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.
Reverie Fey, an award-winning writer and the author of the inspiring young adult memoir *Queen of the Nerds*. Reverie’s work touches on important themes like self-discovery, empowerment, and overcoming adversity, and she brings these topics to life in her guest speaking engagements. Available for booking at high schools, universities, feminist book clubs, and women’s groups, her talks cover a range of issues, including consent, bullying, sexual assault, and slut-shaming.
The rich history of the Mark Keppel High School Girls Basketball Program is a team that has shaped the San Gabriel Valley (SGV) sports community for decades. Head Coach Kenny Phan, along with former players Kylie Ng and Sarah Wong, tell the remarkable journey of a program that has dominated the court with unmatched success. Over the past 28 seasons, the Lady Aztecs have claimed 27 Almont League titles and maintained an incredible 140-game league winning streak—accomplishments that have cemented their place as one of the most successful high school basketball teams in the region.
Pawandeep Kaur Khinda is a passionate entrepreneur and the proud owner of a restaurant in Glendale. As the child of hardworking immigrants, Pawandeep grew up surrounded by the hustle and dedication of her parents, who ran an Indian restaurant in Pasadena. Their tireless work ethic and commitment to excellence instilled in her a deep appreciation for perseverance and entrepreneurship from an early age.