The Rebecca Turner Meaningful Impact Award was created in honor of Rebecca Turner for her passion and commitment to the LA’s BEST mission for over 15 years. Rebecca supported the organization in roles such as Traveling Staff and Site Operations Director. This award was established to honor her life and deep care for all LA’s BEST staff. She is remembered for her storytelling, commitment to developing staff, and unwavering support for our students. She always went above and beyond to care for our LA’s BEST community. This award represents her belief that all the staff can make a meaningful impact.
The Meaningful Impact Award recognizes a Program Worker (PW) or Program Supervisor (PS) who demonstrates dedication, creativity, and an attitude that inspires students and staff alike. They embody our values and make meaningful connections within the LA’s BEST community, enriching daily experiences and leaving lasting impressions.
2025 Inaugural Recipient
Sonnie Rodriguez, Program Supervisor at Sylmar
Since joining the LA’s BEST community, Sonnie has consistently demonstrated dedication, creativity, and a spirit that uplifts everyone around her. Her exceptional contributions have made her an invaluable part of the team, and her commitment to building meaningful connections within the community truly sets her apart.
Sonnie approaches every task with enthusiasm and purpose, always putting students and her team first. Whether she’s planning engaging hands-on activities, stepping in during challenging moments, or creating a safe and joyful space for learning, Sonnie ensures every child feels seen, supported, and excited to be part of the program. Her students leave each day eager to share what they’ve done—a reflection of the love and intention she pours into every lesson. She often goes above and beyond, even purchasing extra supplies to bring her ideas to life.
What makes Sonnie stand out even more is her natural ability to connect. Her positive attitude and uplifting presence foster a culture of trust and support among both students and staff. She leads with empathy and respect, always modeling the values of LA’s BEST and encouraging others to do the same. Her peers look to her as a role model, and her influence can be felt well beyond her own site.
Sonnie’s creativity, compassion, and unwavering dedication embody the heart of this award. She reminds us of the power of one person to make a difference—and we are proud to recognize her as this year’s Outstanding Program Supervisor.
2024 Inaugural Recipient
Nancy Avalos, Program Worker at Lizarraga
Nancy has been with LA’s BEST for over six years, with the last three years spent at our site. In this relatively short period, she has seamlessly integrated and become a vital part of our program’s culture. She designs fun, engaging, and culturally inclusive activities that introduce students to different parts of the world, fostering both enjoyment and learning. Her efforts to expose students to diverse cultures help promote cultural awareness and appreciation of differences among them.
One memorable activity involved creating Chinese lanterns for Chinese New Year, a testament to their creativity and commitment to cultural education. The bonds she has formed with the students are profound and enduring, leaving a significant impact on both the students and staff’s lives.
Nancy leads by example, earning the respect and admiration of her colleagues, who often seek her advice and guidance. Demonstrating initiative, thoughtfulness, and professionalism, she is a trusted and valued member of our team. The new staff know they can always turn to her for help with anything from activity planning to classroom management. Her support has been crucial in helping new staff acclimate to our environment.
Dedicated to continuous learning, she attends every LA’s BEST training available, aiming to deepen her understanding of program culture and improve her skills. She seizes opportunities to enhance our site, creating a fun and inviting learning environment that students love.
When resources are scarce, she goes above and beyond by purchasing materials to enrich the activities, ensuring students have memorable and expressive experiences to share with their families. Nancy’s contributions are essential to the smooth operation of our site; without her, our program would not be the same.
2023 Inaugural Recipient
Maria Carranza, Program Worker at Sylmar Elementary
Maria has taken the time to transform her classroom into another world. She creates activities that have the students so excited to show their parents when they get picked up. Almost all, if not all, of her students ask to go back to her group when they age out the next year.
Maria takes the time to bond with every student in her group and makes sure that her activities are engaging and speaks to every student’s interests. She hangs the activities up so that the students can showcase their work. Everyday at supper her students run up to her asking if they can announce the community agreements that day. She chooses one or two students a day to announce community agreements and the students absolutely love it.
I have never had a Program Worker that was more loved by her students and parents. Parents have told me that their students go home and will not stop talking about Ms. Carranza. She is structured and firm yet caring and kind. She is the perfect balance of what a Program Worker should be and what the students need.
I have seen Maria’s dedication from the first day she started. She comes in early almost daily to work on her classroom or other classrooms. She spends her own money on activities. She hardly ever misses a day and is never late.
