Rep. Judy Chu Honors Pasadena Leaders at 2023 Congressional Leadership of the Year Awards Ceremony

U.S. Represenative Judy Chu, who represents the Pasadena area in Congress, bestowed her prestigious Congressional Leadership of the Year Awards upon two Pasadena civic leaders and a Pasadena-based organization for their exceptional contributions to the San Gabriel Valley communities. 

The annual event leadership and volunteerism in California’s 28th Congressional District. The awarding ceremony was held Saturday, July 29. 

“The selected groups and individuals received this honor because of the remarkable, commendable work they have accomplished in their fields,” Rep. Chu said. “The honorees are leaders who have stood out because of their drive and commitment to support our communities, help vulnerable populations, and carry us through difficult times. They are heroes that inspire us all.”

Among the awardees were Abel Ramirez, locally renowned Pasadena restaurateur, and Dianne Lewis, dedicated CEO of the Alkebu-Lan Cultural Center. Friends In Deed, a Pasadena-based interfaith organization, was honored as Non-profit of the Year.

Ramirez, a native of Yucatán, Mexico, was named Businessperson of the Year. He has long been a prominent figure in Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley. He began his restaurant career at The Huntington Hotel and later became general manager of The Athenaeum at Caltech before establishing his own restaurant, El Portal, in Pasadena in 1995. 

Apart from his business success, Ramirez has displayed a remarkable commitment to helping those in need, particularly children and older adults. He actively serves on the board of Pasadena Senior Center and has been involved with various organizations such as Families Forward, Hillsides Home for Children, and the Pasadena Playhouse. 

Dianne Lewis was named Activist of the Year during the ceremony. A retired Educational Specialist from the Los Angeles Unified School District, she is highly regarded for her expertise, knowledge, and dedication to improving public education and community service. Her background includes extensive work with difficult students and partnerships and programs developed during her doctoral work at UCLA and California State University.

Under her direction, Alkebu-Lan Cultural Center has become a vibrant hub for showcasing African American artists and educating children about the arts. The center provides exposure to various music genres, storytelling, and dance forms, enriching the lives of its attendees. 

As a community liaison, Lewis passionately advocates for the revitalization of the educational system, positive relationships between the police and people of color, and community safety, all while striving for the success of African American youth.

Friends In Deed, a Pasadena-based interfaith organization, was honored as Non-profit of the Year. Celebrating over 125 years of service, Friends In Deed has made a significant impact by providing supportive services to homeless and at-risk individuals and families, allowing them to rebuild their lives with compassion, connection, and dignity. 

The group’s five ongoing programs, including The Women’s Room, Food Pantry, Street Outreach and Housing, Bad Weather Supplies, and Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance, have transformed tens of thousands of lives since its inception in 1894. 

During the ceremony, Rep. Chu also recognized other notable individuals and organizations in the San Gabriel Valley for their outstanding contributions, including the Claremont Forum, Tin Tran, Sierra Madre Playhouse, Foothills Community Scholarship Foundation of La Cañada Flintridge, Nicolas Quach, and Shirley Virginia Kelley Bellemeur.

Each of the awardees were selected from nominations submitted by members of their community.