2023 ALUMNI AWARDS GALA
September 28, 2023
5:30 PM Cocktail Reception | 6:30 PM Dinner and Awards
Lynwood Bateman Hall
11331 Ernestine Avenue,Lynwood, CA 90262
Recap Video
Master of Ceremonies
Nate Holston
Lynwood High School
Nate Holston is a product of Lynwood public schools. Attending Florida A&M University, Nate graduated with honors (Summa Cum Laude), with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology. While at Florida A&M, Nate was initiated to the first Black Greek letter fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Transforming his passion into a professional career, Nate is an actor and creative best recognized for his commercials with companies like Target, Minute Maid, Peloton, American Express, and more. Nate dares to be different and abides by the quote, “Go out on a limb because that’s where the fruit is.”
2023 ALUMNI AWARDS HONOREES
Leadership In Innovation
Awarded to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial skills, successfully launching and growing a business venture. Their vision, creativity, and ability to navigate challenges have resulted in establishing a thriving enterprise, serving as a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Patty Rodriguez
Alum of Lynwood High School, 2000
Patty Rodriguez is one of the most influential American Latino leaders as a nationally recognized entrepreneur, radio producer, media personality, founder, angel investor, and best-selling author who was proudly raised in Los Angeles by Mexican immigrant parents. Patty created and co-founded Lil’ Libros, the #1 family-trusted bilingual children's media publisher, inspired by her desire to teach her two beautiful boys, Alexander and Oliver, about their family’s culture and language. Her passion for uplifting her community extends beyond children's books, having made angel investments in early-stage startups and launching sin miedo productions in 2021 to elevate the voices and stories of the American-Latino experience. Patty is best known as Senior Producer and On-Air Talent for the internationally syndicated radio show, "On Air With Ryan Seacrest," on iHeartMedia’s 102.7 KIIS FM Los Angeles.
Leadership In Innovation
Awarded to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial skills, successfully launching and growing a business venture. Their vision, creativity, and ability to navigate challenges have resulted in establishing a thriving enterprise, serving as a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Ariana Sauceda-Stein
Alum of Lynwood High School , 2000
Ariana Sauceda-Stein is the CEO and Co-Founder of Lil’ Libros, the largest independent bilingual children’s media company in North America. In 2021, she co-led one of the largest equity crowdfunding campaigns in the Latinx community, raising over $2.4 million with over 5,000 investors. Prior to her current role, Ariana spent 10 years building other business ventures and working in the corporate sector. She held corporate management positions with real estate investment and management firms. She successfully owned and operated a pet transportation service before dedicating her life to the world of children’s publishing – helping shape the media industry to become an inclusive market. Ariana is an alumna of the Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business Program, a recipient of the National Association Women’s Business Owner “Entrepreneur of the Year” Award, a former member and board of directors of the National Latina Business Association, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from California State University Dominguez Hills.
Humanitarian Excellence
Awarded to an individual who has dedicated their life to positively impacting society. Through their selfless acts of kindness, philanthropy, and community service, they have brought about significant change and touched the lives of many.
Alma Renteria-Estrada
Alum of Lynwood High School, 2008
Alma Renteria-Estrada is a proud product of Lynwood schools. After graduating UC Riverside, with a B.A. in English a year earlier than anticipated, she decided to commit her “gap year” to City Year LA(CYLA), a non-profit that worked with at-risk youth. After CYLA, Alma went on to pursue a teaching career with Teach For America Los Angeles. Upon joining TFA, she began her education career as a middle school teacher for a local charter school. It was while teaching that she decided to run for office, in order to have a community-wide impact. She was first elected to the Lynwood School Board in 2013, at 23 years old, and once again in 2018. During her tenure, the district gained nationwide accolades and success. She resigned from the School Board in March 2021 to focus on leading her school in the post-pandemic era and channel her efforts towards pursuing an Ed.D. and starting a family. Alma recently started her 5th year as Principal at Rivera Elementary School in Pico Rivera.
Rising Star
Awarded to a recent graduate who has achieved remarkable success early in their career, celebrating their outstanding accomplishments. This individual demonstrates exceptional talent, ambition, and promise, inspiring other young alumni embarking on their professional journeys.
