YMCA 56th Annual Good Friday Breakfast

Presented by Dr. Mike & Arline Walter

Friday, March 29, 2024. | 7:15-9:00 a.m.
Long Beach Convention Center, Grand Ballroom

Keynote Speaker

Honorable
Gaddi H. Vasquez

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (Ret.)
Former Director of the U.S. Peace Corps

Gaddi H. Vasquez is the descendant of migrant farm workers who instilled in him a strong work ethic and the value of serving others. He was the first member of his family to earn a college degree and has been a lifelong advocate against world hunger, disease, and poverty.

He most recently served as Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for Edison International and Southern California Edison. He was responsible for government relations activities at the federal and state levels, as well as local public affairs.

From 2006 to 2009, Mr. Vasquez served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Organizations in Rome, Italy, including the World Food Program and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. From 2002-2006, Mr. Vasquez served as Director of the United States Peace Corps where he led the international volunteer service organization with volunteers and staff serving in 77 countries.

He has served as an Orange County Supervisor, as Chief Deputy Appointments Secretary to Governor George Deukmejian, and as a police officer for the City of Orange. He has served on the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships, was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, The Jewish National Fund Tree of Life Award, and USHLI National Hispanic Leader Award. He serves on the boards of directors of the Public Policy Institute of California, the Segerstrom Center for the Performing Arts, the national advisory boards of the Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Program and of the Salvation Army, and the board of trustees of Chapman University.

Honorable Gaddi Vasquez has been named one of Hispanic Business Magazine’s top 100 Most Influential Hispanics in the United States. Ambassador Vasquez is a graduate of the University of Redlands and the recipient of six honorary doctorate degrees.

Additional Program Presenters

W. Henry Walker, Steve Keesal, Arline Walter, Don Knabe,
Rev. Dr. Phyllis Hayes-Reams, Theresa Cornwell, Alfredo Velasco.
Music: Millikan High School Vocal Ensemble