years, Seidner’s has proved themselves much more than that. They leapt enthusiasticly into the role of Internship Host for the K12 Foothill Consortium, a collaboration between the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership and local school districts. At their Duarte facility, Seidner’s has taken on many interns, putting them directly onto the autoshop floor for hands-on training. Many of the high school juniors and seniors completed their training at Seidner’s (in collaboration with their high school or one of our local community colleges) and left with not only new skills and knowledge of how to succeed in the professional world, but also bright career prospects. Some have been offered high-paying jobs with the company following graduation. It has become a commonplace to say that CTE (Careet Technical Training) is the way of the future for education. Seidner’s Collision Centers demonstrates how that can be a reality, bringing attractive careers within reach for many young people in the San Gabriel Valley.
Nonprofit of the Year: Five AcresSince 1888, Five Acres has protected the most vulnerable members of our community: children. Originally founded in downtown Los Angeles as an orphanage, Five Acres was initially created to offer safety to children who had no home. In time, their mission expanded to also focus on the well-being and mental health of our clients who were increasingly coming to Five Acres as a result of abuse or neglect. Having grown to an agency caring for more than 6,500 children and family members annually across six counties, they now strive for permanency—a permanent, loving home—for all children in our care. The three pillars of safety, well-being and permanency provide the framework for all their programs and guide their steps as they develop even more effective means of caring for children and families in crisis.
In Memoriam: Wayne Ratkovich (1941-2023)A giant of Southern California development, and a crucial figure in the founding of the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership, Wayne Ratkovich founded The Ratkovich Company (TRC), whose mission is “to profitably produce developments that improve the quality of urban life.” Throughout his career, Wayne had an uncanny ability to see opportunities others missed. TRC has a reputation for reimagining existing structures, reinventing their use, and revitalizing neighborhoods and communities that they work in. The firm’s urban developments include landmark properties brought back to life such as The Bloc, a dramatic $250 million transformation of the former Macy’s Plaza in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, and The Hercules Campus, an 11-building complex of historic former Hughes Aircraft Company Buildings now leased by Google and YouTube. In 1977, Wayne started TRC by purchasing the Oviatt Building, a 12-story Art Deco gem in downtown Los Angeles that became a landmark renovation success. Later, TRC would reimagine The Wiltern Center, The Fine Arts Building, Chapman Market, and 5900 Wilshire, a 30-story office tower across from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, among others. In 1999, Wayne purchased the 46-acre former CF Braun Engineering headquarters in his hometown and reinvented it into an education, health, and wellness campus called The Alhambra. This nearly one million square foot, 40-acre office campus produces 75% of its own power using Bloom Energy fuel cells and operates on 85% reduced water consumption thanks to a drought-tolerant native landscape setting. The City of Los Angeles selected TRC to develop a 42-acre waterfront site on the LA waterfront in San Pedro called West Harbor. The Company is actively developing the site into a world class mixed-use dining, recreation, and entertainment destination. In 2011, the Urban Land Institute named Ratkovich a Life Trustee, an honor given to only fifteen members in the 80-year history of the 35,000-member organization. He was also a Trustee Emeritus of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Locally, Wayne served as co-chair of the California Hospital Medical Center’s capital campaign and as a board member of Homeboy Industries. Wayne received the Distinguished Businessperson Award from the USC Architectural Guild and the Design Advocate Development Award from the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, among many other illustrious awards in his career. Wayne was many things to many people: a loving husband, a caring father, a trusted friend and advisor, a mentor, a thoughtful listener, and a visionary in the world of real estate. His and his company’s work will continue to impact people’s place in the built environment for generations to come.
125th Anniversary: Azusa Pacific UniversityAzusa Pacific University began on March 3, 1899, when a group of women and men passionate about creating a place for Christian education gathered to form the Training School for Christian Workers. Meeting in a modest home in Whittier, California, and led by President Mary A. Hill, the school grew to an enrollment of 12 in its first term. Today, Azusa Pacific University is a comprehensive university that offers more than 100+ degree options from bachelor’s to doctorate. A leader in the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, APU is committed to excellence in higher education. Offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs on campus, online, and at seven regional locations across Southern California, APU continues to be recognized annually as one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report. APU was also recently recognized as the top Christian college in California and the top CCCU institution by The Wall Street Journal, and was ranked as one of the top Christian universities in the country by Forbes. The university’s award-winning NCAA DII intercollegiate athletics program consists of 18 teams. Through all this, Azusa Pacific continues advancing its core mission, preparing and graduating students who go on to make a difference in the lives of others.
125th Anniversary: Hahn & Hahn LLPSince 1899, Hahn & Hahn LLP has served its community in the San Gabriel Valley by delivering the highest quality legal services in a prompt, efficient, cost-effective and professional manner. The firm represents institutional clients of all sizes, entrepreneurs, innovators, business owners, family offices, charitable organizations and high net worth individuals in their corporate, real estate, employment and financing matters, as well as commercial, employment and real estate litigation, eminent domain, bankruptcy and restructuring, estate planning and family law issues. Now celebrating its 125th year anniversary, Hahn & Hahn is proudly certified as a majority Women-Owned Business and continues its commitment to be a steadfast partner with the community across California. Hahn & Hahn LLP has a long tradition of civic involvement, honoring our community through sponsorship, board service, volunteerism and support for non-profits, charities, community and public organizations, many of which are in the San Gabriel Valley.
