HL | Milestone Series – Honors The Brinn Group

HL | Milestone Series – Honors The Brinn Group

May 12, 2026 | Milestone

HL | Milestone Series – Honors The Brinn Group

Building the Relationships That Move Communities Forward

For more than three decades, The Brinn Group has helped organizations navigate the complex intersection of business, government, and community engagement across the New York metropolitan area.

Led by Fernando Brinn, the firm has earned a reputation for bringing together the right stakeholders to move important projects forward—whether supporting a real estate development, expanding a business initiative, or helping nonprofit organizations strengthen their impact.

The Brinn Group will be recognized during the HL | Milestone Series — New York, taking place on May 20, 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 & RSVP: https://bit.ly/4bApDkE

Fernando Brinn’s milestone is defined by his ability to build trust, create meaningful partnerships, and guide clients through the public affairs and community relations process with credibility and strategic insight.

Fernando L. Brinn

The Brinn Group specializes in:

  • Community and stakeholder engagement
  • Government and public affairs strategy
  • Coalition building
  • Grassroots advocacy
  • Strategic communications
  • Business development consulting

From neighborhood-based nonprofits to major corporate and development projects, the firm provides clients with the relationships and strategic guidance needed to achieve results while maintaining strong community ties.

Throughout his career, Fernando Brinn has demonstrated that influence is built on relationships, credibility, and a genuine understanding of how communities and institutions work together.

As CEO of The Brinn Group, he continues to help shape projects and initiatives that contribute to economic development and long-term community growth throughout New York City 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.

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Elizabeth C. Yeampierre

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Elizabeth C. Yeampierre

May 12, 2026 | Milestone

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Elizabeth C. Yeampierre

Advancing Climate Justice and Community-Led Solutions

Elizabeth C. Yeampierre has spent her career ensuring that frontline communities have a voice in shaping environmental policy and climate solutions.

As Executive Director of UPROSE, Brooklyn’s oldest Latino community-based organization, she has led transformative efforts to address environmental inequities while advocating for community-driven economic development, renewable energy, and climate resilience.

Elizabeth C. Yeampierre will be recognized during the HL | Milestone Series — New York, taking place on May 20, 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 & RSVP: https://bit.ly/4bApDkE

Her milestone is defined by a lifetime commitment to environmental and climate justice elevating the voices of historically underserved communities and helping ensure they are represented in policy discussions at the local, national, and global levels.

A nationally respected attorney and advocate, Yeampierre made history as the first Latina to serve as Chair of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Environmental Justice Advisory Council. In that role, she helped shape federal conversations on environmental justice and equitable climate policy.

She also founded the NYC Climate Justice Youth Summit, creating a platform that empowers young people to engage directly in the climate movement and become the next generation of leaders.

Through her work with UPROSE and her broader advocacy, Elizabeth C. Yeampierre continues to demonstrate that effective leadership begins with listening to the community and building solutions rooted in justice, sustainability, and long-term impact.

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 NAWBO NYC

HL | Milestone Series – Honors NAWBO NYC

May 9, 2026 | Milestone

HL | Milestone Series – Honors NAWBO NYC

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs and Expanding Economic Opportunity

For nearly five decades, the National Association of Women Business Owners has served as one of the nation’s most influential advocates for women entrepreneurs. Its New York City chapter, NAWBO NYC, continues that legacy by supporting women business owners across one of the most competitive and dynamic markets in the world.

NAWBO NYC’s milestone is defined by its unwavering commitment to helping women entrepreneurs build stronger companies, expand their networks, and gain access to the resources needed to grow and thrive.

NAWBO NYC will be recognized during the HL | Milestone Series — New York, taking place on May 20, 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 & RSVP: https://bit.ly/4bApDkE

Through educational programming, strategic networking, mentorship, and public policy advocacy, the organization provides women business owners with practical tools and meaningful connections. Its members represent a wide range of industries, including professional services, technology, finance, healthcare, creative industries, and consumer businesses.

Beyond individual business success, NAWBO NYC plays a critical role in advancing the broader conversation around women’s economic leadership. The organization creates opportunities for members to connect with corporate partners, government agencies, and fellow entrepreneurs while championing policies that foster entrepreneurship and economic inclusion.

In a city defined by innovation, resilience, and ambition, NAWBO NYC continues to provide a powerful platform where women entrepreneurs can learn, collaborate, and lead.

At the 2026 HL | Milestone Series – New York, we are proud to recognize NAWBO NYC for its enduring contribution to entrepreneurship and for helping shape a stronger and more inclusive business community.

Milestone Highlights

  • Supports women business owners through education, mentorship, and strategic networking.
  • Connects entrepreneurs with corporate partners, procurement opportunities, and community resources.
  • Advocates for policies that strengthen women-owned businesses.
  • Builds a collaborative community of accomplished women entrepreneurs across New York City.
  • Helps expand economic opportunity through leadership and business development.

Website: NAWBO NYC

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.

Tracy M. Serrano-Ruiz | Interim Chief Executive Officer – LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes

Tracy M. Serrano-Ruiz | Interim Chief Executive Officer – LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes

May 8, 2026 | Culture and Influence, Women and Leadership

by Richard Sandoval, for HL and Inland Valley Living

LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes Announces Leadership Transition and Renewed Focus on Long-Term Sustainability

In the heart of downtown Los Angeles, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes has long served as a place where history, culture, and community come together to celebrate the stories and contributions of Mexicans, Mexican Americans, and Latinos.

Now, the institution is entering a new chapter.

LA Plaza recently announced a leadership transition and a series of operational steps designed to strengthen the organization’s long-term sustainability while reaffirming its commitment to serving the community through high-quality cultural programming and educational initiatives.

