Monrovians Ulises Gutierrez, Lisa Barrios and Julie Gentile were honored Friday by the Chamber of Commerce for their contributions to the community. Gutierrez received the Iris Award; Barrios the Monroe Award, and Gentile the Dick Lord Award.
The Iris Award is equivalent to a Citizen of the Year award and is given to honor those in Monrovia for their contributions to our community. Ulises Gutierrez was a troubled youth who found his way out of drugs and gangs through Teen Challenge, which for Ulises was a place of acceptance and encouragement that gave him strength to move beyond his background. Ulises knew that there were still many young people in the same place from which he came; he was passionate and determined to do what he could to help them. Taking all that he learned though experience, he formed a youth group for teenagers in similar situations to his, which became the Youth Alliance in Monrovia. This in turn led to his job as Outreach Coordinator at the Santa Anita Family YMCA. Ulises takes his passion to help, insights, experience and innate speaking abilities with him to all his volunteer activities. Ulises volunteers his time for many community organizations, the Foothill Unity Center, Make a Difference Day Monrovia and the Monrovia/Arcadia Ministerial Association, to name a few. Ulises has many roles in the community, pastor, advocate, life coach and bridge builder, making him an outstanding role model for our community. Additionally, Ulises serves on the boards of the Monrovia/Arcadia Ministerial Association, Foothill Unity Center, Social Model Recovery Systems, Liaison for the City of Monrovia and Duarte Mediation Team and is a partner with LegacyMakers International in Pasadena. We congratulate, thank and commend Ulises Gutierrez for all that he does and will continue to do in our community.
The Monroe Award was established in 2000 for business person of the year in recognition of outstanding contributions to the community. The recipient for 2010 is Lisa Barrios of Paint 'n' Play2 in Old Town Monrovia. Lisa Barrios is well known in the volunteer world as she volunteers her time and materials to many organizations in the community. For the City of Hope's Helping Hearts Program, Lisa creates ceramic handprints of patients, both kids and adults. For the Foothill Unity Center's Back to School Program and the Holiday distributions, working with children in need and helping them explore art and ceramic painting as part of the Unity Center outreach efforts. She hosts workshops and fundraisers for the Girl Scouts of the Greater San Gabriel Valley, students with special needs find employment opportunities at Paint 'n' Play2. Monrovia High School ceramics students benefit from Lisa's giving spirit as well, students are encouraged and promoted through opportunities to partner with Paint 'n' Play2 to further their craft and seek employment at Paint 'n' Play2. Lisa is a supporter of the Village Afterschool Program, and the Boys and Girls Club by holding workshops for kids at her store. Additionally, Lisa assists in promoting and fundraising and hosts a gallery for the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts MAFA; MAFA in turn supports the Monrovia Unified School District's arts education efforts. Lisa volunteers her time to the Old Town area as well, assisting with organizing the Summer Art Walks and by promoting and participating in public activities in Old Town.
Monrovia is fortunate to have a business leader who not only speaks about giving back, but also puts her money where her heart is, always finding time for another project, another worthy cause and another child. Congratulations Lisa!
The Dick Lord Award is presented each year to an individual in recognition of outstanding contributions to the Monrovia Chamber over a period of time. The Chamber is pleased to recognize Julie Gentile, Gentile, McCloskey & Company for the many volunteer hours she has given to the Chamber during the past several years. Julie has been a member of the Ambassador Committee for four years and rarely misses an event. Julie is always there to lend a helping hand and sponsors events throughout the year as well. Julie is an essential advocate for the Chamber, promoting the benefits of membership and has brought in several new members to the Chamber and is considered by all involved a most valuable and cheerful volunteer. The Chamber greatly appreciates all the time, effort and dedicated volunteerism Julie continues to provide the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce.
- Edited from information supplied by Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Karin Crehan
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