LACF Blog for June, 2008

by Emily White Hodge, Volunteer & Donor Relations Director

This June, Amy Cardenas, a sophomore at Pasadena High School and STARS student of nine years, went to the National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast with Mayra, our Associate Director. The event, hosted by Esperanza USA (www.esperanza.us) draws nearly 1000 Hispanic clergy and leaders.

One of the things that Mayra is passionate about is giving young people a vision for their life. She works hard to share life-changing experiences with them so that their hearts & minds are open to what God has in store for them. Mayra had been so impacted by this event in the past that she decided she would not come back alone. As Amy’s mentor, Mayra challenged Amy to get her math grade up in order to be able to attend the event with her, and on June 22^nd they were on their way to the nation’s capitol.

While in DC, Amy attended several events and heard national leaders and distinguished academics speak on the issues that affect her own community back in Pasadena. She attended townhall meetings with the campaign managers of both Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain, and had the opportunity to hear from several prominent political figures, including the keynote speech at the prayer breakfast delivered by President George W. Bush. At another event she bravely walked to the front of a room filled with hundreds of people and was one of a few to ask a question concerning immigration policy & her role as a youth advocate.

Being only one of two teens at the annual national event, Amy was a big hit. She had the attention of the event leadership and was prayed for over and over again by many people she had never met.

Upon her return back to Northwest Pasadena, I asked Amy what the experience was like. She said it was awesome and that she could see herself in politics someday. That was a proud moment for all of us at STARS! Although the impact on her was great – the even greater impact is the one that she will make. We look forward to the awesome things will God accomplish through this amazing young leader.