Tracy Serrano-Ruiz – Interim Chief Executive Officer, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes

Strengthening the Foundation for the Future

According to the organization, the Board of Directors has undertaken a thoughtful review of operations and expenses to ensure that resources are aligned with LA Plaza’s institutional priorities.

These actions include leadership changes, organizational adjustments, and measures intended to stabilize operations while maintaining focus on the museum and cultural center’s mission.

“These decisions were made with great care and a deep sense of responsibility to the institution and the community we serve,” said Board Chair Robert Villaseñor. “Our focus is on ensuring that LA Plaza remains a vibrant, sustainable cultural anchor for Los Angeles for years to come.”

For organizations dedicated to preserving culture and history, moments like these are critical. Strong governance and thoughtful planning help ensure that institutions not only weather periods of change, but emerge better positioned to serve future generations.

Tracy M. Serrano-Ruiz Named Interim CEO

As part of the transition, the Board has appointed Tracy M. Serrano-Ruiz as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

Serrano-Ruiz has served as Chief of Staff and is widely respected for her role in strengthening internal operations, governance, and mission delivery over the years.

“The Board has full confidence in Tracy’s leadership during this time,” Villaseñor said. “She brings deep institutional knowledge, a strong commitment to our mission, and the steady leadership needed to guide LA Plaza forward.”

Serrano-Ruiz expressed both gratitude and optimism as she assumes her new role.

“I am honored to step into this position and continue serving an institution that means so much to our community,” she said. “LA Plaza holds a vital place in preserving and sharing our stories, and I look forward to collaborating with our staff, Board, and partners to build on that legacy and a strong future.”

A Cultural Anchor for Los Angeles

Since opening in 2011, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes has become one of Southern California’s most important institutions dedicated to exploring and celebrating the history and culture of Mexicans, Mexican Americans, and Latinos.

Located near Olvera Street, LA Plaza serves as a dynamic space for exhibitions, performances, educational programming, and community dialogue.

Its work reflects the enduring influence of Latino culture on the history and identity of Los Angeles and the nation.

Moving Forward with Clarity and Purpose

With new leadership in place and operational changes underway, LA Plaza says it is well-positioned to move forward with renewed focus and stability.

For the broader community, the announcement underscores the importance of sustaining institutions that preserve culture, tell authentic stories, and create spaces where future generations can better understand the richness of their heritage.

As Los Angeles continues to evolve, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes remains a vital cultural resource one committed to honoring the past while shaping a stronger future.

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Ready • Set • Home | Opening the Door to Homeownership in Seattle

Ready • Set • Home | Opening the Door to Homeownership in Seattle

May 8, 2026 | Events, Home Tu Casa

Ready • Set • Home | Opening the Door to Homeownership in Seattle

For many individuals and families, the dream of homeownership remains one of the most important financial and personal milestones in life. Yet in today’s housing market especially in metropolitan areas like Seattle the path toward purchasing a home can often feel overwhelming.

That is precisely why the Ready • Set • Home program was created.

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REGISTER HERE

Produced in partnership with Credit.org and featuring City National Bank as the featured mortgage lending partner, the virtual homebuyer education program is designed to help individuals better understand the homebuying process while connecting them with trusted professionals and resources.

The Seattle-focused online session will take place on:

Thursday, May 21, 2026
5:30 PM PDT
Focused on the greater Seattle market and surrounding communities.

The Ready • Set • Home program brings together housing counselors, lending professionals, and local real estate experts to provide practical insight into what prospective buyers need to know before beginning their homeownership journey.

Topics covered during the session include:

  • Understanding credit and financial readiness
  • Mortgage basics and financing options
  • Down payment assistance programs
  • Navigating today’s housing market
  • Preparing for long-term financial stability through homeownership

A key component of the program is accessibility.

As a nonprofit organization, Credit.org provides educational resources designed to help participants make informed decisions without pressure or sales-driven messaging. The goal is to help individuals and families become financially prepared before entering the homebuying process.

Representing the lending perspective, City National Bank will provide insight into mortgage lending, financing preparation, and the importance of understanding available options in today’s market environment.

Seattle continues to be one of the nation’s most competitive housing markets. Rising home values, changing interest rates, and limited inventory have made preparation more important than ever particularly for first-time homebuyers.

The Ready • Set • Home program was developed to help simplify that process.

Beyond financial education, the conversation also focuses on confidence helping participants understand that homeownership may still be achievable with the right preparation, information, and support system.

The program reflects a growing recognition that prospective buyers need more than advertisements or online calculators. They need trusted conversations, real-world guidance, and access to professionals who understand both the opportunities and challenges facing today’s buyers.

For many participants, the journey toward homeownership does not begin with a mortgage application.

It begins with understanding the process.

And that is where Ready • Set • Home hopes to make a difference.

To RSVP for the Seattle session, visit:
Register Here for the Seattle Ready • Set • Home Session

For additional information on upcoming programs and resources, visit:
Credit.org

About the supporters of the Ready • Set • Home Series 

Founded more than 50 years ago, Credit.org is a nonprofit financial wellness organization dedicated to helping individuals and families build stronger financial futures. The organization provides HUD-certified housing counseling, homebuyer education, financial literacy programs, debt management guidance, and foreclosure prevention services designed to help consumers make informed financial decisions. Through education-focused programs like Ready • Set • Home, Credit.org continues its mission of making financial education accessible, practical, and empowering for communities nationwide.

City National Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to serving communities throughout the Seattle region by supporting programs focused on financial education, responsible homeownership, and long-term economic opportunity. Through its participation in the Ready • Set • Home initiative, City National Bank is helping connect prospective homebuyers with trusted information, lending insight, and community-focused resources designed to help individuals and families navigate today’s housing market with greater confidence and preparation.