HL | Milestone Series — Honors Anita Martinez Lepp

HL | Milestone Series — Honors Anita Martinez Lepp

Apr 18, 2026 | Milestone

HL | Milestone Series — Honors Anita Martinez Lepp

A Legacy Defined by Leadership, Influence, and Endurance

The HL | Milestone Series recognizes individuals whose leadership, influence, and legacy reflect a lifetime of contribution, resilience, and impact across our communities.

Anita Martinez Lepp represents a remarkable example of perseverance, discipline, and long-term influence. From humble beginnings in Texas to building a thriving accounting practice in California, her journey reflects not only personal success but the empowerment of generations of entrepreneurs and families.

Anita Martinez Lepp will be recognized during the HL | Milestone Series — Orange County, taking place on April 30, 2026. This invitation-only reception brings together a curated audience of executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for an evening of connection, conversation, and recognition.

👉 Event details: https://bit.ly/4qEref1

A Commitment to Lifelong Learning

Anita’s path into finance began with curiosity and determination. Her early studies at East Los Angeles Collegeintroduced her to accounting, sparking a passion that would shape her career.

She continued her education through coursework at University of California, Los Angeles and California Institute of Technology, expanding her expertise and staying ahead of an evolving financial landscape.

Her pursuit of knowledge did not stop with formal education—she continued learning well into her later years, reinforcing her belief that growth is ongoing.

Building a Business Through Trust and Relationships

Encouraged early in her career to pursue entrepreneurship, Anita launched her own accounting firm in the late 1970s. Serving small business owners across Southern California, she became a trusted advisor to contractors, landscapers, and entrepreneurs navigating complex financial systems.

Her expertise included working with the Internal Revenue Service and supporting clients in accessing opportunities through the Small Business Administration.

Her business grew not through marketing campaigns, but through relationships—built one conversation at a time, often starting in a local coffee shop. Trust, consistency, and credibility became the foundation of her success.

Balancing Business, Family, and Purpose

Anita’s journey reflects more than professional success—it highlights a deep commitment to family and responsibility.

She balanced long workdays with raising her children, preparing meals, and attending classes at night. That discipline and structure defined her approach to both life and business.

Her ability to manage multiple roles without compromise demonstrates a form of leadership that extends beyond titles—one rooted in responsibility and care.

A Legacy That Spans Generations

Today, Anita’s influence reaches across five generations. She remains active in her business, continuing to serve clients while mentoring family members and those around her.

Her story is not simply about building a career—it is about building a legacy grounded in values, resilience, and belief in one’s own potential.

As shared in her nomination:
“Anita exemplifies what a true Latina of Influence looks like… a trailblazer who refused to accept limitations and instead defined her own path.”

The HL | Milestone Series is a national platform designed to celebrate leadership across business, community, education, and innovation.

The 2026 HL | Milestone Series is made possible through the support of Wells Fargo, the series’ funding partner, whose commitment to community engagement and financial empowerment helps bring these important conversations and recognitions to life.

Faith, Finance & Homeownership Summit – DFW

Faith, Finance & Homeownership Summit – DFW

Apr 18, 2026 | Events, Home Tu Casa

Faith, Finance & Homeownership Summit – DFW

Presented by Home, Tu Casa, In Partnership with My Home Ownership Academy and HL | Culture & Influence. Produced by ReWork Media Group

Join us for the Faith, Finance & Homeownership Summit – DFW a live audience experience that brings together faith-based leaders, industry professionals, and community organizations for a powerful day of insight, connection, and purpose-driven conversation.

This curated experience is designed to equip leaders with practical tools, trusted resources, and meaningful partnerships to better serve their congregations, clients, and communities creating clear pathways toward financial empowerment and homeownership.

RSVP HERE

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Location: Arte de la Rosa
1440 N. Main Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76164

Event Experience

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Faith-Based Leaders Session

A focused and intentional conversation for pastors and ministry leaders, centered on strategies, resources, and collaborative opportunities to support congregations in building financial confidence and navigating the path to homeownership.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Networking Lunch

A curated networking experience designed to foster meaningful connections among community leaders, industry professionals, and organizations committed to expanding access and opportunity.

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Real Estate & Industry Panel

A dynamic panel featuring real estate professionals, lenders, and financial experts sharing practical insights, tools, and real-world perspectives to better serve clients and communities in today’s evolving housing landscape.

Purpose & Impact

The Faith, Finance & Homeownership Summit – DFW is more than a conversation—it’s a platform for alignment, collaboration, and action. By bringing together trusted voices across faith, finance, and housing, this experience creates opportunities to strengthen communities through education, access, and long-term economic growth.

