Pasadena Councilmember Justin Jones, Natalya Romo-Jones, and Families Forward Executive Director Elva Sandoval at the Families Forward Annual Soirée held at the University Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Families Forward Board President Miguel Loza, United States Congresswoman Judy Chu, Families Forward Executive Director Elva Sandoval, and Linda Lopez at the Families Forward Annual Soirée held at the University Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Honoree Jessica Sandoval Salazar, Joaquin Salazar, Arya Salazar, and Honoree Romulo Salazar at the Families Forward Annual Soirée held at the University Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Pasadena Fire Department first responders Jason Hansen, Matt Busko, Sean Dirlam, Rob O’Neill, and Evan Manzo at the Families Forward Annual Soirée held at the University Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Sylvia Paz, Families Forward Board President Miguel Loza, and Elisa Hernandez at the Families Forward Annual Soirée held at the University Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Jorge Ramos, Annette Ramos, Carrie Wickers, and Scott Hardiman at the Families Forward Annual Soirée held at the University Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Tanya Paz, Aaron Goldstein, Sylvia Paz, Lionel Carre, and Susan Carre at the Families Forward Annual Soirée held at the University Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Andrea Huicochea and Rene Licon at the Families Forward Annual Soirée held at the University Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Paola Santillan and Adriana Flores at the Families Forward Annual Soirée held at the University Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Ashok Boghani, Meera Boghani, Stephen McCurry, and Sandy Esserman at the Families Forward Annual Soirée held at the University Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Vannia De La Cuba and Sandi Mejia at the Families Forward Annual Soirée held at the University Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Tony Lopez, Rosalina Cerda, Veronica Lopez, Julian Perera, Linda Lopez-Perera, Sofia Perera, and Harold Perera at the Families Forward Annual Soirée held at the University Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Janice Shigaki and Andrew Shiozaki at the Families Forward Annual Soirée held at the University Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Brett Ramey, Sarah Lanni, Rachel Wee, and Katherine Kleveland at the Families Forward Annual Soirée held at the University Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Pat and Shannon Ward at the Families Forward Annual Soirée held at the University Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Zach Salomon, Meredith Salomon, Greg Millman, and Johanna Brown at the Families Forward Annual Soirée held at the University Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Ricky Kong and Wendy Carter at the Families Forward Annual Soirée held at the University Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Stephen Lassiter, Sarah Gonzalez, Henry Huttinger, Max Jones, Sarah Lanni, Liz Jensen, and Patrick Lanni at the Families Forward Annual Soirée held at the University Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Dana and Frank Stehverger at the Families Forward Annual Soirée held at the University Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Master of Ceremonies Jay Flats at the Families Forward Annual Soirée held at the University Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Robbie and Nancy Wilms at the Families Forward Annual Soirée held at the University Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Gabriel Vences and Paola Santillan at the Families Forward Annual Soirée held at the University Club [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Families Forward Learning Center hosted its annual Soirée on March 29, at the Pasadena University Club, bringing together community leaders, supporters, and local heroes to celebrate the organization’s ongoing work in empowering underserved families in Pasadena. The event honored Pasadena Councilmember Justin Jones, as well as Jessica Sandoval Salazar and Romulo Salazar, for their dedication to supporting families and education in the region.
Councilmember Justin Jones, a lifelong Pasadenan and licensed civil engineer with Los Angeles County Public Works, was recognized for his tireless advocacy for local families and his leadership in public services. As Chair of the Pasadena Municipal Services Committee and the Arroyo Verdugo Communities Joint Powers Authority, Jones has played a key role in improving essential services and fostering collaboration across the region. His longstanding support for Families Forward Learning Center highlights his commitment to empowering families through education and resources.
Jessica and Romulo Salazar were also celebrated for their contributions to the community. First-generation Mexican Americans and South Pasadena residents, the Salazars have been steadfast supporters of Families Forward for years. Jessica, a former healthcare strategy consultant, and Romulo, an information security leader in the high-tech sector, have championed efforts to deliver critical resources to children, parents, and educators. Their dedication reflects their deep belief in creating opportunities for all families to thrive.
This year’s Soirée had an added layer of significance as it focused on supporting Altadena businesses recovering from the recent Eaton Fire. Executive Director Elva Sandoval emphasized the importance of this effort.
Special guests included first responders from the Pasadena Fire Department, whose presence underscored the event’s theme of resilience and community support. In a standing ovation, attendees expressed gratitude for the firefighters’ bravery during the recent wildfires and their ongoing service to the city.
Since its founding in 1961, Families Forward Learning Center has been a cornerstone of the Pasadena community. Its two-generation learning model equips both parents and children with the tools they need to succeed, focusing on developmental milestones for children while enhancing parents’ skills in literacy, self-sufficiency, and advocacy. The organization’s impact over more than six decades was evident throughout the evening as attendees reflected on its role in shaping brighter futures for local families.
Families Forward Learning Center is located at 980 N. Fair Oaks Avenue in Pasadena. For more information on their programs and services visit https://www.familiesforwardlc.org/.
