Hawk & Sophia, an inspiring AAPI husband-and-wife team who have redefined the classic wing experience with their distinctive recipes and techniques. They started started the trailblazing restaurant Shlap Muan together in San Francisco, later bringing it down to Southern California.
Angie Covarrubias Aguilar is a lifelong San Gabriel Valley resident. She graduated from Baldwin Park High School, went to Georgetown University in Washington, DC, studied abroad in Salamanca Spain, and returned to Southern California, shortly after graduation.
Gary Wat is a visionary real estate agent known for his innovative approach and deep-rooted passion for community building. His journey into real estate is anything but conventional. Initially on the lookout for investors for a school-related project, Gary was encouraged to explore a career in real estate. Despite some initial hesitation, he quickly excelled, becoming one of the top-performing agents in his field. Gary’s success is a testament to the idea that the most unexpected opportunities can often lead to the most remarkable achievements.
Cynthia Duarte grew up in El Sereno and currently resides in Covina. She works for the San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit organization with locations in Pasadena, Monrovia, and Duarte. Cynthia’s journey with the organization began as a participant in a welfare-to-work program. Starting as a volunteer, she has advanced through various roles over the past five years, from office volunteer to her current position as Marketing Specialist.
Victor Ving is a renowned muralist and the creative force behind the Greetings Tour, a nationwide public art project that transforms communities with vibrant, large-letter postcard-style murals. Victor’s journey in art began with his roots in NYC graffiti, where he honed his aerosol techniques before shifting his focus to public art that celebrates local landmarks, history, and culture.
Ray Corona, also known as Popeye Ray, grew up navigating a challenging environment in El Monte, Baldwin Park, and Bassett, California. His early years were marked by instability, spending time in foster care and various temporary homes before eventually residing with his mother once again. Surrounded by the harsh realities of gang life, Ray found himself drawn into that world for several years.
Carlos “Big Brown Dad” Aguilar hails from La Puente, CA, where he has carved out a remarkable career as a multifaceted multimedia producer, writer, and content strategist with over two decades of experience crafting compelling narratives for broadcast and digital audiences.
Steve Soo Hoo was born in Los Angeles, raised at the foothill of Dodger stadium in LA Chinatown and later moved to San Gabriel Valley to the city of Montebello. He is the youngest of three children to a family who is one of the original founding families of Los Angeles’ Chinatown. He attended school in Montebello where he was always involved with some sort of art (visual or audio) and technology
Pamela James Segerquist grew up in San Gabriel, attended San Gabriel High School, and was actively involved in a YMCA service club during her formative years. Before returning to her hometown, Pamela embarked on a journey that took her to the Bay Area, where she lived with her husband. There, she underwent a significant career change and faced a challenging medical diagnosis. With unwavering support from her loved ones, Pamela courageously battled and triumphed over cancer.
Javier Servin AKA Foo Howser is a dude that loves the rich and diverse history of California and wants to get others excited about it as well. His passion for California history was sparked by watching Huell Howser and by the amazing history teachers he had growing up. He earned a B.A. in History from UC Merced, where he wrote his thesis on the life and rebellion of Estanislao of the Lakisamni Yokuts of the San Joaquin Valley. He earned an M.A. in Moving Image Archive Studies form UCLA and currently works as an archivist in Hollywood. He is a first-generation Mexican immigrant and has the vaccine scar to prove it.