Riverside Tamale Festival Celebrates 13 Years and a Historic Milestone for the Trujillo Adobe

Riverside Tamale Festival Celebrates 13 Years and a Historic Milestone for the Trujillo Adobe

Apr 16, 2026 | Entertainment, Events

Riverside Tamale Festival Celebrates 13 Years and a Historic Milestone for the Trujillo Adobe

A Riverside tradition rooted in culture, history, and community returns this spring with renewed significance. The 13th Annual Riverside Tamale Festival will take place on April 18, 2026, at White Park, bringing together families, community leaders, and visitors for a full day of celebration from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Presented by the Spanish Town Heritage Foundation, this year’s festival arrives at a defining moment. The historic Trujillo Adobe was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2025 an achievement that elevates both the site and the festival’s purpose.

A Celebration with Purpose

What began as a local gathering to share the story of the Trujillo Adobe has grown into the foundation’s primary fundraiser and one of the Inland Empire’s most anticipated cultural events.

Now under the stewardship of Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District, the Adobe is part of a long-term vision that includes a future cultural and educational center. With more than $10.4 million in state funding secured, the next phase focuses on storytelling ensuring visitors understand the site’s historical importance.

This year, organizers are working toward a $50,000 fundraising goal to install educational panels at the future park, which is expected to be completed in 2028.

“This is the first Tamale Festival since the Trujillo Adobe was recognized on the National Register,” said Nancy Melendez. “It’s a meaningful milestone for our organization and for the community.”

Culture, Music, and Community—Todos Juntos

The 2026 theme, “Todos Juntos” (All Together), reflects both the spirit of the event and the broader cultural moment bringing people together through shared history, food, and experience.

Headlining this year’s festival is Ozomatli, the Los Angeles-based band known for blending Latin, hip-hop, funk, reggae, and global sounds. Celebrating over 30 years of music, their performance anchors a lineup designed to reflect the richness and rhythm of the community.

Additional highlights include:

  • Traditional folklórico dance performances
  • Mariachi music throughout the day
  • Live Lucha Libre wrestling exhibitions
  • Interactive cultural and family programming

Festival grounds will be organized to mirror the vision of the future Trujillo Adobe park:

  • La Placita – A central food and dining experience featuring more than 20 vendors serving tamales and regional cuisine
  • La Escuela Kids Zone – Storytelling, crafts, and educational activities for families
  • La Cantina – A beer garden and social gathering space
  • Artisan booths, community organizations, and retail vendors
  • A VIP lounge hosting the Best Tamale competition

Honoring Riverside’s Roots

The Riverside Tamale Festival is more than a food and music event it is a tribute to the region’s origins.

In 1842, Lorenzo Trujillo and ten pioneer families established the settlements of La Placita and Agua Mansa along the Santa Ana River. Their influence continues to shape Riverside and the broader Inland Empire today.

Event organizers emphasize that preserving this history is essential—not just for reflection, but for identity and connection.

“The Trujillo Adobe reminds us that our roots are deep, our culture is enduring, and our collective presence is powerful,” said Larissa Diaz-Hahn. “When we come together, we’re not just celebrating history we’re affirming that we belong here, and we always have.”

Join the Celebration

The 13th Annual Riverside Tamale Festival takes place:

  • Date: April 18, 2026
  • Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Location: White Park

Tickets are available through Eventbrite.

About the Spanish Town Heritage Foundation

The Spanish Town Heritage Foundation is dedicated to preserving and activating the historic Trujillo Adobe and the legacy of Riverside’s earliest settlements, including La Placita and Agua Mansa. Through cultural programming, education, and community events, the organization ensures that these stories remain accessible for future generations.

PHOTOS from the 2013 Riverside Tamale Festival

2013 Riverside Tamale Festival for for the Trujillo Adobe

Seattle: Navigating the Path to Homeownership in Today’s Market

Seattle: Navigating the Path to Homeownership in Today’s Market

Apr 16, 2026 | Events, Home Tu Casa

by Richard Sandoval, for HL and Home, Tu Casa

A Ready, Set, Home – Home buyer Orientation brings together trusted guidance, local market insight, and resources designed to inform and empower.

In today’s evolving housing landscape, the journey toward homeownership begins with access to clear, reliable information.

In markets like Seattle where growth, demand, and affordability continue to shape the conversation understanding the path forward requires more than interest. It requires preparation, perspective, and trusted guidance.

