Theresa Amador was honored as their “Women of Achievement” for 2018 on October 24th at a dinner at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Monterey Park.

President Karen Roberson presented her the award. BPW is so proud to honor you and welcomed you to our group. We are all part of the same community.

Mrs. Amador is active communities volunteer having served as Chair of the City of Monterey Park’s Planning Commission, President of the Alhambra District Council, Parents and Teachers Association and President of the Friends of the Monterey Park Library. She has served on the Board of Directors of Soroptomist International, Los Angeles; California Vision and Leadership Annual Awards; the Hispanic Bankers Association (Co-Founder and Director); California State Superintendent’s Hispanic Education Council. In addition, she has been active in the Monterey Park Lions Club, Monterey Park Woman’s Club, League of Women Voters-Pasadena Chapter, Monterey Park Cinco de Mayo Committee, the Monterey Park Economic Development Advisory Committee and Monterey Park Library Foundation.

A recipient of numerous awards, most recently Theresa Amador was recognized for her public and community service at the Monterey Park Centennial Celebration and as State Senator Ed Hernandez’ 2017 Woman of the Year for the 22nd Senatorial District. She has also been recognized through the following awards: Woman of Distinction, Soroptomist International; Josephine Service Award for Education; City of Monterey Park Outstanding Public Service Award; Hispanic Women of the Year Award, California and U.S. Hispanic Family of the Year Award.

Theresa Amador was born and raised in Stockton. After marrying she and her husband moved to Sacramento where both of their children were born. In 1966 they moved to Monterey Park. She received her undergraduate degree in English and Master’s in Arts in Public Administration (Participatory Management), California State University, Los Angeles with additional studies in Corporate Tax Analysis, Loan Analysis and Underwriting, Business Client Relations, Management Presentations and other business related courses. She is a retired executive, having served as Vice President of CHARO Industries, and Vice President of the Business and Financial Center for CHARO Community Development Corporation and as a Commercial Banking Vice President and Executive Director of League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).

Monterey Park City Councilmember Hans Liang honored Theresa Amador, his friend and neighbor at this special event. He said he first met Theresa one strong windy night when her trash can blew into his yard. He recalled that Richard, her husband, had recently passed away and he realized that she could use friendly neighbors at this time.

He is honored to be here tonight to honor Theresa Amador who has done so much for the city and residents. She is very humble but she is not bashful. That says a lot about her character.

Mr. Liang ran for City Council in 2011 and lost so he ran again in 2013 and won a seat on the City Council. You make a conscience decision to serve.

He said that Theresa Amador is always a cheerful person. You are very lucky to have her as a member of the BPW. She contributes in many ways. Women who work together make it happen. We are working together to elevate the U S Constitution.

She is an excellent person who contributes to the people.

Theresa Amador thanked Hans Liang for being a good neighbor. She is deeply honored to receive this award. She introduced her family: Cindy Diaz, her daughter; Richard Amador, her son; Lisa Amador, her daughter-in-law, James Diaz, her son-in-law; Andrew Flores, her grandson and Lauren Amador, her granddaughter.  Her grandchildren: Lisa M. and Jacob were not able to attend this event since they are attending college.

She is busy doing a Grandma call to visit her family in Sacramento. She is one of seven children (six girls and one boy).   She visits her family in Sacramento several times a year.

Theresa Amador thanked the East Los Angeles-Montebello BPW for this award. She thanked Karen Roberson and Linda Wilson. She thanked Carol and Larry Sullivan, who are always volunteering together for their support.

She introduced former City Clerks:  Pauline Lemire, Dave Barron and herself since City Clerks are never honored for their services to the city. She also acknowledged current City Clerk Vince Chang, who was visiting in China.

She helped with creating the design of our new City Hall when she served as City Clerk by visiting other city halls to see how their chamber were laid out for the public. She enjoyed serving in office.

She stated that Richard, her husband, encouraged her to serve others so she volunteered on so many boards and committees most of their 61 years of marriage.

Theresa Amador said after Richard died she was encouraged by her children to continue to volunteer and serve her community. She has met a lot of wonderful people. It is an adventure! It is all about being involved. We all give in one way or another.

She called the BPW power brokers who champion the people with their leadership. She thanked them for making me a part of your family and for welcoming me into your lives.

Cindy Diaz, her daughter, spoke the windy night when the famous trash can blew across into the Liang’s yard. Her mother called her children as her family comes first. Her mother always decorates the house for every holiday for her family. They also checked out their Nativity set displayed on their front yard to be sure that Baby Jesus was not blown away that night.

Her mother and father always taught them about caring. They care about people and help them. Her mother helped raise funds the Computer Labs at Ynez School. She always help raises money for various projects.

Her parents taught them about commitment. Once they commit they don’t quite. You may fail but you always keep on caring. They are about social justice and work for the principle of the matter. It is a challenging time across the city. We are fighters and speak up for people who don’t speak up. Our family loves and admires our mother.

Delario Robinson spoke about meeting Theresa Amador. They serve on the Planning Commission together. She keeps him inspired. Excellence is always in his mind. He does what he is supposed to do. He thanked Theresa for her love. He supports her.

Richard Amador stated his mother was always been businesswoman. She was a beautician, a good mother and wife. She served on the PTA and made changes for the better. She went back to to school when they were teenagers. She attended East Los Angeles and Cal State LA. They all did their homework together. He joked that he was her typist who typed up her Master’s Thesis.

His mother, Theresa Amador, is his hero. She has sacrificed for her family and family friends. She always gives back to the community. He loves her. He thanked BPW for this honor.

Theresa Amador and Carol Sullivan agreed that they are a team. Carol always helps the city. Now Theresa has joined the Lions Club. She said that Carol is humble and helps other people.

Karen Roberson thanked everyone for attending this special BPW event.

Cindy Diaz, Richard Amador, Lisa Amador, Lauren Amador and Andrew Flores joined Theresa Amador for a family portrait. James Diaz was one of the other photographers so he is not in the picture.