The Los Angeles Post

The ELAC Foundation Celebrates Community, Partnerships, and Philanthropy at the 2025 President’s Circle VIP Luncheon

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Monterey Park, CA – October 2025-The East Los Angeles College (ELAC) Foundation proudly hosted its annual President’s Circle VIP Luncheon honoring LA County Sheriff Robert Luna, SoCalGas, and CA College Corps, and CA Volunteers – College Corps with the ELAC President’s Circle 2025 Community Circle Award with Keynote Speaker CA State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez at the Courtyard by Marriott in Monterey Park.

The sold-out event drew more than 300 community members, including more than thirty current and former elected officials, including, US Representative Judy Chu, CA State Senator Sasha Perez, CA State Assembly members Jessica Caloza and Mike Fong, LA County Sheriff Robert Luna, LA County Accessor Jeff Prang, City of South El Monte Councilmember Manny Acosta, City of Alhambra Vice Mayor Ross Maza, and councilmembers Councilmember Jeff Koji Maloney, Adele Andrade-Stadler and Noya Wang, City of Monterey Park Mayor Elizabeth Yang, Mayor Pro Tem Henry Lo, and Councilmembers Thomas Wong, Vinh Ngo and Jose Sanchez, City of Montebello Mayor Salvador Melendez, City of Montebello Mayor pro tem Georgina Tamayo, City of Commerce Mayor Kevin Lainez, City of Pomona Councilmember Victor Preciado, City of Pomona Councilmember Marisol Ramirez, City of Bell Mayor Ali Saleh, City of South Gate Councilmember Al Rios, City of Cudahy Councilmember Martin U. Fuentes, Former Mayor of the City of Alhambra, Luis Ayala, former Mayor of San Gabriel City, John Harrington, former Garvey School District Board member Felipe E. Agredano, and CA State Assemblymember Mark Gonzales, District Director Sebastian Lozano.

The event also included business leaders, educators, ELAC students, faculty and staff, and alumni, bringing together a vibrant cross-section of the region’s most dedicated advocates for education, reflecting the Foundation’s mission to ensure that every student — regardless of background or circumstance — has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Guests enjoyed networking, heartfelt speeches, and stories of student triumph — all underscoring the life-changing power of community partnership.

A highlight of the event was the keynote address by Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, who represents California’s 25th Senate District. Senator Pérez delivered an inspiring message on the themes of access, equity, and educational opportunity, emphasizing how community partnerships and philanthropy play a critical role in “building bridges to opportunity.” Her words resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing the luncheon’s spirit of shared purpose and service.

The Foundation was also honored to have CA State Senator Pérez as the keynote speaker of the event. Senator Pérez delivered an inspiring message on the themes of access, equity, and educational opportunity, emphasizing how community partnerships and philanthropy play a critical role in “building bridges to opportunity.” Her words resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing the luncheon’s spirit of shared purpose and service.

The Foundation was also honored to welcome Congresswoman Judy Chu, a longtime advocate for higher education and former psychology professor at ELAC. Congresswoman Chu reflected on her time teaching at ELAC and spoke about the college’s lasting legacy of empowering working-class families through education.

ELAC Interim President Dr. Monte Perez, who presided over the event, opened the program by expressing gratitude for the continued support of ELAC’s donors, partners, and community leaders “This gathering is a reflection of what can happen when our community comes together around a shared mission — ensuring that every student, regardless of circumstance, has access to the tools, support, and opportunities they need to succeed,” said Dr. Pérez. “The generosity and leadership represented in this room directly transform lives.
Throughout the luncheon, guests were reminded that their support of the President’s Circle extends far beyond the college campus. Through programs such as the ELAC Transforming Lives Campaign, the Emergency Assistance Fund, and other Foundation-led initiatives, the Circle’s contributions help address real challenges faced by students every day — including food insecurity, housing instability, limited digital access, and lack of professional clothing or career resources.

Guests were also treated to heartfelt testimonials from students whose lives have been changed through ELAC Foundation programs — stories that powerfully illustrated how donor support translates into tangible opportunity.

ELAC Foundation Board President Marissa Castro-Salvati delivered an inspiring address, praising the generosity of the Foundation’s donors and the collective impact of community leadership.

“The President’s Circle represents the heart of what we stand for — community, collaboration, and compassion,” said Castro-Salvati. “Every gift, every partnership, and every act of service helps us move closer to a future where all students have the opportunity to thrive. Together, we’re not just supporting education; we’re transforming lives.”

ELAC President’s Circle and the Foundations would like to thank the event sponsors, Visionary Circle Sponsors- Courtyard by Marriott, Los Angeles, Monterey Park, Transtech Engineers, and Athens Services. Leadership Level Sponsor-Cordoba Corporation, SoCalGas, and Cal Water. Scholars Circle Level Sponsor-IBEW Local 11, Kaiser Permanente, and Jacobs. Fellows Circle Level Sponsor-Congresswoman Judy Chu.

Funds raised during the luncheon will directly support student scholarships, academic resources, and essential-needs programs throughout the year — ensuring that ELAC students have the foundation they need to succeed academically, professionally, and personally.