onegreater los angeles

Working together for peace, justice, freedom, equality and dignity.

pg 2 From the Desk of Faye Washington, YWCA GLA President & CEO

WHAT’S INSIDE

pg 3 Digital Learning Academy

February 2015

Welcome to ONE VOICE,

ONE MOVEMENT,

ONE VISION.

pg 4 Meet Christopher Crease & Wileen Hernandez

pg 6 District Attorney Jackie Lacey Visits YWCA GLA Job Corps

Partnership with Xerox Corporation Establishes Pioneering Digital Learning Academy

YWCA Greater Los Angeles continually seeks to offer high-quality vocational and professional skills training that addresses the ever-evolving needs of both the Los Angeles labor force and employers. The rapid pace of technology-driven innovation has significantly impacted every industry. For workers to be best prepared to fill the new jobs, they must be strategically trained in areas that offer the best new pathways to opportunity and exhibit strong potential for job growth.

Challenged by the JPMorgan Chase “New Skills at Work” call to action, YWCA Greater Los Angeles considered how best to leverage resources to most effectively and rapidly harness a prospective talent pool, train them in the latest high-demand skills of the Digital Age and present them to the employer base demanding that talent.

Thus, an innovative partnership with Xerox Corporation was created to address the digital skills gap prevalent in today’s available labor force. The Digital Learning Academy (DLA) will feature a customized curriculum based on the Xerox’s “School to Career” program.

The academy structure will provide high quality career and technical education and training resulting in certificated graduates placed in career path positions in the digital fields.

The DLA accredited training model addresses three digital skill areas with the highest demand and the greatest gap between open positions and qualified talent to employ. It will present the following accredited courses through specialized training, mentoring and career counseling/job coaching: • GraphicsCommunication • Coding/Programming• DigitalPrinting • 3DPrinting/IndustrialProductDesign

It is ultimately the mission of the YWCA Greater Los Angeles DLA to effectively leverage public, private and nonprofit resources to maximum benefit to prepare disadvantaged youth for success in the digital age.

“Much of the print industry is

transitioning to digital printing

including sophisticated machines and

programs. This equipment requires

training and skilled workers. Xerox

is proud to partner with the YWCA

Greater Los Angeles to provide this

important training.”

Monserrat Ames, Xerox Regional Sales Manager

The Digital Learning Academy teaches cutting edge technology in a field where there are more jobs available than expertise exists. The mission is to

train individuals, get them certified in various components of digital printing, and place them in the workforce. After matriculating through this academy, individuals will have the necessary tools to lead a productive career in a growing field. When one of these students graduates, they will have top-notch classroom training behind them as well as hands-on experience working in a digital print shop where they have personally taken print jobs from beginning to end.

One refreshing reality with the YWCA - they did not approach Xerox asking what we could do for them but rather they asked “what can we do together?” This spirit has made a huge difference. When I met the YWCA team and saw how passionate and dynamic they are. I went from possibly giving financial resources to saying “I’m all in.”

Ian O’Donnell, Senior Vice President of Southern California/Las Vegas Operations for Xerox

“The Digital Learning Academy is an opportunity for youth who refuse to be defined by their circumstance to take advantage of a learning opportunity to get a foothold in this new digital environment.”

FayeWashington,PresidentandCEO,YWCAGreaterLosAngeles

“I’m working toward becoming a graphic and web designer so having this training and education added to my resume will give me that extra step I will need to get a great job.”

DigitalLearningAcademyCandidate

“What the YWCA Greater Los Angeles is doing in partnership with Xerox, and with other partners, is building communities, they are building lives. There is no higher example of the mission of the YWCA than something like this academy.”

MitchO’Farrell,LosAngeles Councilmember,13thDistrict

PAGE 2

Dear Friends of the YWCA Greater Los Angeles:

These past few months have been exhilarating and exemplary for the YWCA Greater Los Angeles filled with ‘firsts’ and a bold living out of our mission. Thank you to our honorees and many

partners who made the 2014 Rhapsody Ball such an unprecedented success. Your spirit of generosity encourages us and enables us to continue this great work.

