E40: The Youth Center CEO Lina Lumme on Inspiration and Community Impact

This week, host Troy Edgar is joined by the L.A. Times 2023 Inspirational Women nominee, Lina Lumme. Lina is the CEO of The Youth Center, an award-winning non-profit that has transformed the lives of thousands of children through their collaborative social, educational, and recreational programs. 

Lina candidly talks about her 2003 journey to immigrate to the United States from Russia, when she arrived 8 months pregnant, homeless, with only $100.00 in her pocket.  She shares her touching testimony of being connected at that time of desperation with the Precious Life Shelter, a Southern California-based non-profit that provides residential and supportive services for homeless pregnant women. Through their support and her determination and hard work she forged a path from being homeless to eventually becoming the CEO of the Youth Center, based in Los Alamitos, California.

Lina discusses the mission and programs of the Youth Center, her leadership philosophy, and how mentors play an important role and truly can impact someone's life.  She explains that through merit, achievement, and success her organization builds donor confidence which provides the track record and credibility to raise money to maintain and advance the mission.   

At the end, Troy asks Lina if she believes that today’s youth are prepared and can still achieve the American Dream. Her answer is informed and insightful and provides an important data point as we all strive to create the conditions for success for our youth. 

Please consider participating in the Youth Center's One Grand Project.