On Thursday, April 25, the Long Beach Post hosted an event to honor young people from around the city who are doing great things to better their community and beyond. Out of hundreds of nominations from our readers, judges chose 40 winners who run the gamut from educators to artists to business owners to community activists, all of whom represent just a selection of those who are today contributing to the betterment of Long Beach.
One of her nominators put it best when they said, “When you feel a ray of sunshine rolling in, be assured it’s the warmth of Mary Zendejas.” Despite being stricken with polio as a child, Mary—who last year was crowned Ms. Wheelchair California—is force of joy and positivity to many in Long Beach. Her focus on abilities instead of disabilities led to her founding the Disabled Professionals Association and her work with the City and many other organizations has empowered many others in the disabled community. A graduate of Cal State Long Beach, Mary is a true leader who is actively driving efforts towards fair education and employment for all.
For more information about Disables Professionals Association, visit dpalb.com