As part of that effort, an upcoming Ready, Set, Home – Homebuyer Orientation, presented as a free, one-hour virtual workshop, will bring together professionals committed to helping prospective homebuyers better understand the essential steps involved in purchasing a home.

Hosted by Richard Sandoval of HL | Culture and Influence, the session will be presented by Credit.org in collaboration with City National Bank, reflecting a shared commitment to expanding access to homeownership through education and community-focused outreach.

Designed as an introductory workshop, the session focused on helping participants:

  • Understand the key steps in the homebuying process
  • Clarify common mortgage terms and lending concepts
  • Build a foundation for making informed financial decisions

The conversation will feature insights from a group of professionals representing both financial and local market perspectives.

Participants will hear from Claudio Espino, a HUD-certified counselor with Credit.org, who will provide guidance on financial readiness and the importance of preparation in the homebuying journey.

From a local market perspective, Marissa Beach, a Realtor® with Keller Williams Realty, will share insight into the Seattle housing landscape, offering participants a clearer understanding of current market conditions and what to expect when entering the market.

Representing the lending perspective, Saul Espinoza, Community Lending Mortgage Banker with City National Bank, will help demystify mortgage concepts and provide clarity around financing options available to prospective buyers.

Seattle, like many major metropolitan areas, presents both opportunity and challenge. Rising home values, evolving lending conditions, and increased demand continue to shape how individuals approach the homebuying process. For many, particularly first-time buyers, the experience can feel complex but not unattainable.

A key theme throughout the session will be the importance of preparation.

Understanding credit, exploring available resources, and asking the right questions early in the process will be emphasized as critical steps toward building confidence and making informed decisions.

The conversation will also highlight the value of local expertise connecting broader financial education with real-world market conditions in the Seattle area.

Those interested in attending the April 23, 2026 session are encouraged to register in advance: https://bit.ly/4cOdOcv

More Stories

HL | Milestone Series – Honors NAHREP® Orange County Chapter

HL | Milestone Series – Honors NAHREP® Orange County Chapter

Apr 15, 2026 | Milestone

HL | Milestone Series – Honors NAHREP® Orange County Chapter

Advocacy | Homeownership | Economic Empowerment

The HL | Milestone Series recognizes organizations whose leadership, innovation, and commitment to community continue to shape culture, business, and influence across industries.

The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) Orange County Chapter stands as one of the region’s most influential voices advancing sustainable Hispanic homeownership and economic growth through real estate.

NAHREP Orange County Chapter  will be recognized during the HL | Milestone Series — Orange County, taking place on April 30, 2026. This invitation-only reception brings together a curated audience of executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for an evening of connection, conversation, and recognition.

👉 Event details: https://bit.ly/4qEref1

As a local chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, NAHREP Orange County is part of a nationally recognized network committed to increasing Latino homeownership by empowering real estate professionals, advocating for policy change, and fostering generational wealth-building opportunities.

In Orange County one of the most competitive and dynamic housing markets in the country—the chapter has become a trusted connector between industry professionals, financial institutions, and the community. Through educational programming, policy engagement, and strategic partnerships, NAHREP OC equips its members with the tools, insights, and relationships needed to lead in today’s evolving real estate landscape.

Mission & Impact

NAHREP’s mission is clear and focused: to advance sustainable Hispanic homeownership.

At the local level, the Orange County Chapter brings this mission to life by:

  • Creating pathways to homeownership through education and outreach
  • Supporting real estate professionals with leadership development and market intelligence
  • Advocating for policies that expand access to housing and lending opportunities
  • Promoting financial literacy and long-term wealth strategies within the community

Their work is not only about transactions—it is about transformation. By elevating the role of Latino professionals in real estate and lending, NAHREP OC contributes to broader economic mobility and community stability.

Leadership & Board Influence

What distinguishes NAHREP Orange County is the strength and diversity of its leadership.

The chapter’s board is composed of respected professionals across real estate, mortgage lending, banking, and housing advocacy. These leaders bring:

  • Market Expertise – Active professionals navigating today’s housing and lending environment
  • Cultural Understanding – A deep connection to the communities they serve
  • Strategic Vision – The ability to align local efforts with national housing trends and policy priorities
  • Collaborative Leadership – Partnerships with lenders, developers, nonprofits, and civic leaders

This collective expertise allows the organization to operate at a high level—bridging industry and community while delivering meaningful, measurable impact.

