Ceremony pays tribute to the late Irene Esparza Portillo who headed Project Amiga for the past 20 years.

Assemblymember Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge) was honored on Sunday by the San Gabriel Valley vocational education and training organization, Project Amiga. At the ceremony, Portantino’s longstanding commitment to Project Amiga’s mission of helping young men and women in need was recognized in presenting him with the Esperanza Award. Deseree Portillo Rabinov, daughter of the late Irene Esparza Portillo, highlighted Anthony’s support for Project Amiga and presented him with his recognition.

For nearly 20 years, Project Amiga has provided bilingual vocation education, training and support to young people in the San Gabriel Valley and East Los Angeles. They provide financial literacy, parenting classes, computer training and job readiness training. It was started by Irene Esparza Portillo initially to help young women in need. Later it expanded its efforts to help all young people in the San Gabriel Valley and East Lost Angeles.

“Knowing Irene’s 50 years of activism – helping create a movement while helping individuals – makes this one of the most special recognitions I’ve received. Project Amiga and Irene have helped so many Californians in need that I was very excited to be there Sunday when Irene’s legacy was celebrated,” commented Portantino.