Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina recently named former city official Cecilia Estolano as the 1st Supervisorial District's "Woman of the Year."
Molina cited efforts by the former chief executive officer of the Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles (CRA/LA) to foster affordable housing, employment opportunities, a new awareness of environmental standards, and a dedication to low-income neighborhoods during a three-year tenure in the job.
Estolano stepped down from her post at CRA/LA late last year, a move she has since said stemmed from a desire to work to foster green jobs and economic development in a "broader context."
Estolano currently serves as chief strategist of state and local initiatives for Green for All, an Oakland-based national advocacy organization with an environmental focus and a mission of helping to create "green jobs in cities across the U.S. — particularly in underserved communities," according to Molina's office.
"Cecilia's service to the public, and especially to under-represented communities, make her the ideal candidate for this award," Molina said. "She has a track record of success in creating high-paying jobs and in building more affordable housing — two things the city of Los Angeles direly needs — while simultaneously demonstrating a solid commitment for the environment."
Molina bestowed the recent honor on Estolano during a March 8 ceremony at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel at 5th Street and Grand Avenue
Molina also credited Estolano for revamping CRA/LA and adopting a "Healthy Neighborhoods" policy as a blueprint for incorporating environmental sustainability under agency's practices, programs, and projects.
Molina also credited Estolano with playing a key role in establishing a $42 million Land Acquisition Fund with the goal of initiating investment and development in underserved markets such as South Los Angeles.
Estolano's numerous achievements also include serving as an adviser on then-President Elect Barack Obama's Presidential Transition Team; serving as a member of U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer's Judicial Advisory Committee; and serving as a senior policy advisor with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has not yet selected a candidate to replace Estolano as the head of CRA/LA, a post that requires confirmation by the Los Angeles City Council
Photo from molina.lacounty.gov.
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