Dan Gilbert is a versatile and multi-talented artist based in East Pasadena, CA, whose career spans multiple aspects of the entertainment industry. Known for his work as a special FX makeup artist, actor, puppeteer, stuntman, voice actor, and wood carver, Dan brings a unique blend of creativity, skill, and passion to every project he touches.
Justin Sasada is a licensed architect, educator, and dedicated community advocate based in Monterey Park, California. With a passion for design and a deep commitment to education, Justin has built a career that spans residential architecture, teaching at the college level, and serving as co-chair of the AIA (American Institute of Architects) ACLA (Architecture for Communities Los Angeles) Higher Education Committee. His work is characterized by a belief in the power of architecture to foster meaningful dialogue between users and designers.
Carlos Castro is an award-winning music mixing and recording engineer/producer based in Los Angeles, California, with a remarkable 30-year career in the music industry. His expertise has earned him 13 Latin Grammy nominations, two BASF awards, and numerous platinum and gold records, cementing his reputation as a leading force in sound engineering. With a passion for high-fidelity sound recording, Carlos is the owner and operator of Watersound Studios in Studio City, California, where he continues to create groundbreaking music projects.
Mark Waterson is a dedicated nonprofit leader and the CEO of Convalescent Aid Society (CAS), an organization focused on improving the lives of seniors in the Pasadena area. His unique journey, shaped by being adopted twice, has fueled his lifelong commitment to helping others and advocating for those in need. These early experiences, combined with a diverse professional background, have led Mark to a career where he can make a meaningful impact in his community.
Mike Eng is a distinguished public servant whose career spans decades of advocacy, legal expertise, and leadership across various sectors. His work has profoundly impacted his community and the state of California, where he has championed causes ranging from civil rights to education, water access, and housing.
Scott Kohno is a highly accomplished retail executive with decades of experience developing groundbreaking retail projects across the globe. Having worked on projects spanning over 20 countries, from Asia to South America and from Australia to Europe, Scott has played a key role in shaping the global retail landscape. His passion for retail innovation has been instrumental in the creation of iconic concepts such as the NASDAQ Marketsite in Times Square, New York, a project that stands as a testament to his unique perspective and expertise.
Christine Kay Wong is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Strategic Coach with a unique journey from real estate to mental health and wellness. After a decade of representing homeowners in the San Gabriel Valley and Greater Los Angeles, Christine took a bold step to align her career with her core values. She pursued a degree in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University, a decision that ultimately led her to become a trusted therapist and coach for individuals and families facing life’s most difficult challenges.
Caroline Velarde is the founder of Sweet Caroline Desserts, a business born out of her love for baking and spending quality time with her daughter, Lily. What started as a fun bonding activity between mother and daughter has evolved into a thriving operation, with Caroline and Lily baking for their local community at pop-up markets and coffee shops in Claremont and Upland. At the heart of their sweet treats is the mission to “bake people happy,” offering a variety of cookies, from traditional flavors to unique creations not found anywhere else.
Kateri Wozny is a seasoned journalist with over 20 years of experience in print, digital, radio, and television news, as well as content creation. Throughout her distinguished career, she has worked with some of the most respected media outlets, including U.S. News & World Report, Business Insider, the Chicago Sun-Times, GoDaddy, and Pasadena Weekly. Kateri’s work has consistently earned recognition, including an Associated Press Award in 2002 for her radio coverage of the Sen. Paul Wellstone Memorial in Minneapolis. In 2008, she was part of the team that won a National Emmy for their exceptional coverage of the I-35W Bridge Collapse in Minneapolis.
Jessica and Michael Garcia are a powerhouse entrepreneurial duo. They share a story of hard work, determination, and a passion for their craft. Both raised in the San Gabriel Valley, Jessica graduated from Alhambra High School, continued her education at Pasadena City College, and earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. Michael, a graduate of Monrovia High School, attended Citrus College before pursuing his culinary dreams at Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena.
