Carol Reza

Executive Director & Founder

In 1996, Carol Reza became the Founder and Executive Director of Bridge of Faith. In Carol’s early life, her mother left her and her sister. Her sister was adopted, and Carol went into an orphanage. Carol quotes, “I felt my sister was wanted and I was not. You can’t say it or understand it because at age four you do not understand the event. What you do have is now a trauma that you swallow which becomes part of your life. Carol is “abandoned and un-wanted”. Carol has dedicated her life to working with girls/women who have aged out of the foster care system. She has also worked as a Realtor for 30 years. Carol has received several awards that include, “Woman of the Year” by the California State Assembly; “Woman of Achievement” from the San Gabriel Valley YWCA; “Good Neighbor Award” from the National Association of Realtors; “Leading Boldly Award” by the House of Representatives; “National Community Service Award” from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and was nationally recognized by L’Oreal as Woman of Worth. “It takes a long time to build a bridge. Please do not grow faint and stop what we all are called to do. Bridges are an extremely necessary part of life. — Carol

Mona Garcia

President

This is Mona’s second time around as a Board Member (2010 – 2015). Mona graduated in 2004 from Pacific Oaks College where she earned her Master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy with a specialization in Latino Family Studies. Mona has worked serving others in the field of Counseling for over 25 years. Mona has also worked for the Los Angeles Probation Department. Mona has been inspired by Carol’s passion to work with girls/women who have aged out of the foster care system. Mona views Carol as a mentor, role model, and friend. Mona has been in recovery from Alcohol abuse for over 25 years. She understands what it is to experience adversities in life and has dedicated her life to helping and serving others with compassion and love. She is currently working at LA CADA / Custody to Community Transitional Reentry Program (CCTRP) as a Family Services Coordinator.

Virginia Lange

Vice President & Treasurer

Virginia has been the operation Manager for P.D.T & CO. for 25 years and has been married for 58 years. Virginia has a certificate in Furniture Manufacturing Technology and is an electrical assistant to her husband and his business. Virginia has a daughter and grandson who bring boundless joy to her life. She and her husband have provided counseling to families that have lost a child. Virginia’s son was killed in an auto accident at 17 and her granddaughter died at 28 from organ failure. Virginia says, “Without Christ and family support it would be most difficult if not impossible to deal with the loss.” She and her husband have done missionary work in five different countries. They managed large building projects and ministered in the local churches. Bridge of Faith is an inspiration in their heart and passion to help, guide and equip young women to become self-sufficient and find self-worth.

Ricki Dillard

Secretary

Ricki was born in Fairfield, CA and is half Chicana and half Chamorro (Guam), she was raised in Pomona, CA. She is a wife, mother of 5 children and a blessed grandmother of 6. Ricki has an associate degree in marketing and is a certified Business Office Specialist. Ricki served in the US Army as a Private First Class. Ricki has 15 years of sobriety and loves every day she wakes up clean. Her passion is reaching women and families that are where she used to be, to give them support and show them love and kindness. Ricki has a servant’s heart for those around her with an emphasis on addiction and seeks daily to help one person at a time restore their life. Ricki is a woman of God that serves in several ministries at Praise Chapel Whittier. She has a passion for volunteerism and organizational management, is an active member of several overdose awareness programs and volunteers her time working with women that are transitioning from being behind bars to society. Ricki is excited to help in assisting women that are aging out of foster care. Ricki is currently working at The Whole Child as a Housing Navigator for homeless families and families in shelters.

Shirley Howard

Board Member

Shirley was born in Niagara Falls, Canada. She came to California for six months and never went back. Shirley is retired from her career as an Executive Secretary. After retirement, Shirley has devoted her life to volunteer work. Shirley says, “Bridge of Faith has been a gift to me, and helping others has always been important.” Shirley has volunteered for the Mary Madeline Project for many years. Shirley has lived her life with a wonderful husband and 3 children. “Meeting and working with other ladies in Bridge of Faith has been a reward in my life.”

Lorraine Rincon

Board Member

Lorraine’s career experience of over 40 years includes being a Chaplain/Minister for On Eagles’ Wings Christian Family Church. She currently works as an Accountant and Property Manager. She graduated from Vision University with a degree in Biblical Theology. Lorraine is certified by the State of California as a Senior Police Chaplain. She has volunteered at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in Downey and Twin Towers Jail. Lorraine is a foster parent for the Los Angeles Probation Department. She is also a Domestic Violence / Sexual assault advocate. Lorraine was abused as a child but has experienced the healing power of God, her name means, “famous battle.” She is a mother of two beautiful girls and a cat lover! She is an overcomer!

Patti Yoshihara

Board Member

Patti has retired from a lengthy employment history ranging from the field of education and educational publishing, sales and marketing, and sales management. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree from Cal State Los Angeles. She received her teaching credential from UC Irvine. Patti is married with 2 adult children, 3 grandsons, and 1 step great-granddaughter. Patti also has a passion for being a volunteer as she has many years of volunteering for various organizations. She has expertise in crafts with a focus on floral designs. Her hobbies include reading, gardening, and traveling. She enjoys lunches with friends, walking in the neighborhood, and helping WWll veteran friends and neighbors with shopping and errands. Patti loves spending time with her family and attending grandkids’ performances in theatre and music. Playing a little violin again and learning guitar are her goals for 2022 – 23. Patti expressed, after meeting Carol many years ago, I feel blessed to be a board member of Bridge of Faith. Carol has been an inspiration and I hope to emulate her caring and giving spirit. “I truly believe in Mother Teresa’s quote: “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”

Laura Chaltron

Board Member

Laura retired from the Los Angeles bus company RTD/Metro after 35 years of service. She is the mother is 2 sons and grandmother to Kaiden 13 and a newborn Jenna. She has been an active member of her church Praise Chapel Whittier for 27 years and has served in several ministries there. She currently hosts a women’s group through her church. She loves to travel and try new things. She has always enjoyed helping others. After retiring she was looking for something meaningful to do with her spare time and heard about Upscale Collectables/Bridge of Faith. After meeting Carol she was very inspired by all that she has done to help others.

Kristine Mariscal

Board Member

Kristine Mariscal is one of newest board members joining Bridge of Faith and is an active Whittier community member. She currently works as a Fiscal Manager in Southern California with over 15 years of experience in operations and finance. Her passions include professional and personal development, organizational culture, and operations management. She earned her Master’s in Business Administration and Human Resources as well a Bachelor’s of Science in International Business and Spanish. She will soon be completing her Doctorate in Business Administration.

Kristine has a variety of hobbies including spending time with her pets, writing, arts and crafts, and gardening. She is also a community leader engaging in local Whittier College alumni events and founded a collective community named – What Do Ladies Want?, an online platform empowering women in small business.

Kristine is excited and honored to be a part of the organization and mission to make a difference in the future generations to come.