The City of Pasadena Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department and the Pasadena Latino Heritage Committee announced the election of new Committee Board members for 2024, including Co-Chairs Vannia De La Cuba and Lisa Barrios.
De La Cuba, a Pasadena resident since age five, is the Deputy to Mayor Victor M. Gordo. She attended Pasadena Unified School District schools and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from the University of Southern California.
De La Cuba joined Mayor Gordo as his District 5 Field Representative in 2003 and became his deputy in 2020.
She has worked with a broad range of non-profit, community, faith-based and labor organizations and local government to build community and advance public policy solutions addressing quality of life, economic, educational and social justice issues.
Barrios, a lifelong Pasadena resident, serves as the District Council Liaison for Councilmember Justin Jones and has worked with local students and families in various areas such as education, healthcare, foster care and immigration. She is an alumnus of Pasadena Unified School District schools, Pasadena City College and California State University, Fullerton, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. She is also a graduate of Leadership Pasadena, Class of 2021.
Joining De La Cuba and Barrios on the Pasadena Latino Heritage Committee Board are Margo Morales (Secretary), Sandra Parra (Volunteer Coordinator), Araceli Mellem (Fundraising) and Amy Castillo (Marketing and Outreach).
The newly elected Board said it is eager to take on the challenges and rewards of continuing the annual Pasadena tradition that highlights the rich history and vital role of the Latino community in the city.
“Our Board is excited to take on the challenges and rewards of continuing this great annual Pasadena tradition that highlights the rich history and vital role of our Latino community in the mosaic fabric that is Pasadena. We also are in it for the sheer fun of working together and with our broader Pasadena community on this great annual event,” the Committee stated in a press release.
Community members are encouraged to join the committee’s mailing list to receive updates on the upcoming Copa Aztlan Soccer Tournament, 2024 Parade & Festival theme, as well as opportunities to nominate Grand Marshals and join the committee.
For more information about the Parade and Festival, interested individuals can call (626) 744-6530 or visit www.pasadenalatinoheritageparade.org.