Sometimes, you just need to say “Thank You” . . . dozens and dozens of times.

The 2nd Annual
Best Start Leadership Appreciation event welcomed – and expressed gratitude to – close to 200
participants at the Los Angeles County Arboretum on December 10.

The focus of the event was to celebrate the
accomplishments of the 14 Best Start
Community Partnerships
and thank these leaders for their work throughout the year. Speakers included First 5
LA Commissioner Marlene Zepeda, Executive Director Kim Belshé and Best Start Communities Director
Antoinette Andrews.

First 5 LA Director of Community Relations Rafael González also spoke, specifically
showing appreciation for members who had gone above and beyond in 2016 by participating in the Learning Communities
and Transition Team. All leaders received a nice gift and those who went above and beyond received a pin
saying “Outstanding Volunteer.”

Click through the photo slide show below to see pictures from this
special celebration.




Women’s History Month: Alma Cortes, Ed.D.

Women’s History Month: Alma Cortes, Ed.D.

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By, Ruel Nolledo | Freelance Writer March 27, 2025 Shakur was 2 when he started crossing his fingers. It happened a lot. His mom, Brooklynn, noticed that the behavior happened every time they visited the local park. That's when she did some sleuthing online and...

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Women’s History Month: La Tanga Hardy, Ed.D. 

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Women’s History Month 2025: Nancy Hurlbut, Ph.D.

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March 27, 2025 In celebration of Women’s History Month and this year’s theme — Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations — First 5 LA is shining a spotlight on remarkable women leading the way in early childhood education (ECE). In this bio...

Women’s History Month 2025: Jan Fish, Ed.D.

Women’s History Month 2025: Jan Fish, Ed.D.

March 27,2025 In celebration of Women’s History Month and this year’s theme — Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations — First 5 LA is shining a spotlight on remarkable women leading the way in early childhood education (ECE). In this bio...

Women’s History Month 2025: Denise Kennedy, Ph.D. 

Women’s History Month 2025: Denise Kennedy, Ph.D. 

March 27, 2025 In celebration of Women’s History Month and this year’s theme — Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations — First 5 LA is shining a spotlight on remarkable women leading the way in early childhood education (ECE). In this bio...

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