Lana and her husband’s story is one of connection, giving, and a heartfelt return to Pasadena. Years ago, her husband ran a podcast, donating its proceeds to different charities each month. When they moved back to Pasadena from Minneapolis, Friends In Deed stood out among the many nonprofits recommended to them.
A meeting with Rabbi Joshua, Friends In Deed’s Executive Director, revealed a remarkable connection: years earlier, Rabbi Joshua had been their rabbi when they first married. This serendipitous reconnection, after 16 years away, made it feel like life had come full circle. Inspired by Friends In Deed’s mission, Lana decided to get involved, bringing her extensive experience in nonprofit boards and corporate strategy to the table.
Lana was struck by the scale of homelessness in Los Angeles compared to Minneapolis and felt compelled to help. Programs like Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance (EPRA) and Street Outreach and Housing resonated deeply with her. “It’s kinder, more cost-effective, and smarter to prevent homelessness before it starts,” she shared. But her heart is closest to The Women’s Room, a program she describes as “unique and necessary, filling a gap no one else is addressing.”
Now serving on the board, Lana combines her expertise with her passion for the mission. She’s unafraid to ask for what Friends In Deed needs—funding, volunteers, or leadership support—because she knows the impact it has on the community. “Friends In Deed helps people in real time and works proactively to address homelessness at its roots,” Lana said.
Lana is committed to helping Friends In Deed thrive, ready to roll up her sleeves and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.