As we commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month, it’s essential to recognize the outstanding work of individuals who contribute to the vibrancy and success of our community. Meet four exceptional City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department staffers who embody dedication, passion, and resilience. Join us in celebrating these remarkable people as we honor their contributions and continue to build a more inclusive and prosperous Los Angeles.
Cindy Reyes oversees four of the City’s 10 BusinessSource Centers run smoothly by ensuring that contracts, budgets, and cash requests are completed and approved. Reyes is a first-generation Mexican-Guatemalan American. To Reyes, Hispanic Heritage Month “serves as a reminder of the contributions and diversity within the Hispanic community, allowing me to take pride in being the first Mexican-Guatemalan American in my family and to share these meaningful aspects of my culture with others.”
Daniel Yabrudy coordinates services for the Jobs & Economic Development Incentive (JEDI) Zones Program in the South LA and North Hollywood corridors. In 2021, he moved to the U.S. from Venezuela, bringing with him his cultural traditions. He continues to enjoy the cultural tradition of playing the Venezuelan cuatro, a guitar-like instrument, with his family in what they refer to as "music mornings" - where they sing and dance to Venezuelan music. When asked what Hispanic Heritage Month means to him, he mentions, “it means a connection to my family and the culture that impacted me greatly [and it] reminds me of the responsibility of representing my people well everywhere I go.”
Daysi Hernandez leads the team that implements the City’s economic development strategies to help small businesses thrive. She was born in El Salvador and came to the U.S. when she was 10 years old during the Salvadoran diaspora resulting from the 1980s Civil War. Hernandez celebrates cultural traditions with her family such as watching the El Salvador vs Mexico futbol (soccer) match! More recently, she’s made it a family tradition to attend Salvadoran Heritage Night at Dodger Stadium, where she celebrates with thousands of other proud Salvadoreños while enjoying the baseball game. When asked what Hispanic Heritage means to her, Hernandez said, “[it] gives us an opportunity to share who we are and showcase our achievements (big and small) and the impact we’ve had and continue to have in this country. We’ve come a long way!”
Mark Granado is responsible for the preparation and approval of EWDD’s budget, administrative policies, and contract administration. He is a mix of multiple generations and a proud Mexican American. To Granado, Hispanic Heritage Month “is a period of time to reflect and celebrate the Latino culture and identity that helps make the U.S. a wonderful country, rich with diversity. I am filled with tremendous gratitude for my family and acknowledge those who worked hard to help others achieve. There are countless stories of Latinos working hard to achieve success and this month helps serve as a reminder of how we can achieve success in our own way.”
Cindy Reyes oversees four of the City’s 10 BusinessSource Centers run smoothly by ensuring that contracts, budgets, and cash requests are completed and approved. Reyes is a first-generation Mexican-Guatemalan American. To Reyes, Hispanic Heritage Month “serves as a reminder of the contributions and diversity within the Hispanic community, allowing me to take pride in being the first Mexican-Guatemalan American in my family and to share these meaningful aspects of my culture with others.”
Daniel Yabrudy coordinates services for the Jobs & Economic Development Incentive (JEDI) Zones Program in the South LA and North Hollywood corridors. In 2021, he moved to the U.S. from Venezuela, bringing with him his cultural traditions. He continues to enjoy the cultural tradition of playing the Venezuelan cuatro, a guitar-like instrument, with his family in what they refer to as "music mornings" - where they sing and dance to Venezuelan music. When asked what Hispanic Heritage Month means to him, he mentions, “it means a connection to my family and the culture that impacted me greatly [and it] reminds me of the responsibility of representing my people well everywhere I go.”
Daysi Hernandez leads the team that implements the City’s economic development strategies to help small businesses thrive. She was born in El Salvador and came to the U.S. when she was 10 years old during the Salvadoran diaspora resulting from the 1980s Civil War. Hernandez celebrates cultural traditions with her family such as watching the El Salvador vs Mexico futbol (soccer) match! More recently, she’s made it a family tradition to attend Salvadoran Heritage Night at Dodger Stadium, where she celebrates with thousands of other proud Salvadoreños while enjoying the baseball game. When asked what Hispanic Heritage means to her, Hernandez said, “[it] gives us an opportunity to share who we are and showcase our achievements (big and small) and the impact we’ve had and continue to have in this country. We’ve come a long way!”
Mark Granado is responsible for the preparation and approval of EWDD’s budget, administrative policies, and contract administration. He is a mix of multiple generations and a proud Mexican American. To Granado, Hispanic Heritage Month “is a period of time to reflect and celebrate the Latino culture and identity that helps make the U.S. a wonderful country, rich with diversity. I am filled with tremendous gratitude for my family and acknowledge those who worked hard to help others achieve. There are countless stories of Latinos working hard to achieve success and this month helps serve as a reminder of how we can achieve success in our own way.”
This story is part of the EWDD UPDATES from September 2024. Read this issue and more.
