In the month of March, as the world commemorates International Women’s Day and observes Women’s History Month, the teams at Homeboy Recycling and Homeboy Threads stand in solidarity with the global community in celebrating the remarkable achievements and enduring spirit of women throughout history. For too long, the narratives of women’s contributions have been relegated to the sidelines, overshadowed by the dominant portrayal of men in historical accounts. But we recognize the invaluable role that women have played and continue to play in shaping our society, our workplace, and our future.
As we reflect on the significance of Women’s History Month, it is essential to acknowledge the struggles and triumphs of women across generations. From the suffragettes who fought for the right to vote to the trailblazers who shattered glass ceilings in male-dominated fields, women have demonstrated resilience, courage, and unwavering determination in the face of adversity. Yet, their stories have often been marginalized or omitted from mainstream narratives, underscoring the importance of elevating women’s voices and honoring their contributions.
Throughout history, women have confronted myriad challenges, from systemic discrimination to gender-based violence. They have navigated barriers, both seen and unseen, to claim their rightful place in society. At Homeboy Recycling and Homeboy Threads, we recognize the significance of amplifying women’s narratives and championing their achievements. We believe that women’s rights are human rights, and we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where every employee, particularly women, is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.
Our dedication to fostering diversity and equality extends beyond mere words; it is ingrained in our organizational culture and guiding principles. We believe that diversity fuels innovation, and by embracing the unique perspectives and talents of women, we propel our company forward. From our leadership team to our frontline staff, women play an integral role in driving our success and shaping our vision for the future.
As we honor Women’s History Month, we invite you to join us in celebrating the remarkable women at Homeboy Recycling, Homeboy Threads, and beyond. Together, let us recognize their contributions, uplift their voices, and reaffirm our commitment to building a more just, equitable, and inclusive world for all. In the words of civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, “No one is free until everyone is free.” Let us continue to strive for freedom, equality, and dignity for women everywhere.
Meet the Women at Homeboy Recycling and Homeboy Threads
Linda Corrado
I’m Linda — a San Francisco native who made the move to Los Angeles two years ago to join Homeboy Threads and to be closer to family. I’m enjoying the sunshine, warmer temperatures, and everything (except the traffic!). Southern California has to offer. Outside of work, you’ll find me baking for friends and family, exploring trails, and birdwatching. I’ve had a long career in making and selling products, starting in the fashion industry. In recent years, I’ve shifted my focus toward making the industry more sustainable and circular. I’m grateful for my role at Homeboy Threads and the opportunity it provides to tackle textile waste while creating meaningful environmental and social impact. The women in my life have shaped me profoundly — my grandmother, mother, friends, teachers, neighbors, and colleagues, past and present. Their inspiration, mentorship, and guidance have been my foundation. And as the mother of two daughters, my greatest hope is that they, too, will forge their own paths, guided by the strength and wisdom of the women in their lives.
Blake Fuentes
To me, Women’s History Month is about women who faced systemic oppression, but despite it, still achieved greatness and advanced civilization. Women who helped create a future in which women are respected and treated equally. Our present-day world would not be possible without the contributions women have made to science, art, leadership, civil rights, and education. Even with the struggles women still face today, we confidently overcome them and continue contributing to that future. Humanity’s hope for a better future depends on ALL humans working together to create it.
Raylyn Duran
My name is Raylyn, and I have been part of Homeboy Industries for almost a year. I grew up in Norwalk and was incarcerated from the ages of 18 to 24. I am now 32 years old and have been out for several years. In that time, I’ve raised two sons and have remained focused on building a better life for my family. In my free time, I love spending time with my boys — taking them to amusement parks, exploring new places, and trying new restaurants together. Homeboy Industries has given me a second chance and the opportunity to develop valuable job skills while continuing to grow as a person. Celebrating Women’s History Month is deeply meaningful to me because it honors the strength, resilience, and achievements of women everywhere. It’s a powerful reminder of how far women have come — and of why it’s so important that we continue to uplift and support one another.
Elisa Johnson
I’m Elisa Johnson–I’ve been at Homeboy Industries for over 5 years working both in Fundraising and now Homeboy Threads. I’m the mom of two adult kids, Matthew and Anna who both live in Texas. I’ve just learned I’m going to be a grandmother in August. For fun, I run with my friends several mornings a week. I think it is important to celebrate Women’s History Month because we were ALL created to be image bearers–ALL of us–each and every one of us.
Ana Pacheco
My name is Ana Pacheco (nickname Annie), and I’ve worked at Homeboy Recycling for almost 8 years! I grew up in San Dimas (a suburb east of LA) as the youngest of 4 kids. I went to the University of Washington and got my degree in Environmental Studies and Urban Design and Planning. I love hanging with my dog, baking (currently into making sourdough bread), and trying different DIY projects. I ended up at Homeboy because of my background in waste management and recycling, and I’m so happy I joined Isidore Electronics Recycling many years ago! I started when there were only 3 other women on the team, and I love that I have been part of growing our team of women over the last several years. Women are an amazing part of our organization, and I owe so much of my success in life to the amazing women around me!
