Board of Directors

Adrian Stern
Chair

Michelle Torres
Vice Chair

Shelia Jones
Treasurer

Joannie Aguayo, ED.D
Secretary

Romalis Taylor
Member-At-Large

Together, this year’s honorees exemplify the leadership, service, and advocacy that has helped CCRC strengthen children, families, and communities for the past 50 years. The agency is proud to recognize their lasting contributions during this milestone celebration.

Honoree Dr. Michael Olenick in front of a book shelf smiling

Dr. O

At CCRC’s Anniversary Gala on September 19, 2026, our Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Michael Olenick, will be awarded the Champions for Children Award.

Dr. Michael Olenick has dedicated more than three decades to advance the well-being of children and families, including 23 years as President & Chief Executive Officer of CCRC. Under his leadership, CCRC has grown into one of the nation’s largest child care resource and referral agencies, expanding access to early learning, family support services, nutrition assistance, and workforce development programs that strengthen communities throughout California. Guided by a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and advocacy, Dr. Olenick has led the agency’s continued growth while ensuring that children and families remain at the center of its mission. His leadership has helped shape CCRC into a trusted partner for families, educators, policymakers, and community organizations working to improve outcomes for children.

Dr. Olenick is widely recognized as a leader in the early childhood education field, serving in leadership roles with Child Care Aware of America, and the California Child Care Alliance of Los Angeles. He has also been appointed to the California State Advisory Council on Early Learning and Care and the Speaker of the Assembly’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Early Childhood Education, where he contributed to statewide policy recommendations that continue to strengthen California’s early care and education system. In recognition of his enduing impact, CCRC and Columbia Bank established the Michael Olenick, Ph.D. Scholarship Fund at California State University, Northridge to support graduate students pursuing careers in early childhood education, advocacy, and community well-being. Through his lifelong dedication to children and families, Dr. Olenick has inspired lasting change and helped create opportunities for generations to come.

Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo

Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo proudly represents California’s 40th Assembly District, serving communities throughout the Northwest San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys. Since taking office in 2022, she has built a strong record of advocating for working families, expanding access to affordable healthcare, addressing food insecurity, supporting children and veterans, and advancing policies that help communities thrive.

Assemblymember Schiavo has been a dedicated partner to CCRC, working alongside our agency to strengthen family well-being across the region. For the past four years, she has participated in CCRC’s annul School Supply Giveaway events, helping ensure thousands of children begin the school year equipped with the supplies they need to succeed. She also partnered with CCRC to help launch our Fill the Fridge initiative by securing a $400,000 infrastructure grant through the California Department of Social Services. The funding enabled CCRC to significantly expand its capacity to distribute fresh produce and other perishable items to families experiencing food insecurity, increasing access to nutritious meals while supporting healthier outcomes for children and families. Through her continued partnership with CCRC, Assemblymember Schiavo has helped advance opportunities for children, strengthen family stability, and further the agency’s mission of helping every child reach their full potential.

We are honored to present her with the Champions for Children Award at CCRC’s 50th Anniversary Gala on September 19, 2026.

Carolyn Stewart

CCRC’s Head Start Parent Council and former Board Member, Carolyn Stewart, will receive the H.E.A.R.T. (Helping Everyone Achieve Real Tomorrows) Award in recognition of her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to children, families, and parent advocacy.

Carolyn Stewart is a dedicated parent, leader, advocate, and community servant whose lifelong connection to Head Start reflects the transformative impact of early childhood education. A Head Start alumna and proud grandmother of a child enrolled in CCRC’s Head Start program, Stewart has become a powerful voice for children and families, helping ensure parents are active partners in shaping programs that support their success. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership by championing parent engagement, strengthening family advocacy, and empowering caregivers to become confident advocates for their children. Her commitment to service extends beyond CCRC through her role as Co-Pastor of Empowered Church, where she continues to uplift and support her community.

Stewart’s advocacy has reached local, state, and national levels, representing the voices of Head Start families in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., and informed conversations about policies that strengthen early childhood education and family well-being. Drawing on a lifetime of experience in leadership, financial services, retail management, ministry, and caregiving, she brings compassion, resilience, and authenticity to every role she serves. Currently pursing bachelor’s and master’s degrees while continuing her work in parent leadership, Stewart remains committed to expanding opportunities for children and families. Her dedication to service, education, and community empowerment embodies the spirit of CCRC’s H.E.A.R.T. Award and continues to inspire parents, educators, and advocates alike.

Gala Dinner Committee

Ruthy Argumedo: Associate Vice President, Growth & Community Engagement – Molina Healthcare of California
Ellen Cervantes: Former VP and COO – CCRC
Wendy Garen: Chair – Los Angeles County Commission for Children & Families
Ed Hill: Former CEO – Geotechnologies, Inc.
Maxine Paul: Owner – MP Associates
Rick Pearson: Senior Director – Cushman & Wakefield
Panchito Ramirez: Director of Partnerships and Community – AV ALTA FC
Eloise Gomez Reyes: Senator
Rick Pearson: Senior Director – Cushman & Wakefield
Adrian Stern: Chair – CCRC Board of Directors
Zhiwen Tan: Founder – MCT
Stuart Waldman: President – Valley Industry & Commerce Association