Pilar Pinel
Director of Leadership
Proposed new copy:
Pilar Pinel brings over four decades of deep-rooted community involvement to her role as the Director of Leadership at Finding Something More. As the founder of Embracing Latina Leadership Alliances (ELLAS), Pilar has dedicated her career to fostering leadership programs and academic opportunities for underprivileged high school Latinas. Before ELLAS, she served as a Legislative Field Deputy for the First City Council Office of Long Beach and held positions in community outreach and high school matriculation at various community colleges. Her work, which has garnered recognition ranging from the United States of America Presidential “Point of Light” Award to Forbes, reflects a lifelong commitment to bridging educational and economic gaps in underserved communities.
Pilar's diverse experience in community leadership and advocacy makes her a perfect fit for Finding Something More's mission to uplift individuals towards a more purposeful life. As a resident of Long Beach, California, her local and international contributions exemplify a powerful blend of professional acumen and a dedication to elevating young women in education, non-traditional careers, and leadership roles.
In her role as Director of Leadership, Pilar will focus on expanding the organization's reach and impact through various programs and initiatives. Her unmatched passion for empowering underserved communities aligns seamlessly with our aim to create a ripple effect of empowerment and altruism, fulfilling our vision for a world where everyone is motivated to reach their full potential and uplift others in the process.
Original Copy:
Ms. Pinel a forty-three year resident of the City of Long Beach, California and founder of Embracing Latina Leadership AllianceS (ELLAS), a college bound non- profit 501(c)(3) organization facilitating role-models and leadership programs that expand academic and career paradigm among underprivileged “C” average and above high school Latinas. Ms. Pinel’s leadership in supporting women of diversity demonstrates the importance of giving back to our communities and the importance of investing in future generations as an invaluable tool leading too parity and economic growth within underserved communities.
Prior to founding ELLAS in 2003, Pilar Pinel represented the First City Council Office of Long Beach as its’ Legislative Field Deputy. 1987 – 2003 Pilar held the position of Community Outreach Specialist and High School Matriculation Specialist that began at Long Beach City College for a few years, followed by the Santa Ana Community College District and Santiago Community College until 2002. Pilar has served on various boards and committees throughout her professional career including International Sisters Cities Long Beach (Baja California).
A dedication that has gained national, international, state, congressional and local awards that include but not limited to: United States of America Presidential “Point of Light” Award # 4749; Los Angeles NFL Ram’s & Hispanic Heritage Community Impact Award; People en Español 25 Mujeres Mas Poderosa’s; L’Oréal Paris Woman of Worth Award; Forbes; L.A. County 4th District Supervisor’s Woman of the Year Award; 2005 United States House of Representatives, Special Congressional Recognition Award; 17th Annual American Business Women' s Association Vision Award; Finding Something More Award; Soroptimist Community Leadership Award… Her extensive community and professional contributions throughout the County of Los Angeles personifies her professional posture, leadership and commitment to the upward mobility of underserved young women in education, non-traditional careers, STEM careers, leadership roles and environmental stewardship.
