The LP Board of Directors and Advisory Council held a planning retreat in mid-October. Along with attending to basic board affairs, we discussed strengthening finances, addressing programming updates, and reinforcing capacity.

The board approved:

• Updating marketing and communications policies.
• Incorporating learning about science/tech organizations and Pasadena green initiatives in our 2024 program.
• Including field trips to local public schools in the 2024 education session.
• Reaching out to veterans to participate in our core program.
• Encouraging age inclusivity in our core program.
• Confirming our initial 2024 participants.

The Advisory Council reviewed and shared expertise on:

• Meeting expectations and agreeing to Council commitments.
• Honing recruiting plans and goals.
• Developing fundraising strategies.

​Special thanks to all of our Board and Advisory Council members for their service to our organization. Your wisdom and experience will help propel LP forward.

Some of our incredible alumni and board members stepped into the shoes of local school principals as part of the Pasadena Educational Foundation's (PEF) Principal for a Day event on Wednesday, Oct. 25. This unique initiative allows leaders to gain firsthand insights into the challenges and triumphs of Pasadena Unified School District schools, students, and families. It's all about strengthening our community's commitment to education, one day at a time.

LPers who were Principals for a Day this year were: Greg Apodaca, Lisa Barrios, Cindy Bengtson, Manuel Carmona, Portia Harris, Brenda Harvey-Williams, Carla Hegwood, Valerie Mendoza, and Amara Ononiwu.

Alumnae Marleni Jimenez and Nancy Carol Inguanzo, both PEF employees, helped coordinate the event. Karen Burgess, a member of PEF’s Board of Directors, served as an ambassador to City of Pasadena Council Member Jason Lyon as he visited Hamilton Elementary. Other alumni, including Willard Elementary Principal Maricela Brambila, attended the celebratory luncheon that wrapped up the day.

We couldn't be prouder of this example of LP community engagement!

Have an LP community engagement story? Tell us about it.

Leadership Pasadena alumni have joined the Friends, board, and staff of the Caltech Y in eye-catching numbers. The century-old organization (not affiliated with the YMCA/YWCA) complements the exceptional training in science and engineering that Caltech offers its students, helping them to engage civically, try out adventurous challenges, and build their social, cultural, and ethical awareness. Does that sound familiar?

“The community-first, action-based approach is very similar to how LP functions,” says Caltech Y student programs coordinator Courtney Reddix (LP ’18, veterans program). Through both nonprofits, he says, you can step outside your comfort zone and engage with others you may never get a chance to interact with otherwise.

Amir Sadjadpour (LP ’22, Caltech PhD ’06), a regular at Caltech Y Friends events, feels that the Caltech Y and LP both are committed to developing home-grown leaders and making a positive impact on the community. He appreciates that both organizations offer training opportunities for members and prioritize diversity and inclusion.

Caltech staff members Leslie Maxfield (LP ’18, Caltech BS ’95), Mitch Aiken (LP ’14), and Ann (Wendland) Motrunich (LP ’12) joined chair Cindy Bengtson (LP ’17) and secretary Katie Clark (LP ’20) on the Caltech Y board this year. Maxfield notes that she was drawn to the organization because she wants to help students connect with opportunities outside the classroom and lab so they will thrive and have an enjoyable, enriching Caltech experience.

Students develop and lead the Caltech Y’s programs. The staff, board, and Friends pitch in with expertise, elbow grease, and funding. Students serve meals at the local homeless shelter, invite influential activists to speak at Caltech, collect gently used lab equipment for schools in need, dedicate holiday breaks to science policy and service trips, tutor and read to schoolchildren, and organize Make a Difference Day and WorldFest on campus.

The RISE program, where Caltech students tutor and mentor local K-12 students, is especially dear to Aiken’s heart. “It is an incredible gift to the community,” he says.

The logistical powerhouses behind RISE and other programs are Liz Jackman (LP ’18), the Caltech Y’s associate director of student programs, and Reddix. Caltech staff member Vicki Chiu (LP ’20) helps communicate the organization’s accomplishments, producing stunning annual reports and other design–intensive projects.

Bengston sums up LP alumni involvement with Caltech Y perfectly. “The fact that so many LP alums have come together to serve the Caltech Y shows how LP creates bonds beyond its own classrooms and how it propels its graduates out into the wider community.”

By Ann Montrunich, LP Alumni

Have an LP community engagement story? Tell us about it.

The LP Board of Directors held it’s first meeting of the fall after our summer hiatus.

Financial planning and recruiting were the focus. Our primary goals this next year are to build administrative foundations while furthering community outreach and impact. Be on the look out for more information on priorities and plans following the board’s October retreat later this month. 

Special thanks to the following alumni for their LP volunteer efforts this past month:

• Kim Olpin, Bobbie Ferguson, Crystal Aceves, and Julia Fernandez assessed a draft of 2024 cohort session plans.
• Kaya Plansker shared history about LP’s Homegrown Leader Program and gave insights on effective cohort recruitment.
• Phyllis Hallowell offered budgeting expertise and feedback.

​Want to contribute to LP’s community impact and success? Get in touch.