Local Heroes

Local Heroes bring the spirit of Peace Corps to our neighborhoods. Starting in 2002, RPCVLA began honoring people of our community.

If you would like to nominate a local hero, please click here.

Local Hero of 2007

Linda Atwater (left) : An RPCV who has spent most of each year in Ghana since her Peace Corps service there ended, completing projects in water sourcing, community-based funding, small business, bicycle repair, and school programs. In the United States, Linda markets for Tro-Tro Trading, which provides Ghanaian artisans with access to international markets and invests ten percent of its proceeds in Ghanaian development projects.

Local Heroes of 2006

Judy Greenspon : As an RPCV and owner of NPI Services, Judy is deeply involved in local and international philanthropic organizations, including managing a Yamanaka project involving over a ton of donated books for a community library overseas.

Kristen Kosinski (right) : Founder of The Samburu Project, a non-profit organization that collaborates with communities in developing countries to enhance men, women and children’s daily lives by providing resources that address immediate needs while promoting long term sustainability and self-sufficiency along with cultural integrity.

Local Hero of 2005

John Outterbridge : Director of the Watts Towers Arts Center from 1975 to 1990, John started the annual Day of the Drum Festival and the annual Simon Rodia Jazz Festival. He continues to be deeply involved in the Los Angeles arts community, supporting emerging and established community-based artists, while exhibiting his sculptures in local galleries and museums.

Local Heroes of 2003

Sharon Stricker : Executive Director of LACER, a non-profit organization which runs arts and literacy based after school programs in LAUSD middle schools.

Amanda Wash : Founder of AFACT (A Foundation of African Children Today) a community based organization that provides support for famine and AIDS stricken children in Africa.

Local Heroes of 2002

Debrah Constance : Debrah started A Place Called Home with the belief that one person can make a difference. The center provides 4800 member, ages 9-20, with a secure, positive environment where they can regain hope and belief, earn trust, self respect and learn skills to lead a productive life style free of the gangs and poverty that surrounds them. Visit A Place Called Home at www.apch.org.

Stephan Cajina : We honor Stephan Cajina (Honduras '96-98) for his years of work in the community with Outward Bound Adventures, a local non-profit organization that provides nature-based education for low income and at-risk urban youth through self development, environmental responsibility and outdoor career exposure. Stephan also assists the LA Bike Coalition, which coordinates event to improve the bicycling environment and quality of life in Los Angeles County. Visit the LA Bike Coalition at www.labikecoalition.org.