Why We Are Honoring NAHREP® Orange County Chapter

The HL | Milestone Series recognizes organizations that are shaping business, community, and culture through leadership and influence.

NAHREP Orange County Chapter is being honored for:

  • Championing homeownership as a pathway to generational wealth
  • Elevating Latino professionals within the real estate and financial sectors
  • Advancing conversations around housing access, lending, and economic opportunity
  • Serving as a connector between community needs and industry solutions

At a time when housing affordability and access remain critical issues, NAHREP OC’s work is both timely and essential. Their leadership reflects a long-term commitment to strengthening families, building wealth, and creating opportunity across Orange County and beyond.

The HL | Milestone Series is a national platform designed to celebrate leadership across business, community, education, and innovation.

The 2026 HL | Milestone Series is made possible through the support of Wells Fargo, the series’ funding partner, whose commitment to community engagement and financial empowerment helps bring these important conversations and recognitions to life.

On the Menu: Burattino and the Power of Curiosity

On the Menu: Burattino and the Power of Curiosity

Apr 14, 2026 | On the Menu

by Richard Sandoval, for HL and Inland Valley Living

A Worth-the-Drive Pizza Experience in Carson, California

Curiosity is a powerful thing. Sometimes it shows up quietly through a post, a photo, or a recommendation that stays with you longer than expected. And sometimes, it leads you a few miles out of your way to finally see if something lives up to the moment you’ve been imagining.

For me, that place was Burattino Brick Oven Pizza.

Living in the Inland Valley, you get used to your go-to spots. Convenience often wins. But every now and then, something captures your attention and stays with you. I first came across Burattino online. There wasn’t a location nearby, just a steady presence that kept showing up consistently, visually, and convincingly.

That’s how effective visibility works. It doesn’t just inform you it stays with you until one day, you act on it.

The Decision to Go

Last Saturday, after a full morning of filming with our colleagues at the Mexican American Bar Foundation for their upcoming gala, we had a choice head back home or try something new.

We chose the experience.

About 10 miles from where we were, we put the address into the GPS and made our way to Carson. What could have been a routine end to the day turned into something more intentional a decision to follow through on a year-long curiosity.

The Moment of Arrival

When we arrived, I’ll admit, I felt a bit overwhelmed.

Not because of the space, but because I had built it up in my mind over time. Now that we were there, I found myself standing at the counter, unsure of what to order, with a line forming behind us.

So I stepped aside, took a breath, and did what I always do when trying a new place:

  • What do you recommend?
  • What’s your go-to?
  • What should we try first?

Service That Sets the Tone

The response made all the difference.

The team behind the counter greeted us with a genuine smile and walked us through the menu with patience and clarity. There was no rush just a willingness to help us make the right choice.

We started with their top-selling pepperoni pizza but quickly shifted direction and landed on their Meat Lover’s pizza.

Then came the easiest decision of the day: medium or extra large. Extra large. Some experiences are meant to be shared and taken home.

More Than a Meal

One thing I don’t take for granted is the opportunity to work alongside my sons.

After a day of production, we make it a point to sit down, reset, and enjoy something good together. This time, we stepped outside our routine and created something new.

  • Yes, the pizza delivered.
  • Yes, it lived up to expectations.

But more importantly, it created space for conversation, reflection, and connection.

The Bigger Picture

From Los Angeles International Airport to the Temecula Valley, the drive can easily stretch to a couple of hours with traffic.

Was it worth it? Absolutely. Because this wasn’t just about pizza.

It was about curiosity, consistency, and the simple decision to try something different. It was a reminder that sometimes the places that stay on your mind the longest are worth the extra effort to experience firsthand.

Final Thought

When something captures your attention long enough, there’s usually a reason.

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is follow that curiosity and see where it leads.

More Stories

HL | Milestone – Silicon Valley

HL | Milestone – Silicon Valley

Apr 12, 2026 | Events, Milestone

A curated reception, leadership forum, and awards experience designed to recognize those shaping business, community, and culture.
Request Invitation
Submit a Nomination

Event Overview

Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Blanco Urban Venue – 12 N San Pedro St, San Jose, CA 95110

A Curated Reception

Each Milestone Series event begins with a private, curated reception that brings together a select group of professionals, decision-makers, and community leaders.

This is a space designed for intentional connection where conversations are meaningful, relationships are strengthened, and the people in the room reflect a shared commitment to leadership and progress.

A Leadership Forum with Market Insights

At the core of the experience is a leadership forum focused on timely conversations shaping today’s business and community landscape.

