“I’ve been part of Westwood my entire adulthood and have met some of my best friends here.  You’ve probably seen (and definitely heard!) me in choir and as a Grappler parent (since my now college daughter was in 5th grade!).  I’ve been struggling with my faith in the last year or two and perhaps because of those feelings, I decided to help plan our women’s retreat.  It turned out to be a spiritual lift for me – especially getting to work alongside a visionary group of caring women.

From that retreat, I felt moved to help create our new POC group – a group that many POC community members, including Dr. Carter, had been thinking about for some time.  I also serve as a Board member of EPIC (Echo Park Immigration Center).  EPIC supports immigrant youth and families by connecting them with school and career resources, and providing summer programs and mentors.  Westwood and our members have been steady supporters of EPIC over the years and mostly recently, members of our women’s group donated over $1600 toward our back-to-school drive.  EPIC was able to distribute 80 backpacks filled with school supplies and 20 pairs of sneakers to additional youth. Upcoming EPIC events include its 2026 fundraising gala coming up on November 8, a Thanksgiving celebration for the community and Las Posadas in December.

My faith challenges me, moves me and changes me.”