Another highlight of the past few months has been the conceptualization and creation of the Digital Learning Academy, the result of a unique, forward-thinking partnership with Xerox Corporation. The academy, where students will begin classes March 2015, is an answer to the emerging career and technical opportunities within the digital environment. This accredited program will train students using custom curriculum and hands-on experience and place them within jobs that demand knowledge and experience in the areas of digital printing, 3D printing, and coding.

On the horizon for the YWCA Greater Los Angeles is this year’s Phenomenal Woman Awards on May 13, 2015 at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel. Be sure to save the date and purchase your tickets for this event you will not want to miss.

We are truly grateful for YOU, our partners and friends. Your support and encouragement inspires us to continue addressing the most pressing needs of the community.

With gratitude,

Faye WashingtonPresident and CEO YWCA Greater Los Angeles

“The goal is for students to graduate the program with certification and be able to walk into a company, which operates this type of equipment, skilled enough to get a solid job that will turn into a career. As society moves forward in technology, we need people who can work the specialized equipment that is being developed. This venture is an opportunity to improve the local community as a whole and give people skills that employers need.”

TashaCarter,Director,YWCAGreaterLosAngelesDigitalLearningAcademy

“The Digital Learning Academy offers new horizons, new opportunities for individuals to walk through a broad door. We built customized curriculum technology – we basically built whole new programs. We are going to educate and train students on some of these fascinating, emerging technologies. This is a full circle solution that is a win/win for everybody.”

BillJones,WorkflowProductionManager,XeroxCorporation

“I’m really excited about the 3D printing because it is such a new technology. It’s extremely exciting that I’m one of many who will learn these skills and will be able to grow this information into a career.”

DigitalLearningAcademyCandidate

PAGE 3

Digital Learning Academy

We create a safe spac

O N E V O I C EO N E V O I C E

Seasoned Managers Bring Years of Experience to the YWCA Greater Los Angeles Team

Christopher CreaseFund Development Manager

Mr. Crease is a seasoned professional yielding over 15 years of experience with non-profits such as the American Red Cross and YWCA Houston.

WhydoesthemissionoftheYWCAresonatewithyoupersonally? Throughout the entirety of my career, I’ve been helping the local community,

assisting families and neighborhoods. During my 15 years in the nonprofit sector, I’ve been on the program side as well as the funding side. I know what it takes to develop strong, relevant programming and ensure their vitality through funding.

WhatisyourroleattheYWCAGLA?Whatisyourvisionforyourdepartment/role? My role in the organization is to build and foster partnerships that result in secured funding for programs and services. Raising money for the work is a byproduct of the relationships that are built and enriched. My vision is to extend our reach in strategic partnerships, increase donor base, and increase our bottom line through donor cultivation and reengagement.

WhatinfluencesandexperiencesdoyoubringtotheorganizationthatwillfurtherpropelthemissionandtheFundDevelopmentteam? I’m a team builder at heart and I grow programs. If a program needs help being designed or funded, that’s my expertise. Having worked with several types of programs that serve all age groups from children to seniors, I bring an understanding of the effort it takes to serve the community and make a difference.

WhyareyoucommittedtoyourworkatYWCAGreaterLosAngelesandwhyisitimportantfromthecommunity’sperspective? I believe in the mission, that’s why I’m here. We seek to strengthen the community. The YWCA Signature Programs address the need of the community. My team’s job is to keep those programs operational, to get people and partners behind them. We strive to keep these programs viable in the community.

Whatissomethinginterestingaboutyouthatothersmightnotknow? Playing basketball in college and overseas prepared me for a 12 year stint as a teacher and coach and gave me great experience in building teams. Additionally, I am an avid sportsman and I love to fish and hunt.

Wileen HernandezCommunications and Advocacy Manager

Ms. Hernandez joined the YWCA Greater Los Angeles team in January 2015. Having worked within the Department of Veterans Affairs in Los Angeles and for the Orthopaedic Institute for Children, her career has focused on serving the community.