100th Anniversary: Arcadia Association of RealtorsFor one hundred years, the Arcadia Association of Realtors has been a leading resource and advocate for real estate. The mission of the Arcadia Association of Realtors is to be the local advocate for realtor; to enhance the professionalism, integrity, and competency of members; and to promote private property rights. Throughout its one-hundred years, AAR, has given thousands of volunteer hours and hundreds of thousands of dollars in financial contributions to local charities, organizations and communities of the San Gabriel Valley. AAR has supported a wide variety of community outreach programs and charities, from fire departments to cancer research to reading time at local schools and more. Across its century-long journey, the AAR has demonstrated unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and community impact. As they celebrate their centennial, Arcadia Association of Realtors is still going strong and has withstood the test of time. While many things have changed since they first began in 1924, AAR continues to provide outstanding support and service to their Realtor and affiliate membership and to the greater San Gabriel Valley communities.
100th Anniversary: Los Angeles County Sanitation DistrictsThe Sanitation Districts were founded in 1923 to collect and treat wastewater (sewage) on a regional level. As Los Angeles County has grown, the agency has become one of the largest wastewater and solid waste management agencies in the world. Today, the agency serves 5.5 million people in 78 cities and unincorporated portions of Los Angeles County. The Sanitation Districts have a long history of innovation, including:
Over its history, the Sanitation Districts' mission has expanded to include converting waste into resources, like recycled water, green energy and recycled materials. The agency is helping Los Angeles County be more sustainable and announced in 2022 that it was carbon negative, meaning the agency offset more greenhouse gases than it produced.
100th Anniversary: Pasadena City CollegePasadena City College (PCC) was founded in 1924 with a student enrollment of 267. Created in response to the community’s need for higher education facilities, Pasadena Junior College was first established on the Pasadena High School campus. It was one of the earliest junior colleges in the Southwest United States. One hundred years later, PCC’s faculty, graduates, and former students, now numbering in the hundreds of thousands, have contributed greatly to business, education, industry, the professions, and most other aspects of American society. Pasadena City College provides the San Gabriel Valley with a high quality, innovative and dynamic learning environment that inspires student success. Each semester they offer academic programs that encompass degrees, transfer programs, and certificates, to 26,100+ students. As the school says on its website, “We are achievers, impactors, and innovators. We break barriers. We are proud, bold and strong. We are all here with one goal: to be great.”  MC: Christina PascucciChristina Pascucci has had an illustrious career as a fearless journalist. From interviewing the globe’s most influential spiritual and political figures to braving the perils of war zones and championing the cause of justice by exposing and changing corrupt policies, Christina’s zeal for uncovering the truth knows no borders. Her dedication led her to the front lines in Armenia to tell the stories of the civilians whose homes had been shelled in Sotk and Jermuk, and to cover the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh. She was honored by the city of Los Angeles for her work. She also made the journey to the remoteness of Antarctica to raise awareness around environmental issues. That same passion for the environment and protecting the ocean led her to swim among hundreds of sharks to expose the dark underbelly of the shark finning industry. She journeyed to the slowly vanishing Palau to engage in discussions about climate concerns and sea-level rise with President Thomas Remengesau, who honored her with the role of Goodwill Ambassador to the nation. Among her more notable moments was an exclusive interview with the Dalai Lama, who invited her to his palace in India. Her professional journey has lit a fire of philanthropy within her. During an assignment, she crossed paths with a young Afghan who had fallen victim to an IED near her war-torn homeland. The Children of War Foundation made life-changing surgeries and prosthetics possible, inspiring Christina to become actively involved. She now serves on their board and has embarked on missions to Ukraine, Haiti, Central America, and the Middle East. Christina is also a dedicated ambassador for 88 Bikes, an organization at the forefront of the global battle against child sex trafficking. Through dense jungles in Cambodia, she trekked alongside them to shed light on their tireless efforts to rescue girls as young as four. She brought the lessons learned abroad to her collaboration with the Los Angeles Police Department, where she went undercover to combat human trafficking. For over a decade, she served as a big sister in the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor program, earning the distinguished title of California’s Big Sister of the Year from among 10,000 mentors. Her dedication to underserved youth was honored by the California Senate. She now proudly serves on the board. Christina’s tireless advocacy extends to mental health awareness, foster youth, and unhoused families. She believes fervent support of foster youth is a key pillar to fighting homelessness, as they sadly comprise a large percentage of the homeless population. Through her decade-long involvement with the Junior League of Los Angeles, Christina advocated for these causes in Sacramento, and fought to pass bipartisan legislation to support unhoused families. |
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