Former Pasadena Commissioner Tamika Farr Named Pathways LA’s Chief Executive Officer

Pathways LA, which provides a range of resources to support a continuum of care for young disadvantaged children, has named Pasadena resident Tamika Farr its chief executive officer.

Farr has over 13 years of fundraising, strategic leadership, and management experience in the nonprofit sector.

“I am inspired by Pathways LA’s mission to strengthen low-income and vulnerable working families and support children in Los Angeles,” Farr said.

“Studies show that children who receive high-quality child care attend college at higher rates, have increased levels of emotional intelligence, and have higher earning potential. Currently, only one out of nine children have access to quality child care,” she said.

“I am eager to work with the Pathways LA team and our elected officials to develop policies that will change this ratio, ensuring that all children have access to the quality child care required to pave their pathway to success.”

Farr previously served as executive director of YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley and development director of Rosemary’s Children’s Services. She has also served with the Association of Community Human Service Agencies, the Pasadena Commission on the Status of Women, and the Valley Industry and Commerce Association.

Farr holds a bachelor’s degree in child development, a master’s degree in business administration, and an executive leadership certification from Cornell University.

As CEO, Farr brings her expertise in mental health to further expand Pathways LA’s mental health and trauma-informed care resources for low-income families and for child care providers.

Farr comes to Pathways LA from El Centro de Amistad, a multilingual, cross-cultural organization providing a comprehensive range of mental health services for children, adults, and families. During her tenure as executive director, she oversaw finance, staffing, compliance, and resource generation, and provided strategic leadership to advance the organization’s mission.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tamika to the Pathways LA family,” said Jenn Hsu, president of Pathways LA’s board of directors.

“Tamika is an experienced, strategic leader who is passionate about leveling the playing field for disenfranchised communities,” Hsu added. “Her experience, talents, and skills will elevate and expand Pathways LA’s work to provide the support and resources to accommodate the varying needs of disadvantaged communities.”