October 2, 2023
Contact: Jen Booth
communications@ywcagp.org, 404-990-1286
Glendale, CA —Each year, advocates, survivors, and supporters recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). YWCA Glendale and Pasadena is proud to announce that we will honor three outstanding male leaders in our community working to end violence against women at our 2023 DVAM Candlelight Vigil and Domestic Violence Awareness Month Awards.
On October 11th at 6PM, YWCA and the Glendale Commission on the Status of Women will hold the 5th Annual Purple Tie Awards on the steps of Glendale City Hall to honor men who are working to end domestic violence and build a culture of support for survivors. The event will include special guest speaker Hannah Kozak, famed photographer, followed by awards presentation and candle lighting.
Sergeant Jose Barajas is a dedicated law enforcement professional with 18 years of service to the City of Glendale. Jose was raised in Simi Valley, CA. After high school, Jose served in Iraq as a member of the United States Marine Corps, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to public service. After his military service, Jose joined the Glendale Police Department in 2005. Throughout his tenure at GPD, he worked various assignments, including roles in the Downtown Policing Unit, Assaults Detail, as a SWAT team leader, and as a Field Training Officer. Jose is currently the Detective Sergeant for the Financial Crimes Unit, showcasing his expertise in complex investigations. Jose has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice management and has recently begun the process of acquiring his Master’s Degree.
Mario Ceballos joined Kaiser Permanente in May 2008 as the first Community Health Manager for the Los Angeles Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Southern California’s flagship operating, teaching hospital and medical campus. In this capacity, Mr. Ceballos is responsible for the development, implementation, and management of Kaiser Permanente’s Community Health philanthropic portfolio that funds key strategies, programs, plans and services to improve the health of the Medical Center’s local communities, including the Greater Metropolitan area of the City of Los Angeles, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, East Los Angeles, Hollywood and West Hollywood.
Shant Sahakian is the Vice President of the Glendale Unified School District Board of Education representing Area D. He is a proud lifelong resident of the City of Glendale, product of Glendale public schools, and GUSD parent with deep roots in the community. He is a longtime community leader who has championed Glendale’s youth and advocated for the underserved through a distinguished record of public service.
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YWCA Glendale and Pasadena’s mission is to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Their three program pillars are shaped around ending gender based violence, empowering girls, and advancing racial justice through their residential and community based programming and policy advocacy work.