WhydoesthemissionoftheYWCAresonatewithyoupersonally?The YWCA mission is big and a common denominator for me. I am committed to empowering women and helping families who are less fortunate have access to services and programs. There is great need in the community for assistance and support. If I can help do something about this, I consider myself lucky.

WhatisyourroleattheYWCAGreaterLosAngeles?There are many components to my job from

media relations to communication pieces to supportive documents that carry our mission and get the message to multiple channels. There are a lot of great organizations out there - my job is to make sure the YWCA is being heard so we can make impact in the lives of women, children, seniors, and families we serve.

Whatisyourvisionforyourdepartment? My vision is that we would be recognized in the community as bold leaders of change and access. When people hear about the YWCA Greater Los Angeles, I want them to know we are creating opportunities for individuals who may not have the resources other people have.

WhatexperiencesdoyoubringtothetablethatwillfurtherpropeltheorganizationandtheCommunicationsteam?It is an honor to have built a career around helping other people. My skills are in communications, marketing, and advocacy. I will work to shed light on programs and build awareness in the community. I understand the Los Angeles area and can plug in and grow the department in different ways.

Whyistheworkoftheorganizationimportantfromthecommunity’sperspective? I’ve been able to talk to students who are getting an education and starting a foundation for their careers. This is special. I love working from the Urban Campus downtown – amongst the students. I get to see the impact of the YWCA Greater Los Angeles daily.

Whatissomethinginterestingaboutyouthatothersmightnotknow? I love animals. My dog’s name is Peanut. My incredibly charismatic cat Holden is named after a character in Catcher in the Rye, one of my favorite books. PAGE 4

O N E V O I C EO N E V O I C E

PAGE 5

13th Annual Rhapsody Ballt h e

B A L LThe 13th Annual Rhapsody Ball was a striking

success thanks to many partners and friends of the YWCA Greater Los Angeles. SilverAchievementhonoreesCherylBooneIsaacs,

PresidentoftheAcademyofMotionPictureArtsandSciences, and EliseBuik,PresidentandCEOofUnitedWayofGreaterLosAngeles, “Define the compassionate and inspiring achievement to which the YWCA Greater Los Angeles aspires, turning young lives of survival onto paths of success,” stated Ms. Washington. The Corporate Champion Award was presented to Xerox Corporation, accepted by Senior Vice President, SBU Operations for Southern California and Las Vegas, Ian O’Donnell.

YWCA GLA Ambassador Kathy Ireland began the evening paying tribute to the organization’s successful efforts to combat racism and empower women as well as the powerful roles the evening’s honorees have played in those goals.

“Cheryl Boone Isaacs is a splendid example of the extraordinary African-American female leadership advances in American culture, art, commerce and, so importantly, social activism,” Ms. Washington observed. The iconic SidneyPoitier, first actor of color to win a best actor Academy Award, presented the Silver Achievement award to Cheryl Boone Isaacs.

Ms. Washington continued, “In 2005, Elise Buik made history by becoming the first female president and CEO of the United Way of Greater Los Angeles (UWGLA), and she has expanded on that with her creative and compassionate leadership of that humane undertaking, launching the organization’s 10-year action plan called Creating Pathways Out of Poverty.” Ms. Washington announced that this year’s Rhapsody Ball will fund the new state-of-the-art Digital Learning Academy, a result of a partnership between Xerox Corporation and the YWCA Greater Los Angeles.

The evenings Fund to Cause was a great success! Thank you to the corporate participants JP Morgan Chase, City of Los Angeles Mayor’s Office and Southern California Edison. An extra thank you to all of the Rhapsody Dinner guests that donated to our Fund to Cause. Our celebrity guest, Jacqueline Bisset donated a private dinner for a lucky donor as her guest, triggering an instant bid of $10,000. The rush of pledges which followed contributed nearly a half million dollars.

