By Ruth SOWBY  

The Glendale Latino Association (GLA) proudly carries the title 2024 California Non Profit of the Year, one of several named by former assembly member Laura Friedman. GLA lived up to that title when it hosted its 2025 Awards Luncheon & Board Installation on Thursday, Feb. 27 at the Oakmont Country Club.

As master of ceremonies, Emmy winner and ABC 7 Eyewitness News Anchor Jovana Lara kept the program moving. She was joined by GLA Past President Anita Quinonez Gabrielian. First up was the presentation of colors and flag salute led by Glendale Community College Campus Chief Gary Montecuollo, a past GLA Man of the Year. Glendale Mayor Pro-Tem Ardy Kassakhian offered city greetings.  

Keynote speaker was the Hon. Maria Lucy Armendariz who in 2018 was appointed judge to the LA County Superior Court. She described her life, overcoming her mother’s death in prison and living in foster care from age 8 to 18. The judge’s words to live by as a young person: “Failure is not an option.”  

She proved that time and time again. Seeking the advice of teachers and mentors, Armendariz was accepted into UCLA. There she appreciated having three meals a day and knowing where she would be living for her four years of college. 

In her address, she shared that moving from East LA to Westwood was a “shock to my system.” She reminded her audience that “only 2% of all attorneys are Latino.” Judge Armendariz received a standing ovation by an audience of more than 200 guests. She then installed the GLA board of directors and officers.  

Following the installation came the announcement of awards. Woman of the Year went to Desiree Portillo Rabinov, Glendale Community College trustee president. Her award was presented by 2024 Woman of the Year Jennie Quinonez-Skinner.

The Man of the Year was awarded to Glendale Fire Dept. Chief Greg Fish. Chief Fish has been a member of the department for 40 years. In fact, his last day with the department was on the day of the GLA Awards luncheon. His award was presented by Glendale Police Dept. Chief Manuel Cid, 2024 Man of the Year. 

The Organization of the Year was Forest Lawn Memorial Parks & Mortuaries. The award was presented by Karine Grigoryan, Youth Services manager of the Glendale Youth Alliance, 2024 Organization of the Year.   

Crescenta Valley High School student Avril Coba-Clementel was presented with GLA’s Leadership Program Award. She was joined by CVHS Principal Christine Benitez.

Closing remarks were given by J. Guillermo Garcia, GLA president, 2025.