Downey group honors 3 women for breaking barriers

Pictured from left to right: DUSD Boardmember Martha Sodetani; Executive Director María Torres; Journalist Fabiola Kramsky; Judge Lucy Armendáriz; Mayor Blanca Pacheco; Downey Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Marroquín-Frometa.

DOWNEY — More than 100 attendees convened Thursday as part of the “FLEW Empower Hour,” a networking event designed for professional women of all ages who are looking to advance their careers while helping other women advance theirs.

The attendees consisted of women in different professions, with a heavy focus on women in the legal, medical, and business professions.

The event was held at the Los Amigos Golf Course Event Center, where attendees enjoyed live jazz music. The attendees were encouraged to network during what organizers called the: “Empower Hour,” a segment of the night where women exchanged their business cards and networked with each other.

The goals of the evening were that women attendees would build and expand their networks, that they would seek advice from more experienced women in their respective industry, and that they would provide advice for those women who were starting off in their professions.

The night’s honorees included Judge Lucy Armendáriz, who was the “Woman of the Hour.” Judge Armendáriz, who sits in the East Los Ángeles Courthouse, spoke about her young life as a foster youth after her mother was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

The “Breaking Barriers Award” was awarded to accomplished attorney, the Honorable Blanca Pacheco, who was recently sworn in as The City of Downey’s first Latina Mayor, with fellow Latina and current Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Downey Claudia Marroquín-Frometa.

Three time Emmy Award winning journalist Fabiola Kramsky delivered the keynote address, where she spoke about her background in journalism and life in the campaign trail as wife to George Gascon, candidate for Los Ángeles County District Attorney.

María Torres, executive director and lead organizer of the event, commented: “We are humbled to share this space with amazing accomplished women, who have not forgotten to keep the door open for the women coming after them! We all thank them for their achievements. We also thank our allies in their supportive roles!”

For more information on how to support the next event, please contact FLEW at joinflew@gmail.com or by texting/ calling Maria Torres at (213) 842-6214.