We are still glowing from the beautiful event on October 16, 2025. Over 175 members of our PUENTE family gathered beneath the trees and stars at the Los Angeles River Center & Gardens to celebrate an incredible milestone — 40 years of learning, leading, and lifting up the community. The energy and warmth in the courtyard was palpable.
With our gracious MC Yarel Ramos of Univision guiding us through the evening, we were treated to stories that reminded us why PUENTE matters. Charter Elementary School fourth-grader Betzy Ramos brought PLC’s history to life with confidence beyond her years. College & Career Program alumna Kimberly Vasquez-Cid moved us with her courageous journey—from overcoming adversity to pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor. Plus, our celebration was carried by the powerful music of Mariachi las Catrinas, Neighborhood Music School, and more.
One of the most heartfelt moments came as Mary Odell, Board Chair of the Riordan Foundation, presented the Riordan Community Impact Award to Rich Webster. His enduring commitment to our mission is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when leadership and compassion walk hand in hand.
We also acknowledged the realities our community continues to face—realities shaped by fear and uncertainty. And yet, this gathering re-affirmed what we know to be true: PUENTE remains a place of safety, hope, and opportunity. We have been and will always be a home for learning and belonging—for all.
Everyone’s presence made the night what it was: joyful, meaningful, and unforgettable.
ABOUT THE HONOREE
Rich Webster serves as Co-President and Board Member at the Helen and Will Webster Foundation, named after his parents. “My family and I have supported PUENTE Learning Center for many years because we firmly believe in the power of education to improve lives,” says Rich. “Everyone should have the tools to succeed, no matter their zip code, income, or ethnic background. Now more than ever, nonprofits must nurture the trust and confidence of their clients, and PUENTE continues to do just that.”
HOST COMMITTEE
Jerome Greening Dana Ontiveros
Molly Kelly-Yahner Gilberto Ortega
Nickolas Mata Matt Wells
Anda Nicolae
ABOUT THE MCEE
Yarel Ramos has anchored Univision Los Angeles’ mid-day digital show Edición Digital California since April 2017. She is a first-generation Mexican-American from the San Fernando Valley who sees education as both a priority and a path to empowerment. Ramos bridges her identity as Latina and millennial, giving voice to one of the fastest-growing populations in the U.S. In recognition of her community work, she was honored with the National Hispanic Women’s Corporation Youth Leadership Award and serves with nonprofits like Corazón de Vida and co-founded RAYO to help Latino students.
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