Thank you to our sponsors and donors for their outpouring of support for the Rhapsody Ball and, more importantly, the work of the YWCA Greater Los Angeles.

Sir Sidney Poitier honors Silver Achievement honoree Cheryl Boone Isaacs, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Silver Achievement honoree Elise Buik, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Los Angeles and Sir Sidney Poitier Corporate

Champion Awardee Ian O’Donnell, Xerox Senior Vice President, SBU Operations for Southern California and Las Vegas and YWCA Greater Los Angeles Board Chairwoman Eleanor Beasley

Jacqueline Bisset and YWCA Greater Los Angeles Ambassador Kathy Ireland

To support the work of the YWCA Greater Los Angeles visit: www.ywcagla.org

O N E V O I C E

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nORTh VALLEY

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YWCA Greater Los Angeles Empowerment Centers & Satellite Offices

Faye Washington Youth Empowerment Center1020 South Olive Street Los Angeles, CA 90015Contact: (213) 365-2991

Supervisor Gloria Molina Community Empowerment Center7515 Pacific Blvd. Walnut Park, CA 90255Contact: (213) 516-3575

Union Pacific Empowerment Center 4315 Union Pacific Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90023Contact: (323) 415-6057

Digital Learning Academy Studio Club Empowerment Center 1215 Lodi Place Los Angeles, CA 90038Contact: (213) 516-3557

Angeles Mesa Empowerment Center 2501 W. Vernon Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90008Contact: (323) 295-4288

Compton Empowerment Center 1600 E. Compton Blvd. Compton, CA 90221 Contact: (310) 763-9117

South Bay Sexual Assault Crisis Services920 Atlantic Avenue Long Beach, CA 90813Contact: (562) 590-6400

Felicia Mahood Senior Center11338 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028Contact: (323) 295-4288

north Valley Infant Learning Center 11133 Omelveny AveSan Fernando, CA 91340Contact: (818) 365-7344

north Valley Empowerment Center1200 North Maclay Avenue San Fernando, CA 91340Contact: (818) 365-6881

YWCA Greater Los Angeles at Osborne12059 Osborne Street Sylmar, CA 91331 Contact: (818) 896-3322

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District Attorney Jackie Lacey has spent most of her professional life as a prosecutor, manager and executive in the LA County District Attorney’s Office. On January 13, 2015 she visited our students at YWCA Greater Los Angeles Job Corps Urban Campus and we were thrilled!

District Attorney Jackie Lacey Visits YWCA Greater Los Angeles Job Corps Students

2015Phenomenal

Woman Awards

YWCA GrEATEr LOS AnGELES PrESEnTS

#iamphenomenal

SAVE tHE DAtE!MAY 13, 2015 @ 11 AM

greater los angeles

YWCA Greater Los Angeles is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

Become a member today and ADD YOUR voice to help change YOUR community and empower lives! Visit ywcagla.org/membership for more information.

YWCA Greater Los Angeles: Safe space to live, learn and grow.

Officers:Eleanor Beasley Board Chairwoman

Lisa D. Cagnolatti Board Vice Chair

Alva P. Adams-Mason Secretary

Patricia Keane Treasurer

Elected Members:Margaret Leong Checca

Dr. Annalisa EnrileGerald M. Ford

Trisha MuseMichelle IsenbergDiedra PorscheAmanda J. Lee

Patricia Reed-Cunningham

Faye Washington President and CEO

YWCA Greater Los Angeles Board of Directors

If you would like to receive One Voice via email, please email n.wilson@ywcagla.org.

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1020 S. Olive Street, 7th FloorLos Angeles 90015

T h a n k y o u T o o u r Pa r T n e r s !

Please Join Us Wednesday, May 13, 2015 @ 11:00 am

Omni Los Angeles hotel

Southern California’s top executives salute the accomplishments of

women leaders in the Los Angeles business community

For tickets, tables and sponsorships log on to: YWCAGLA.OrG or contact Greg richardson at (310) 659-5517 or email ywcagla@eventsbyone.com