2025 Fernando Award Finalists
Armida Colmenares-Stafford
First Vice President/Senior Relationship Manager, Columbia Bank
Nominated by:
- The Valley Economic Alliance
- Annenberg School of Nursing
Armida serves as the Chair of both The Alliance and the Annenberg School. She also serves on the Board of Proxy Parent Foundation, supporting Californians with developmental disabilities. She was the first Latina Chair of the United Chambers of Commerce (UCC) where she served a record 4 years. In 2023, she was recognized with United Chamber’s Inspirational Women Award and the Los Angeles Business Journal has recognized her as one of the Valley 200 Most Influential Leaders each year since 2021. Colmenares-Stafford has an unshakeable belief in the power of connecting and networking for business success and in the power of education to change lives and health.
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Dennis DeYoung
Certified Financial Planner, Western International Securities, Inc.
Nominated by:
- Cal State University, Northridge
- Keith Nathaniel
Dennis believes that we only have so many minutes on this earth and devoting our time to a cause that we are compassionate about is certainly the highest and best use of our time. He is a long-time supporter of California State University, Northridge and has been involved with the university in various capacities. Dennis is a former member of the Pierce College Advisory Committee, a past president of the Northridge West Neighborhood Council and a former member of the American Heart Association’s board of directors. He continues to be active with the Volunteers Cleaning Communities and Northridge Beautification.
Steve Fazio
Chief Executive Officer, Fazio Enterprises
Nominated by:
- Dale Surowitz
- Rickey Gelb
Active with the Los Angeles Police Reserve Corps for over 40 years, Steve believes that everyone has an obligation to help make our community better than how we found it. He has also served as the founding president of Sierra Canyon School and held board positions for organizations such as the Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles City Fire Department and he currently serves on the board for Pepperdine University, the LAPD Operation Valley Bureau Foundation, the California Peace Officer Association, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, and Providence Tarzana Medical Center, among others.
Jorge Rabaso
Owner, Rabaso Insurance
Nominated by:
- Teylez Perez
- Claudia Shah
Jorge said that it makes him happy to support others and be a part of their journey. He founded the Hispanic Business Network, an association of Hispanic entrepreneurs in Los Angeles. Jorge is also on the boards for Meeting Each Need with Dignity, The Valley Fair, Panorama City Neighborhood Council and was an advisor for the Archdioceses of Los Angeles. Jorge has given financial insurance and motivational talks to business owners, executives, and entrepreneurs. He champions networking as a way to bring people together and help them learn from one another.
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Sharon J. Udkoff
Certified Public Accountant
Nominated by:
- Los Angeles Jewish Health
- Los Angeles Valley College
Sharon has been on the Los Angeles Valley College Foundation Board for over 20 years, serving on the executive committee in varying capacities. A former student herself, she has a great passion for students and seniors. She has served on the Executives Board a support group for Los Angeles Jewish Health for over 30 years. She has also served on the Land Use Committee for the Studio City Neighborhood Council and more. Sharon loves to see the organizations she belongs to grow. She says there is so much we could do to improve this world if everyone just gave a little of themselves.
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