EngAGE is celebrating Thanksgiving all month!
EngAGE is thankful for the people who help us pursue our mission to transform affordable housing communities into vibrant centers of learning, wellness, and creativity. This week, we’ll be sharing photos and a bit of information about all of our staff members. Please visit our website to learn more about them.
Cathy Trout’s wide-ranging experience in graphic design, fundraising, and technology meshed with her advocacy interests, resulting in work with a youth conservation corps, an arts program, and currently a charter school network. Her energy is focused on promoting change, connectivity, and opportunity through programming at her EngAGE communities.
Sandra Vargas‘ background in family and substance abuse counseling provides her with the compassion to create, connect, and problem-solve with her diverse communities. Sandra also assists her 16-year-old son with his ongoing non-profit project, N.O.L.C. (No One Left Cold). Throughout the year, they collect unwanted blankets, clothes, and shoes, and twice a year distribute them to the Skid Row Community.
Helene Weinberg is an award-winning musical cabaret artist, actor, radio host, coach, and writer. She inspires her residents at LBSAC and PacArts to explore and discover their own talents, then helps them beautifully showcase those talents through acting and musical performances, and art shows.
Tom Wheatley brings a wealth of knowledge and extensive experience to his position as EngAGE’s chief finance and operations executive. Tom cultivates a cohesive approach to the organizational financing of EngAGE, ensuring that we can fulfill our important mission to serve our communities.
Alma Wright is an artist, interior decorator, and photographer. She loves working with her hands and has tried everything from portrait drawing to reupholstering old furniture. In addition to her Program Director and art teacher roles for EngAGE, for the last few years, Alma also has been responsible for most human resource and accounts payable tasks, but working closely with her community residents remains her true calling.
Meredith Yuan‘s experience in the non-profit world ranges from working with the homeless community to traveling internationally to provide education, medical clinics, food, and clothing to underprivileged areas. She has compassion for people in all walks of life and approaches her work with humility. She is excited about making an impact by helping residents realize their full potential.
Polet Zargarian was born in Iran, and grew up in Germany before coming to the US at the age of 17. In addition to teaching art at multiple communities for EngAGE, she has a boutique photography/commercial art/design business. Her artistic talent and generous, supportive teaching style encourage residents to overcome their fears and physical disabilities while practicing their art.
Thank you, EngAGE Staff!
Wanted to say Hi to Helene. She’s an old friend.
We’ll be happy to pass along your message.