Discussions may include:

  • Generational wealth and economic opportunity
  • Real estate and housing market insights
  • Business leadership and growth strategies
  • Community influence and long-term impact
  • Regional trends unique to each host market

These conversations are designed to provide perspective, clarity, and insight connecting ideas with real world experience.

FUNDING PARTNER

Wells Fargo Logo

HL | Culture & Influence is proud to announce Wells Fargo as a Funding Partner of the HL | Milestone Series “an invitation-only” leadership experience recognizing individuals and organizations shaping business, community, and culture.

As part of this collaboration, Wells Fargo will support the Milestone Series across three key markets in 2026: Orange County, New York, and Silicon Valley.

“We are proud to collaborate with Wells Fargo as a Funding Partner of the Milestone Series,” said Richard Sandoval, Storyteller | Producer | Connector, HL | Culture & Influence. “Their support allows us to elevate conversations, recognize leadership, and create spaces where relationships and ideas can move forward with purpose.”

THE EXPERIENCE

A curated, invitation-only reception

A leadership forum featuring market-relevant insights

Recognition of selected honorees

An elevated setting designed for meaningful engagement

Upcoming Events

Request Invitation
Request Invitation
Nominate
Request Invitation
Nominate

Honoree Moments

HL | Milestone Series — Honors Stay Connected OC

HL | Milestone Series — Honors Stay Connected OC

Apr 11, 2026 | Milestone

HL | Milestone Series — Honors Stay Connected OC

The HL | Milestone Series recognizes organizations whose leadership, innovation, and commitment to community continue to shape culture, business, and influence across industries.

Connecting Orange County Through Culture, Community, and Information

Founded by lifelong Santa Ana resident Ruben Alvarez Jr., Stay Connected OC has become one of Orange County’s most enduring and influential community information platforms—serving as a vital bridge between people, organizations, and opportunities for more than two decades.

Stay Connected OC will be recognized during the HL | Milestone Series — Orange County, taking place on April 30, 2026. This invitation-only reception brings together a curated audience of executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for an evening of connection, conversation, and recognition.

👉 Event details: https://bit.ly/4qEref1

Rooted in a deep understanding of Orange County’s evolving cultural and economic landscape, Stay Connected OC was created at the dawn of the digital age with a clear purpose: to unify and inform the region’s Latino community while fostering connections that elevate businesses, leaders, and community initiatives.

A Platform Built Ahead of Its Time

What began as an electronic newsletter has grown into a multi-channel communication platform reaching over 20,000 readers weekly across Orange County and Southern California. Long before digital community-building became standard, Stay Connected OC was already delivering curated information on events, civic engagement, business development, and cultural programming.

Its database recognized for its depth and engagement has been valued by LatinoLytics as a powerful economic and community asset, reflecting the influence and connectivity of its audience.

Orange County Impact and Legacy

Stay Connected OC has played a consistent role in:

  • Elevating visibility for local businesses and entrepreneurs
  • Supporting nonprofit organizations and community initiatives
  • Promoting civic engagement and cultural awareness
  • Connecting generations through shared information and opportunities

From Santa Ana to the broader Orange County region, the platform has helped shape how communities stay informed, engaged, and empowered.

Today, its vision continues to expand—exploring concepts such as regional connectivity through transit-oriented development and cultural corridors, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and community relevance.

The Vision Behind the Platform

Ruben Alvarez Jr.’s journey reflects a lifetime of leadership rooted in service, culture, and forward thinking.

A product of Santa Ana’s public schools and a student at California State University, Fullerton where he attended alongside Lou Correa Alvarez demonstrated leadership early, serving as student body president in both junior high and high school.

His professional path began with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, where his innovative programming earned national recognition. Over the years, his work has led to meetings with four U.S. Presidents and honors from the White House—reflecting a career defined by impact and credibility.

As Executive Director of the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Alvarez introduced forward-thinking initiatives to support business growth and advocacy. Later, his role with the Rancho Santiago Community College District’s Regional Skills Collaborative positioned him at the intersection of workforce development and economic research insights that directly informed the creation of Stay Connected OC.

A Life Shaped by Community and Culture

Alvarez’s commitment to community was shaped early. As a child, he witnessed his parents stand alongside neighbors to successfully advocate for the rebuilding of local schools following the 1971 Sylmar Earthquake—a defining moment that underscored the power of collective action.

His cultural influences run equally deep. Inspired by Luis Valdez and the legacy of El Teatro Campesino, Alvarez developed a lifelong passion for storytelling. Mentored by influential voices such as Herbert Siguenza and Rick Najera, he has authored more than 1,000 creative works—including plays, manuscripts, and poetry.

