On the surface, Susana Medina might appear to be hidden in the shadow of her husband, Gardena Mayor Pro Tem Dan Medina. But first appearances can be deceiving.
Susana Medina has carved out a bit of legacy of her own, working in a variety of roles in the community. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed.
On the surface, Susana Medina might appear to be hidden in the shadow of her husband, Gardena Mayor Pro Tem Dan Medina. But first appearances can be deceiving.
Susana Medina has carved out a bit of legacy of her own, working in a variety of roles in the community. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed.
The Gardena Valley Lions will honor her with the Community Recognition Award during the club’s 32nd recognition banquet Jan. 24 at Alpine Village on Torrance Boulevard near Torrance. This year also marks the GV Lions’ 90th anniversary year, Gardena’s oldest service club.
The recognition banquet kicks off at 6 p.m. with a no-host bar social, to be followed at 7 p.m. with dinner. After dinner, Medina will receive various honors for her “tireless work” and contributions to numerous organizations. Cost is $45 and RSVP deadline is Jan. 17.
Medina’s is the oldest of 7 children. She was assigned the stewardship of her siblings by her parents, yet still managed to be a “leader in the community.” She earned a business administration degree from Cerritos College, and an MBA from UCLA.
She went on to teach French, Spanish and advanced mathematics to grades 9 to 12.
Her civic resume is stellar. She placed second in the nation out of 18 people who tested for the National Education Award; won the Outstanding Achievement Award from the NAACP; developed and implemented the “Los Angeles Sheriff’s Volunteer Program”; was named Volunteer of the Year from Sheriff Sherman Block in 1971; for 12 years, chaired the Public Safety Commission for the city of Norwalk; was treasurer for the Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs Pop Warner Football League; was a Gardena Elks Scholarship Committee member; received the Gardena Sports Advisory Board “Fire Extinguisher Award”; served as an ambassador for the Gardena Valley Chamber of Commerce; was treasurer for the Gardena Valley Democratic Club; treasurer for the Mexican American Democratic Club; was secretary-treasurer for the Cinco de Mayo Scholarship and Festival Committee; was the president of the 2014 Cinco de Mayo Scholarship and Festival Committee; and president of the Mexican American Democratic Club.
Medina is also a cancer survivor and a role model in the community in the fight against cancer.
She follows a long list of prominent citizens who have been honored by the Gardena Valley Lions Club. Among those previously honored: Larry and Lindsay Olson of Crenshaw Lumber in 2013, GPD Capt. Ed Burnett in 2011, Glenn Mitchell in 2010, Rick Giuliano in 2009; Dan Ashimine in 2008; Jolly Martin in 2007; Terrence Terauchi in 2006, Edmond Russ in 2005, Don Algie in 2004, Gwen Duffy in 2003, and the Nader brothers (Charles Jr., Paul, George and Fred) in 2002.
Those interested in attending the honoring of Susana Medina by the GV Lions should contact Frank Onderka at 310-768-1836. Cost is $45 per person, by Jan. 17. Checks can also be dropped off at 1128 W. Gardena Blvd., Gardena.
