Kelly Grandmaison, wants to thank you for being a part of her second shot at life. At 26 years old, she was diagnosed with CRPS (Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome). CRPS is a debilitating illness that typically comes with a 50/50 diagnosis, years of back and forth diagnosis, and several medical treatments that cannot cure it, but can attempt to help mitigate pain.
Jason Kim has cultivated relationships with owners, buyers, and developers in the SO CAL market place as well as with tenants and is able to match these groups and their needs for mutual benefit. He suggests, “I like to let my actions and strategic advice speak for themselves and to focus on execution and deploying my team to generate solutions and innovations that add value to the client.” Prior to taking the helm at FCE Jason was a Director at Coldwell Banker Wilshire Properties. Prior to joining CB Wilshire, Jason was a financial analyst at CB Richard Ellis Capital Markets and was responsible for analyzing and helping to close over 3⁄4 of a billion dollars throughout SO CAL. Jason received his undergraduate degree in Finance, Real Estate, and Law.
Clarissa Castillo-Ramsey, PsyD is an award-winning transformational coach for creatives, author, and abstract artist. Her top-rated podcast, Painting Your Path, helps mid-life creatives start living life on their terms. Whether attending her capstone online events From Employee to Creative Entrepreneur or The Creative Abundant Leadership Summit, Clarissa has helped thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs experience their own breakthroughs, guiding them to design their next chapter outside corporate.
Elizabeth Wong Ahlers is currently running for California State Senate District 25 after nearing the end of 25 years of home education and raising 6 children. Elizabeth believes that we can change California and that Family and parental rights are worth fighting for.
Writer and Producer Koji Steven Sakai’s film and television projects have played on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Peacock, Paramount+, Roku, and Tubi. He has worked with a variety of talented and award-winning actors and filmmakers, including Cuba Gooding Jr., Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, James Shigeta, Michael Jai White, Mel Gibson, Mickey Rourke, Randall Park, RZA, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard, and Wilson Cruz.
Martha is the Founder and CEO of Frendii, a Los Angeles County based early stage, technology startup working on a solution for women over 50 that builds community and facilitates frequent social and human connection. She is a second time entrepreneur. She also launched Yaya Fitness, a mobile personal training business for women over 40. Prior to the start of her entrepreneurial journey, Martha worked in financial services in corporate America for fortune 500 companies like Allstate and AIG. She worked in various capacities starting in entry level marketing, Sales Manager, and Director of Sales for the Southern California region.
Javier is a first-generation Mexican-American born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley area of Los Angeles County. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from California State University, Fullerton. He later earned his Executive master’s degree in urban planning and development from the University of Southern California. Javier has nearly 20 years of experience advancing local, regional, and statewide public policy, political strategy, urban and multimodal transportation planning, capital infrastructure programming, and holistic community and economic development.
Olivia Loo, currently Director of International Students at Pasadena City College, has been in the field of international education for over 15 years. A Chinese native who grew up in Panama, Olivia immigrated to the U.S. to complete college and earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s at the University of Southern California. Her journey in international education started with the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme, an English teaching program sponsored by the Japanese government, and since then, she has made a lifelong mission to support international students and their educational goals of studying in the U.S. Olivia presents extensively at conferences on international admissions and educational credentials, as well as mental health and wellness among international students. She lives in the San Gabriel Valley with her family.
Audrie Gordon was born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley. She grew up in South San Gabriel and attended school in the area. Right after graduating from Schurr High in Montebello she had her first son and wasn’t sure what her next step should be. Not having any solid goals or guidance she began to get in more trouble and ended up in a downward spiral. Despite the trials she was always surrounded with people who were willing to share advice and encouragement. At 23 she decided to make some changes and began utilizing resources such as church, Homeboy Industries, twelve step programs and counseling to build a better life for her and her son.
Mr. James De Pietro is a Partner at De Pietro Holdings LLC, a family-owned and operated commercial real estate investment company in Pasadena, CA. A member of the senior management team, James is involved with the strategic direction of the company while managing the company’s daily operations with a focus on asset management, financial and market analysis, and business administration. In 2020, James launched The Crown City Podcast and serves as its producer and host. The podcast seeks to explore the people and places that make our communities such a special place to call home.