By Ruth SOWBY

The YWCA Glendale and Pasadena presented its 28^th Annual Heart & Excellence Legacy Luncheon on May 29.  The La Cañada Flintridge Country Club was the setting honoring the past board members who guided the organization for nearly a century.   

Guests were welcomed by the YWCA’s new executive director Debra Suh and luncheon co-chair Amanda Faissal. Opening the program was the Cami’s Courage Scholarship presentation by Dr. Carol Ann Burton and Wendy Grove. Dr. Burton funds the scholarship named after her late daughter Cami. The recipient was Hoover High School Student Body President Natalia Khodaverdi. Among her other high school accomplishments was accumulating over 1,000 hours of community service.  

“[The scholarship] is going toward my tuition at UCLA,” she said. “It’s a huge deal for me.” 

The heart of the program may be considered the poem “The Power of Girls,” written and recited by 7-year-old Gigi Good. She was introduced by Luncheon co-chair Susan Hunt. Good received a standing ovation.  

Keynote speaker Natalie Samarjian was introduced by GUSD Superintendent Dr. Darneika Watson. Samarjian is president and CEO of Coro Southern California and is Glendale’s commissioner with the Commission on the Status of Women. She inspired all with her story. She and her mother fled from the Lebanese civil war to the U.S., settling in Los Angeles. Samarjian remained undocumented until her mid-teens. Her mother is a survivor of domestic violence. Samarjian’s keynote reminded the audience of the importance of leading with purpose, compassion and courage. She exemplified the YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism and empower women. Samarjian ended her remarks with “When women are not seated at the table, we are often on the menu.” 

Proceeds from the event support the YWCA’s programming that provides critical resources for survivors of domestic violence, empowers women and advances social justice.