Jeanne Raya
Leading with Purpose
Episode 202
Jeanne E. Raya is the dynamic President of the John L Raya Insurance Agency, Inc., a well-respected minority women-owned business established in 1960. Under her leadership, the agency has carved out a niche of expertise, especially in working with non-profit organizations and medical facilities. With a deep-rooted commitment to both her profession and her community, Jeanne has dedicated her career to not only running a successful business but also to actively serving her community in a variety of roles.
A lifelong resident of San Gabriel, Jeanne is a fourth-generation local, born at Garfield Hospital in Monterey Park and raised within the heart of the community. She attended San Gabriel public schools and Ramona Convent in Alhambra, shaping her educational foundation. A lover of travel, she has visited numerous countries, with Italy, Alaska, Ireland, Peru, and New York among her favorite destinations.
Jeanne’s academic journey reflects her diverse talents. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree and Teaching Credentials from the University of Southern California, followed by a Law Degree from UC Davis. Her professional career includes serving as staff counsel to both the California Board of Equalization and the Public Employment Relations Board, as well as maintaining a private law practice specializing in Probate and Family Law in San Gabriel.
Community service has always been central to Jeanne’s life. She is currently the Chair of the San Gabriel Community Foundation, where she has supported a wide range of local initiatives. Her past service as a Commissioner for the California Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission (2010-2020) and her leadership roles with the California State Bar Committee of Bar Examiners underscore her dedication to public service and fair governance.
Jeanne has also served in leadership positions for several important community and educational organizations, including the La Casa de San Gabriel Community Center, the San Gabriel Women’s Foundation, the San Gabriel Historical Association, and the San Gabriel Chamber of Commerce. She is also active in the Roosevelt School Site Committee, which focuses on improving the local educational environment.
Her leadership and service have not gone unnoticed. Jeanne has been honored by Assembly Member Mike Eng with the “Make a Difference Day” award, by State Senator Carol Liu for her contributions to women in business, and by Congresswoman Judy Chu with the “Women of Distinction” award. These accolades reflect the significant impact Jeanne has had in both her professional and personal endeavors to support and elevate the San Gabriel Valley community.
Jeanne Raya Takeaways
Deep Roots in the San Gabriel Valley
The guest shares a profound connection to the San Gabriel Valley, emphasizing how her family’s history intertwines with the area. Her grandparents arrived in 1923, establishing a legacy that spans generations. Growing up in a community where family ties were strong, she reflects on the importance of shared experiences and cultural heritage. This deep-rooted connection shapes her identity and drives her desire to contribute positively to the community.
Navigating Identity as a Mexican-American
Throughout her life, the guest has grappled with her identity as a Mexican-American, often feeling the weight of societal perceptions. She recalls how early experiences in segregated schools highlighted the divide between her community and others. These experiences instilled in her a sense of determination to challenge stereotypes and advocate for her community. The duality of her identity continues to influence her perspective and her actions as a leader.
The Impact of Education on Community Leadership
Education has played a transformative role in the guest’s life, shaping her path toward leadership. Her experiences at institutions like Ramona Convent and USC provided a foundation of support and expectation for academic achievement. She stresses the importance of mentorship and strong role models in her journey. This educational background has equipped her with the skills to advocate for change and uplift her community.
Challenges in the Legal System and Bar Exam
The guest discusses her experiences with the bar exam and the challenges faced by students of color in the legal field. She reflects on the high failure rates among diverse candidates and the biases inherent in standardized testing. Her involvement in examining the bar exam’s structure reveals a commitment to ensuring equitable opportunities for all aspiring lawyers. This experience informs her advocacy work and her desire for systemic change.
Building Community Through Cultural Exchange
As a leader in her community, the guest emphasizes the importance of fostering understanding and connection among diverse groups. She advocates for cultural exchanges and community gatherings that celebrate shared experiences rather than differences. Her work on initiatives like the Stop Hate Committee illustrates her commitment to bridging gaps and promoting inclusivity. This approach aims to create a united front against divisive narratives.
The Role of Women in Leadership
The guest highlights the shifting expectations for women in leadership roles, drawing from her own experiences. She reflects on the importance of women supporting one another and breaking through barriers in traditionally male-dominated spaces. Her journey through law school and her subsequent leadership roles demonstrate her belief in the power of women to effect meaningful change. She hopes to inspire future generations of women to pursue their ambitions fearlessly.
A Vision for the Future of the San Gabriel Valley
The guest’s vision for the San Gabriel Valley centers around community engagement and responsiveness to the needs of its residents. She expresses a desire to elevate the voices of younger generations and address their concerns regarding the future. Her commitment to serving her community as a City Council candidate stems from a belief that local government should prioritize the needs of its citizens. She advocates for sustainable practices and policies that ensure a vibrant future for all residents.
Jeanne Raya Quotes
“The more, I guess, Western areas, because that’s closer to home since I live, like, either on the outskirts or right outside, depending, I guess, on how the person sees the boundaries of SGV.”
“I think Pasadena I’m probably most comfortable in.”
“I still think of that as having an influence on, you know, just how I looked at the world for how I still look at it.”
“There’s always that little bit of you’re the other, no matter what you do.”
“I think that’s been part of my experience, but in a very… I don’t know if I want to say a quiet way that I would characterize it, but just it shapes you in a way.”
“Going to Washington School was I think my first kind of sense of having one foot in each of two worlds.”
“Just kind of protected in a sense in that I never felt overt hostility, but at the same time there was a sense of here’s where you are.”
“You begin to think, oh, is that me? Are they saying that about me?”
“That kind of fed into ideas that people had about Mexicans.”
“I think we saw law as power, knowledge of the law as power.”
“Just having that analysis, you know, always in the back of your mind to look at things through that lens.”
“I’ve chosen to be a leader in the community.”
“I believe our council has lost sight of what it means to be a servant to the community.”
“I think we have ignored for so long or actively damaged, and yeah, we need to listen to those voices.”
“Those experiences that I’ve had throughout my life both in terms of my cultural identity and my gender identity… I think I’ve just learned I can do these things.”
Show Notes
Music Credits Intro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG Stinger Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library Outro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG
Jeanne Raya
Pasadena: A Comfortable Hub
The guest feels most at home in Pasadena, appreciating its accessibility and the comfort it offers, given its proximity to her residence.
Monterey Park: A Family Connection
Monterey Park holds significant meaning for the guest as it is a place where she has family ties. She has visited frequently and recognizes the deep connections she has developed through her family’s history in the area.
San Gabriel Mission: A Historical Anchor
The San Gabriel Mission represents a core part of the guest’s personal and familial history. It serves as a contemplative space filled with memories of family events and community activities, emphasizing its importance as a cultural and spiritual landmark in her life.
