E40: The Youth Center CEO Lina Lumme on Inspiration and Community Impact

02/15/24 • 53 min

This week, host Troy Edgar is joined by the L.A. Times 2023 Inspirational Women nominee, Lina Lumme. Lina is the CEO of The Youth Center, an award-winning non-profit that has transformed the lives of thousands of children through their collaborative social, educational, and recreational programs.

Lina candidly talks about her 2003 journey to immigrate to the United States from Russia, when she arrived 8 months pregnant, homeless, with only $100.00 in her pocket. She shares her touching testimony of being connected at that time of desperation with the Precious Life Shelter, a Southern California-based non-profit that provides residential and supportive services for homeless pregnant women. Through their support and her determination and hard work she forged a path from being homeless to eventually becoming the CEO of the Youth Center, based in Los Alamitos, California.

Lina discusses the mission and programs of the Youth Center, her leadership philosophy, and how mentors play an important role and truly can impact someone's life. She explains that through merit, achievement, and success her organization builds donor confidence which provides the track record and credibility to raise money to maintain and advance the mission.

At the end, Troy asks Lina if she believes that today’s youth are prepared and can still achieve the American Dream. Her answer is informed and insightful and provides an important data point as we all strive to create the conditions for success for our youth.

Please consider participating in the Youth Center's One Grand Project.

AmeritocracyTM is produced by Prospect House Media and recorded in studio locations in Los Angeles and Washington D.C.

Please consider participating in the Youth Center's One Grand Project.

AmeritocracyTM is produced by Prospect House Media and recorded in studio locations in Los Angeles and Washington D.C.

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E39: Warrior Guitars Founder J.D. Lewis on 30 Years of Success, Live at NAMM

This week I had the opportunity to attend the largest music trade show in the world the National Association of Music Merchants, also known as the NAMM Show in Anaheim, California. As a guitar enthusiast, I was excited to interview J.D. Lewis, the founder and lead designer of Warrior Guitars and his sons Dran and Gabe. The Lewis family has been showcasing their craft at the NAMM Show for over 30 extraordinary years. J.D. talks about the history of his company, the importance of staying true to oneself, and how the value of family is at the forefront of Warrior Guitar designs. He also shares his views on the music industry and the importance of quality and sincerity. Dran and Gabe discussed their involvement in the company's growth and reputation, their intention of staying true to their niche market and constantly evolving to meet customer demands has me excited for the next 30 years of Warrior Guitars. I hope you enjoy! - Troy

AmeritocracyTM is produced by Prospect House Media and recorded in studio locations in Los Angeles and Washington D.C.

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E41: U.S. Ambassador Gaddi Vasquez on Leading the Peace Corps, Reagan, Bush and Nixon Library

This week, host Troy Edgar had the honor of meeting with U.S. Ambassador Gaddi Vasquez, the former Director of the Peace Corps at the Ameritocracy L.A. studio.

Gaddi reflects on his journey and offers a message of hope and resilience. He emphasizes the opportunities available and the importance of giving back. He expresses his pride in being an American and his dedication to creating possibilities for others. He also discussed his involvement in education and local government as ways to make a positive impact.

Gaddi acknowledges that challenges and hardships exist, but he believes that Americans have the ability to overcome them. He reminds us of “The importance of celebrating the fact that the U.S. is a great nation where people can dream big and achieve great things.”

Links:

The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

AmeritocracyTM is produced by Prospect House Media and recorded in studio locations in Los Angeles and Washington D.C.