In anticipation of joining the Los Angeles Alder Board, I have been reflecting on my journey with the organization. My heart is so full.

Orange County, 2014, and one new friend, Gloria Lee, would change my life forever. An angel on my shoulder since our first encounter, Gloria is an eternal cheerleader, forever connecting the world.

Knowing my commitment to education, Gloria invited me to join her at a panel event featuring Jalen Rose, former NBA player and founder of Jalen Rose Leadership Academy in Detroit, and Kevin Chavous, one of the nation's leading voices for educational choice.

After a fun-filled evening of spirited dialogue, I discovered that all the attendees had something in common: membership in Gen Next, an exclusive community of leaders working to promote a 21st-century version of the American Dream.

Captivated by the collective desire to improve the world for future generations, I had no doubt that being part of an organization like this would be life-changing. I was beyond honored when I received an invitation to join!

In 2021 the organization made the decision to prioritize generational leadership, growth, sense-making & community, ultimately transforming into Alder, a name symbolizing strength, protection, determination and confidence.

After eight years of membership, Alder continues to enrich my world Personally, Professionally and Philanthropically–what I have dubbed “The Three Ps.” It has been game changing to share the room with the most incredible motley crew of superstars.

The Personal Impact of Alder
From the start, Alder has influenced my life in so many ways, but the most monumental personal impact was finding the man who murdered my mom.

I went through my onboarding journey with the magnanimous Andrew Rodney. We immediately connected over joining the organization and life in Michigan, our shared home state. 

When I discovered that his business was in the same city as my childhood home, I asked if he recognized the name Helen Gale. His face froze; it was almost impossible to live in the area and not have heard of her murder. Andrew was painfully apologetic when he discovered that Helen was my mom and was shocked to learn that the police had never caught the culprit and that the case had gone cold.

Andrew generously reached out to a friend/local news anchor who referred him to Scott Lewis, a reputable private investigator. I was completely taken aback when my new friend called and sprung a huge surprise: “I hope I didn’t overstep, but I hired him.”

After years of discouragement, thanks to Andrew (or famously “Wealthy Southfield Businessman,” according to On the Case With Paula Zahn), Scott became an integral part of the eventual capture, arrest and imprisonment of the man who murdered my mom.

If that doesn’t speak to the pricelessness of this group, nothing can.

The friendships are the true heart and soul of Alder.

In Frank Chen, I found my long-lost “twin.” He’s Taiwanese; I’m a six foot blonde. People often mistake him for being very serious; I never stop smiling. Five minutes into our first breakfast I discovered his wicked sense of humor and four hours later we were still laughing. Looks can be so deceiving; perhaps fraternal on the outside, internally we are the same person.

Both extremely devoted to the success of our respective companies, Frank and I live by the same cause and commerce philosophy. We instantly bonded over our deep commitment to education, and he listened intently as I shared stories of AMBITION. By the end of our first meeting, Frank was all in. Eight years later he continues to volunteer as a mentor and serve as an AMBITION board member.

The radiant and always astute Maria Mejia, at the time Los Angeles Director at Alder, knew exactly what she was doing when she arranged for Frank to be my first Alder member introduction. In every sense of the word, Frank is my family.

And then there is the indescribable Leyda Bequer. In true Alder fashion, Leyda has had a profound effect on my life personally, professionally and philanthropically. The equally indescribable and absolutely exquisite Kim DeAllen, at the time Head of People Empowerment, Talent Acquisition at Alder, knew that magic would ensue when she introduced the two of us. Leyda’s generosity is vast, her work ethic in a class by itself, her sense of fun infectious and her love of family boundless, as told in A Crocodile Tale.

At Alder, we never miss an opportunity to celebrate true love. Kim worked her magic yet again when she introduced me to Johnney Zhang. Between Johnney’s profound appreciation for luxury and my bespoke handbag brand, we were a match made in heaven. We soon got to work on designing the perfect Valentine’s gift, an alligator bag for his beloved Fiona. 

When the invitation came to join Alder’s LA board under the inimitable Dan Gray’s leadership, the answer was an easy yes. Inside and out, from top to bottom, there is everything right about Dan Gray. From his infectious energy to his unyielding support, finding a friend like him is like hitting the jackpot. I am forever grateful to be the “Nan” of “Team NanDan.”

And what does a girl say about her forum? I have become heavily reliant on the perspective of my fun-loving soul-sister, accomplice and most nurturing sounding board Lisa Chiya, for what seems like every decision I make. When I met my Thoroman Kyle Cox, I found a true partner in crime, fashion, education and more importantly, laughter. At first glance, David Sudeck might appear a straight-laced lawyer, but I quickly discovered the resident stand-up comic who lived inside this wildly supportive and loving man. The always dependable Pita is the world’s most beautiful contradiction: a PhD and engineer who sees the world through his left brain while simultaneously embracing it with his heart. And then there’s Law: smart, successful, driven, supportive, but his real beauty lies in his unsuccessful attempts to to hide his sweet side. There is no one better equipped to keep us in line than our valiant and insightful Marine Corps veteran, the unparalleled Bryan Niederhelm.

