"If you surround yourself with the right people, there is hope; you become that amazing advocate that your children will need."

Areva Martin is a nationally recognized leader in the realm of law as well as the realm of advocacy for children with developmental disabilities. Through concerted, grassroots outreach programs and legal initiatives, her organization's efforts have evinced significant gains in the quality of diagnosis and treatment options available to the families of thousands of special needs children in her South Los Angeles community.

"We want to develop music programs to let kids know that [music] is not a complicated, magical issue. It should be accessible to everyone."

Billy Mitchell's passion for jazz music has earned him acclaim from his peers and taken him to destinations all over the world. When he realized that many young, talented musicians in his own community were being deprived of the opportunity to pursue the same passion, he resolved to start a program that would help them find their own success in music.

"It's a matter of reading between the lines...See what the real truth is about the world. If you like yourself, you won't want to hurt anyone else."

After retiring from her 40-year profession as an LAUSD school teacher, Millicent "Mama" Hill continued to educate and empower the at-risk children who needed the most guidance in her community. Her affable demeanor and talent for teaching, right from her living room, have made her home a place of solace and peace in one of the toughest neighborhoods in Los Angeles.

"Think positive, even though it's difficult to think positively in such a situation... Doctors only do so much. The healing part is up to you."

Shonte has worked for Los Angeles county for more than 20 years as a judicial assistant to Judge Leland Tipton's felony court in Bellflower, Shonte Henderson coordinates every aspect of the courtroom into one cohesive whole. She's accomplished and organized, but her real acclaim comes from her own personal victories against breast cancer, as well as her strident support for several different fundraising organizations that fight the disease she miraculously overcome four times. She is a shining example of perseverance and positive attitude to everyone in her community.