Written Testimonials

Cynthia Pleitez

Marketing Communications Director
(Greater Los Angeles, Orange County, Inland Empire, Coachella Valley)

American Heart Association

“I landed the job! I will be joining the American Heart Association as the new Marketing Communications Director for the LA/OC/IE SoCal markets reporting directly to the VP of Marketing Communications!

I stood firm on my salary requirements and secured the highest salary available for the position’s range.

Thank you for giving me the courage to “explore new companies.” I was previously at a company for six years where I was applauded but never promoted or advanced into a leadership role. I owe it all to WRLA.”
-Cynthia Pleitez
WRLA 2026 Testimonial

Connie Royal

Community Engagement Specialist

Ontario International Airport

“WRLA taught me to shape my verbal communications to move away from sounding weak and toward giving me more authority. The shifts I’ve made when I speak have empowered me at work, and given me an upper hand in my professional interactions. This has been huge for my personal confidence and has elevated my credibility and the way people view me at work.”
-Connie Royal
WRLA 2026 Testimonial

Helene Fuentes

2025-2026 WRLA Graduate

Dear Lacy:

I wanted to properly thank you for the incredible opportunity you gave me at WRLA. I truly didn’t know what to expect when I first joined, and you and your team exceeded everything I could have imagined. I wanted to personally tell you how this journey was for me!

When you told me that I could benefit from this program and gave me the opportunity to participate, I was a bit afraid. I was still in school and working somewhere that I was embarrassed to admit. However, all those insecurities went out the door on my first day at WRLA. Immediately, I got to see that there were women from all walks of life and in different parts of their careers. Seeing that firsthand made me realize that there’s nothing to be embarrassed about my situation.

Additionally, before starting WRLA, I had quite a negative outlook at my workplace. I would dread coming to work and get upset over the little things. It was not healthy for my mental state. Thankfully, that all changed because of you and the wonderful guests you brought. Each of the women’s stories was inspiring and motivated me in a way I never thought they would.

Many of those women also mentioned how we should have a positive outlook not just in life, but at work as well. By the second month I was already changing my mindset at work. Before, if a customer got upset with me, I would internally get upset and call someone else to have them deal with them instead. However, because of WRLA, my mind changed completely. I was able to calm myself down and not feel anger towards anyone when those situations arose. I was able to handle those tough moments with grace and positivity. It felt wonderful, and I could feel the difference within myself.

During all that, I also obtained my AA in Graphic Design. Accomplishing that and going through WRLA was something I needed. I truly saw you as a gardener in a garden full of sprouts and grown flowers who just needed a little bit of watering and sunshine. I’m also thankful that through this I was able to make friends with Bailee and Dorthy!

I can’t thank you enough Lacy for these last couple of months. You are one heck of a Super Woman! Your enthusiasm and work ethic shines through your work and events. I look forward to seeing what you create next!

With sincere thanks,

Helene Fuentes
WRLA 2026 Testimonial

Susan Backer

Executive Assistant

Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce

“Hello Lacy!

Here is a little blurb.

WRLA has been a true blessing to both my professional and personal life. I find that I am a lot more confident these days and have gotten over the fear of speaking in public, which in the past, had always been a goal of mine to try to achieve.

I would recommend WRLA to anyone trying to overcome the barriers of being a woman in the workplace.”
-Susan Backer
Executive Administrative Assistant
Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce
WRLA 2024 Testimonial

Airi Fukushima

Executive Vice President, Human Resources

Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud, & Romo

“I couldn’t wait to share some incredible news. It’s been such an exhilarating journey, and I’ve picked up invaluable insights along the way on handling challenging situations and conversations.

Being part of discussions with other women leaders has been truly inspiring. I’ve soaked up wisdom from their experiences, especially during the Executive Women panel. Hearing how many of them began from humble beginnings, given my own career switch from Computer Science to HR.

I owe a huge thanks to you for creating a platform where women can glean insights and strategies for success in the business world through this program!

And to top it all off, out of the 16 directors in my company, only 2 were women. As of April 1st, I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve become the 3rd female director and the youngest director in my company.

While I continue to face challenges in asserting my voice in meetings and earning the respect of others due to my age, the program has provided me with the determination to push through. I’m also incredibly grateful for the available coaching, which is going to play a pivotal role in supporting me during this transitional phase.”
-Airi Fukushima
WRLA 2024 Testimonial

Paulette Maskarino

District Director

Assemblymember Phillip Chen,
59th District