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.
Justin Rivera is a dynamic entertainer. He seamlessly blends comedy and magic to create an unforgettable performance experience. With a natural talent for humor and a passion for illusions, Justin has carved out a unique niche in the entertainment world. Known as the “Comedian’s Magician,” he combines quick wit, observational humor, and clever storytelling to keep audiences laughing, while his magic skills captivate and mystify, making his performances not just funny, but full of wonder and amazement.
Marielena Becerra and Jaime Alvarez are a dynamic husband-and-wife team whose journey is deeply rooted in resilience, cultural pride, and the power of community. Together, they have built a thriving legacy through their family-owned restaurants, Baja Cali Fish & Tacos and Girasol Cocina Mexicana, blending their personal histories and shared values into every aspect of their work.