The LA Fellows program has gained recognition and appreciation throughout the community for reaching a vital and often overlooked part of the workforce as it relates to job search training and employment skills. We proudly give back to the community through our partnership with the nonprofit sector. We are honored that our elected officials are among those who value and recognize the work we do, and pleased that many of them were represented at the recent graduation of Cohort 11. 
Glyn Milburn, representing the City of Los Angeles Office of Economic Development Business Team, on behalf of Mayor Eric Garcetti, gave an inspiring speech about the impact LA Fellows have on the community, both in business and the nonprofit sector. It is his second time joining us for the ceremony.
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Nikki Ezhari spoke on behalf of long-time program supporter Councilmember Paul Krekorian, in whose district, District 2, Los Angeles Valley College, home of LA Fellows and the LAVC Job Training Office is located. She congratulated the Cohort on the work that each of them has done to improve themselves while giving back and making positive changes. As in previous years, Councilmember Krekorian provided impressive certificates for each graduating Fellow.
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Assemblymember Richard Bloom, who represents the 50th Assembly District, was represented by Josh Kurpies, who spoke with great encouragement and support on the accomplishments that the Fellows just achieved and their readiness to achieve their next goals. LA Fellows partnered with the JVS West Hollywood WorkSource Center, which is located in Assemblymember Bloom's district, to recruit and sponsor half of Cohort 11. The assemblymember provided handsome certificates for each of the Fellows.
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Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian also recognized the powerful benefit of this program in the part of the San Fernando Valley where it, and his District, Assembly District 46, is located and sent Talene Dermenjian to speak on his behalf. Her warm words of appreciation for the work the Fellows put into their training and nonprofit volunteerism were as treasured as the distinctive certificates she presented on behalf of Assemblymember Nazarian.
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Sydney Kamlager, recently elected to the LACCD Board of Trustees, came to speak in her capacity as District Director for Senator Holly J. Mitchell of District 30. Senator Mitchell's office hosted an LA Fellow from Cohort 9 as a volunteer and has been a valued friend and supporter of the program ever since. The Fellows each received a beautiful certificate from the Senator, and Sydney spoke with pride and passion about the hard work the Fellows put in to make themselves more marketable as job seekers and ready to embrace the challenges of their next jobs.
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The Fellows were especially surprised to get the striking framed certificates from Congressman Tony Cรกrdenas, who represents California's 29th Congressional District, which includes Los Angeles Valley College. Brian Gavidia spoke eloquently on behalf of the congressman during the ceremony, congratulating the graduates and encouraging them in their future efforts.
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The LA Fellows program appreciates the value that these elected officials place on the workforce of this community and the support they give to programs like LA Fellows that work to curb long-term unemployment and get skilled professionals back to work.