His current project, Bus Stories — Life Happens Between the Stops, reflects his continued dedication to capturing the everyday journeys of working families and the cultural fabric of Southern California.

A Milestone Worth Recognizing

For more than 26 years, Stay Connected OC has remained consistent in its mission while evolving with the times—an uncommon balance that defines true leadership.

Its impact is not measured solely in audience reach, but in its ability to connect a wide range of voices, strengthen community ties, and create pathways for opportunity across Orange County.

The HL | Milestone Series is a national platform designed to celebrate leadership across business, community, education, and innovation.

The 2026 HL | Milestone Series is made possible through the support of Wells Fargo, the series’ funding partner, whose commitment to community engagement and financial empowerment helps bring these important conversations and recognitions to life.

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Reuben Franco

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Reuben Franco

Apr 7, 2026 | Milestone

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Reuben Franco

Business Advocate | Economic Leader | Community Connector

Reuben Franco serves as President and CEO of the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, where his leadership reflects a deep commitment to strengthening the region’s business community and expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Reuben Franco will be recognized during the HL | Milestone Series — Orange County, taking place on April 30, 2026. This invitation-only reception brings together a curated audience of executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for an evening of connection, conversation, and recognition.

👉 Event details: https://bit.ly/4qEref1

With more than 16 years of experience in the banking industry, Reuben built his career as a trusted lender, working closely with entrepreneurs across Southern California to access capital and grow their businesses. That foundation continues to inform his work today bridging financial insight with community impact.

At the Chamber, Reuben leads efforts to advocate for businesses at the local, state, and federal levels while ensuring that companies have access to the tools, resources, and relationships needed to succeed in a competitive marketplace.

He also serves as Host of the OCHCC Small Business Development Center Finance Center, where he and his team of advisors support entrepreneurs at every stage from startup to funding to long-term growth helping translate vision into sustainable success.

Reuben’s leadership extends beyond his organization. He serves on the boards of the Los Angeles Mission and the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation, and previously served on the board of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. His contributions have earned him recognition from the Orange County Business Journal as one of the region’s Top 500 Business Leaders.

A founding member of the UCI–OC Alliance, Reuben holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Through his work, Reuben Franco continues to shape the economic landscape of Orange County championing business growth, strengthening community connections, and advancing opportunities for future generations.

The HL | Milestone Series is a national platform designed to celebrate leadership across business, community, education, and innovation.

The 2026 HL | Milestone Series is made possible through the support of Wells Fargo, the series’ funding partner, whose commitment to community engagement and financial empowerment helps bring these important conversations and recognitions to life.

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Liliana T. Pérez-Palacios

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Liliana T. Pérez-Palacios

Apr 6, 2026 | Milestone

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Liliana T. Pérez-Palacios

Public Servant | Community Connector | Cultural Strategist

Liliana T. Pérez-Palacios serves as Cultural Affairs Director for the Los Angeles Chargers, where she leads strategic partnerships and community engagement across California’s dynamic economic and cultural landscape. Her work focuses on building meaningful connections between the organization and the communities it serves, while aligning initiatives that deliver value to both sponsors and fans.

Liliana T. Pérez-Palacios will be recognized during the HL | Milestone Series — Orange County, taking place on April 30, 2026. This invitation-only reception brings together a curated audience of executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for an evening of connection, conversation, and recognition.

👉 Event details: https://bit.ly/4qEref1

With nearly 25 years in public service, Pérez-Palacios held senior leadership roles within the California State Assembly, where she became known for advancing initiatives that support local economies and address critical social issues. She has built a reputation for bringing together leaders across government, business, and community sectors to drive collaboration and lasting impact.

She continues that work today through her leadership in professional sports, strengthening community relationships and expanding opportunities for engagement across diverse audiences.

Pérez-Palacios has also been recognized for her advocacy on behalf of women, immigrants, and the LGBTQ community. She remains actively engaged in civic leadership, including service with the Los Angeles Unified School District and the City of Los Angeles Commission on the Status of Women.

Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and raised in Los Angeles, Pérez-Palacios reflects a lifelong commitment to leadership, service, and community.

The HL | Milestone Series is a national platform designed to celebrate leadership across business, community, education, and innovation.

The 2026 HL | Milestone Series is made possible through the support of Wells Fargo, the series’ funding partner, whose commitment to community engagement and financial empowerment helps bring these important conversations and recognitions to life.