Archives: Episodes

Jesse Jaime

Jesse R. Jaime Sr. is a dedicated Lead Campus Supervisor 2 (Safety) at San Dimas High School within the Bonita Unified School District, where he plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff. A proud member of the El Monte/Rosemead community, Jesse is deeply committed to giving back to the people and youth of his hometown. His personal and professional mission revolves around helping others break through adversity and see that there is more to life than what might seem immediately in front of them.

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Lizette Valles

Lizette Valles is a passionate educator, Latina leader, and innovator in the world of alternative education. As a co-founder of the California Microschool Collective, established in 2024, Lizette has been at the forefront of the microschooling movement, advocating for personalized and trauma-informed learning environments that empower all children to thrive. She is also the founder of Compass Educators and Ellemercito Academy, a nonprofit microschool based in Los Angeles that reimagines education through experiential and place-based learning.

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Jayme Kiyomura Chan

Jayme Kiyomura Chan is a passionate and accomplished leader in both the culinary and sports worlds. Born and raised in Pasadena, California, she is a proud product of the San Gabriel Valley and a long-time resident. Jayme attended La Salle High School, where she was a standout four-year varsity basketball player, laying the foundation for a career dedicated to empowering others both in the kitchen and on the court.

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Jeanne Raya

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.

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Jessica Ramos

Jessica Ramos is a 31-year-old registered nurse and passionate advocate for domestic violence awareness, drawing from her personal journey of survival and healing. Born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley, Jessica’s life has been shaped by her strong foundation in faith and education, which she received through attending Catholic school from preschool through college. As a teenager, she built some of her best memories at Ramona Convent Secondary School in Alhambra and her first job at Marie Callender’s in Monterey Park, where she later returned during the holidays, embracing the joy of reconnecting with her roots.

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Anthea Peter-Vallejo

Anthea Peter-Vallejo, also known as “TT,” is a devoted homeschooling mom of two who is deeply committed to providing a nurturing and well-rounded educational environment for her children. Her passion for teaching extends beyond traditional academics; Anthea is also a black belt in jiu-jitsu, a discipline that has shaped much of her life and the way she approaches parenting, fitness, and personal growth. Her journey with jiu-jitsu began at a young age and was reignited as a teenager when she struggled with bullying at school. It was during this time that she not only rediscovered her love for the sport but also met her now-husband, and together, they built a life centered around jiu-jitsu. As co-owners of Logic Jiu-Jitsu in Glendora, Anthea and her husband are passionate about providing children with the tools to gain confidence, strength, and discipline through martial arts. Their gym serves as a place where kids can develop resilience, self-belief, and respect.

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Dan Gilbert

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.

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Justin Sasada

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.

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Carlos Castro

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.

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Mark Waterson

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.

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