Chanalisa Sera
Hi, I am Chanalisa Sera, 35 years old and of Cuban descent. I first came to Homeboys 2 1/2 years ago. I fell in love with the mission and the environment of what Homeboy’s stands for.
I love playing sports with my children and doing arts and crafts. I aspire to become a case manager for the underprivileged. I have accomplished many things in just 2 1/2 years. I have not only started working for an amazing company that saw all my potential, but one that keeps pushing me upward to reach my ultimate goals. Upon my release from 2/12 years of incarceration, I obtained custody of my children again, I have gotten my own apartment, I have bought a brand new car, and most of all I healed within myself from past trauma, which has helped me maintain my sobriety and now I am able to help others. Celebrating women is so important to me because it shows women can do as much as a man can do and at no limit. If you put your mind to something you desire, you will make it happen.
Violet Valdez
My name is Violet Valdez, I’ve worked at Homeboy Recycling for 2 years and some change 🙂 I was raised in Watts, CA and grew up in multiple different neighborhoods in LA County. I love helping others and knowing my job is a contribution out of the other hundred jobs that supports Homeboys get the chance they deserve. In my downtime I love dancing, cooking, and spending time with my siamese cat Nana.
I believe recognizing the women that occupy important roles here is imperative to understand the hard work women do everyday!
Ibby Hartley
Hi, my name is Ibby! I was born in Rhode Island but grew up in Los Angeles and there’s no place I’d rather live! When I was 16 Father Greg came to speak at my highschool and I set a mental goal of working for Homeboys – and now I’ve worked here for almost 3 years! I am grateful to work at a social enterprise that melds social mission and environmental impact. Prior to being at Homeboy’s I owned a small business for 6 years designing and sewing custom clothing out of vintage and upcycled materials – the focus of my designs was to create clothing that fit women properly and made them feel their best. When not at work, I enjoy making clothing (cutting, sewing, patternmaking, etc), drawing / painting, doing DIY projects, and running. I have one son, my dog Randle.
I am excited to celebrate each one of the incredible women I work with during Women’s History Month and beyond!
Jennifer Rivera
I’m Jennifer and I love to travel and visit different places and cultures. I’ve been to Hawaii, Cancun, London, Paris, Italy, Greece, and Texas. Although I’ve lived in California my whole life I barely visited San Francisco this past weekend. I also enjoy going to my kid’s sports games and my daughter’s cheerleading competitions. Outside of traveling, I just like to focus on my three kids.
I’ve been at HBR for 7 years. I used to be the asset management lead and I would travel to different states. We don’t do that anymore but I miss it. I first started out in the Los Angeles Conservation Corps, I was doing an externship and completing my hours here, then they hired me full time. I started at the Conservation Corps because I had kids young and wanted to get my high school diploma. I succeeded and I even got my chainsaw and wood chip certification there as well.
I think celebrating Women’s History Month is important because I feel like women are overlooked by men who often treat women as less or lower than them. We can do all the same things they can, and probably better too. We can do even more, like create life.
Lori Yalem
I was born in Omaha Nebraska and went to Catholic schools. My dad was killed in a car accident when I was 11 yrs old so grew up with a single mom and my 2 younger sisters. I’ve lived in Iowa, Nebraska, Texas, Oregon and Cali. My mom remarried and they had another baby, so this was Sister#3. I was the first person in my family to go to college (University of Nebraska) and earned a bachelor of arts degree , specializing in ceramic sculpture. In college I went on a class trip overseas (England) and fell in love with travel. (Taiwan, Japan, Macow, Australia) Moved to Denver, and bought my first new road bike, Yamaha Virago 750, and rode all over the state. I met my husband in Vegas and have been married for 31 years. I have 1 daughter who lives in Virginia and is a CPA. When I moved to LA, I got into paper recycling. The impetus was that my husband was a docu-drama writer and he threw out many versions of his scripts. So we recycled them instead! I took classes at UCLA to learn more about the recycling industry so I could get a job in it. “Saving trees” was my initial passion to work in the paper recycling and I loved it. Since 2008 I have been lucky to find work with non-profits (Goodwill and Homeboy) still doing recycling, but with the added benefit of helping others get work/jobs. My favorite past times are gardening, pulling weeds, composting, hiking in the hills/mountains with my dog, volunteering for dog rescue (20 years), yoga, traveling (following my daughter around the globe!), backyard fire-pit burns, etc. My current dog passed her Therapy Dog test, so we visit Adult Day Cares on a weekly basis. I also am helping a young male Golden get out of “jail/boarding” and find a family. One day when I retire, I want to start throwing pots again.