One of my Alder high points is my forum family; I am so grateful for the bond we’ve created and the love and respect that we share.

The Professional Impact of Alder
Thanks to the incredible and always gracious Ann Atkinson, several Alder members have had the privilege of speaking at Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University; I was honored to be one of them. As if that wasn’t enough, the following night the Arizona Alder chapter hosted a dinner in my honor. The bonus: we were able to celebrate my engagement — hours after my speech, my “Magic Mike” proposed!

Alder has led me to many other speaking engagements and podcast appearances. Several members have graciously invited me to their platforms including the always charming Michael Moore (The Climb), beautiful couple 🤣 Jamie Reid & Gabe Erle (Discover the Difference) and the enchanting and quick-witted Katrina Ghazarian (Vino & Values). Thanks to the extended reach of the Alder network I have had the fortune of sharing my stories with Alex Petrowski on 5EP, with Vered Kogan on The MINDset Game and at Ellevate Network’s Raise Her Voice: Untold Stories of Women in the Workplace.

I love to say that I blame Alder for the success of the JAMAH Motorcar Collection! It’s been a wild ride thanks to car enthusiast Parisa Fishback, Peter Nam, CEO of Gunther Werks & Vorsteiner Automotive Industries, Bill Lyon, avid vintage car collector/racer and Victoria Rusnak, the most influential example of women in the automotive industry. What matters most is that these awe-inspiring Alder members are not just my champions but have become my dearest friends.

There is no doubt that the encouragement and generosity of the Alder community has influenced the success of JAMAH and my journey as an entrepreneur. I am so grateful for the support from so many members.

The Philanthropic Impact of Alder
I am beyond grateful for the profound influence that Alder has on AMBITION. From weekly mentors to board seats to donors, Alder members & staff have stepped up in a beautiful way. Frank Chen, James Pita, Kyle Cox, Lisa Chiya, Shaun Skeris, Kathy Bintz, Natalie Alvarez, Teddy Hennes, David Sudeck, Jacob Yadegar, Omid Khalifeh, Lawrence Hsu, Jaime Saul Hong, Manna Kadar, Bill Lyon, Dan Gray, Michael Davidson and the endless list of members who have generously and repeatedly supported the students and our fundraising campaigns, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

From Vancouver to New York to Nashville, geography doesn’t stop an Alder member. In addition to joining the AMBITION board, the stalwart and always enthusiastic Jenna Bayuk shows up every week via Zoom. I am forever grateful to Casey Whalen, Matt Davis and the late, great NFL center and guard for the San Diego Chargers, Courtney Hall for dedicating their time and energy to the AMBITION students.

In perfect full circle form, thanks to Alder member A.G. Spanos of Los Angeles Chargers (formerly San Diego) fame, AMBITION is able to keep Courtney’s memory alive. A.G’s introduction to Brotherhood Crusade - an organization that the Chargers support in their mission to address the unmet needs of low-income, underserved individuals in South Los Angeles - opened the doors to the ultimate partnership. The bonus, a beautiful and unexpected surprise: A.G. asked me to make a custom bag for his beloved mom, Susie. His only stipulation was that it must represent the Chargers’ colors!

And then there is Shaun Skeris, the epitome of “The Three Ps.” Originally bonding over our mutual interest in education, our first conversation quickly progressed from youth to cars to bags and back again. At what seemed like warp speed, Shaun became one of AMBITION’s most ardent supporters and generous donors, while simultaneously building his and his loved ones’ JAMAH collection. There is nothing more fulfilling than a friendship built on “The Three Ps.”

To all of the Alder members who have touched AMBITION and to those who will do so in the future, your dedication is a testament to the values of my cherished organization.

The Heartbeat of Alder
One cannot talk about Alder without talking about Michael Davidson, Alder’s CEO and chief thought leader. Dynamic, informed, curious and born to be in front of a room, our beloved commander always captivates with his brilliance, passion and humor.

Alder’s far-reaching impact is only possible thanks to the stellar execution of its first-rate team: Beth Ann Bewley, Experience Director, Blake Stephens, Director, Brittany Goodman, Regional Director, Carlos Alfaro, Southwest Director, Jenielle Alonso, Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Shireen Amin, Senior Director, Experience, Teddy Hennes, VP Operations, Chief of Staff, Tiffany Thompson, Experience Designer and Natalie Alvarez, former Director of Special Projects and now esteemed Alder member!

I am eternally indebted to the vision of our founder, the always inspiring Paul Makarechian.

As I continue to reflect, I realize that it is actually impossible to separate the impact the Alder has made on my life personally, professionally and philanthropically. How fortunate am I to have found an organization that ignites me, drives me and fulfills my soul!?