Anna Maria Barba: Advocating Scholarship

On March 1 the Linda Lorelle Scholarship Fund board of directors announced the election of Anna Maria Barba as its new executive director. In this new position, Barba oversees all functions of the charity and develops fundraising activities. Involved in charity development in the Houston area for nearly 10 years, Barba has held positions with the University of Houston Law School Foundation, the Memorial Herman Foundation, Community Partners and SEARCH. A first generation Mexican-American who grew up in the housing projects of Los Angeles, Barba easily relates to the students who receive the Linda Lorelle Scholarship.
The Linda Lorelle Scholarship Fund is a 13-year-old public charity that provides funds and support for deserving high school students. In addition to the $10,000 scholarship, Lorelle Scholars also participate in mentoring, training and awareness programs to encourage their academic and personal success.

Marjorie Torres: Philanthropist in Human Capital

The founder and CEO of Concrete Stories, Marjorie L. Torres, recently received the Philanthropist in Human Capital Award at the New America Alliance Spring Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Concrete Stories is a commercial real estate advisory firm that helps tenants find office space, reduce their net office leasing costs, and save time throughout the leasing process. Torres created Concrete Stories to provide a high-quality, cost-effective, personalized service that delivers Fortune 100-level advice to middle market business owners.
An entrepreneur at heart, Torres has had a varied career. Before starting Concrete Stories, she was president of MARTONO Enterprises, which she founded in 1998. Here she managed real estate projects and the turnaround of distressed properties. Torres has also worked as a project manager for TOPA International, managed international accounts for Corporate Finance Group at ING Barings, and served as a financial analyst at Baseline Financial Services. 

Cynthia Amador: CALED's Newest Board Member

The California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) recently elected Cynthia Amador, CHARO Community Development Corporation's president and CEO, to its board of directors. "I am deeply honored to serve on this very prestigious statewide board that serves to foster and create economic growth for the state of California," said Amador. With her leadership skills and over 18 years of economic development experience, she has led CHARO to initiate and authorize over $18.1 million in new contracts. Her expertise includes establishing feasibility studies and implementing strategy for community-based economic development endeavors to ensure successful program design. 
Prior to her work with CHARO, Amador volunteered as a board member for Women at Work and the Latin Business Foundation. She is currently a member of the Southern California Edison Consumer Advisory and was recently awarded the Advocate of the Year by the Los Angeles National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO).