Behind the Scenes: Ligia Alonzo-Mena’s Unseen Role in Empowering LESC’s Mission

Ligia Alonzo-Mena, the Executive Assistant to the President and CEO at LESC, stands as a silent force behind the organization’s operations. Her history with LESC stretches back to the early ‘90s, stemming from her education at the American Business Institute, where Valerie Walters (LESC’s current CEO and president) had been her instructor. Valerie’s guidance and connections led Ligia to her first job at Member’s Only, followed by a successful position with the Galavision network.

Ligia joined LESC in the mid-90s and held various positions during former CEO Herb Barish’s tenure. Initially, she handled basic tasks such as typing documents. Over the years, Ligia’s responsibilities grew, and she transitioned to her current role as Valerie’s key assistant. She also works closely with the LESC board of trustees. Her pivotal role has made her vital in orchestrating complex grant proposals, securing funding, and spearheading the launch of new programs at LESC. However, she has always taken a hands-on approach to working with LESC clients and staff.

Beyond the Traditional Role and Beyond the Call

Her role at LESC is about more than managing schedules or transcribing documents. It extends far beyond – involving critical collaborations, savvy organizational skills, and a remarkable dedication to helping clients navigate through complex situations. In essence, Ligia helps support every program, service, and project at LESC, filling the critical project management role. “You put some very qualified people in a position to support you.’” Ligia explained. “You delegate responsibility and let them do it.”

Her responsibilities span more than what her title suggests. Ligia serves as a crucial liaison between clients and services, often handling calls in Spanish for individuals during the intake process. She acknowledges the urgency of these calls, realizing that a timely response is a lifeline for many clients. Like many other LESC team members, Ligia takes her responsibility seriously. “I do whatever I can to make sure that it all happens,” she said. “I’ll do my job, and I’ll do your job. I’ll do whatever I can.”

Valerie and Ligia: A Dynamic Partnership

While her role isn’t formally about process management, Ligia inherently understands the critical need for smooth communication and process clarity. She often acts as a filter, ensuring information flows seamlessly through the right channel and isn’t lost in the system’s cracks.

“I think my biggest help here is just being there for Valerie because I work side by side with her every day,” Ligia explained. She provides essential support – professionally and personally, ensuring Valerie doesn’t overexert herself and focuses on leading the organization without getting bogged down by day-to-day minutiae. “All these programs and services we have now would not be happening without Valerie,” she added.

Future Focus: Embracing Change and Upholding Compassion

Ligia’s story isn’t just about a job – it’s a testament to the power of dedication, compassion, and a deep-seated commitment to transforming lives. What truly drives Ligia is her unwavering belief in LESC’s mission. Her commitment stems from witnessing the amazing transformation LESC clients experience. Ligia stated, “I talked to a client who graduated from LESC Su Casa, and it’s 20 years down the road, and she’s still sober. She told me, ‘I was there for my mom for those 20 years. Without LESC, I wouldn’t have had that.’ And she appreciates every year that she’s clean.”

Looking forward, Ligia emphasizes the importance of accountability and collaboration within LESC. She highlights the need for clarity in processes and a concerted effort to ensure everyone knows their role, echoing her passion for clients’ well-being.

A Personal Touch: The Motherly Instinct

Ligia’s commitment extends beyond her official responsibilities. She often finds herself connecting with clients the way a mother would with her children. Her care and concern for their well-being showcase the depth of her dedication. “I believe in them, but I’ll also yell at them like they were my own kids because I saw them doing so well,” Ligia reflected on clients who would experience a relapse.  “I’m like, ‘What happened here?’ I think it’s that mother instinct in me,” she observed. “They need to get better, and I know they can. I offer that encouragement. That’s love.”

Ligia’s role transcends the confines of a traditional job description. She stands as a bridge between the organization and its clients, offering support, guidance, and a comforting presence, particularly for Spanish-speaking individuals seeking assistance. Her efforts extend beyond the expected duties, encapsulating a profound commitment to ensuring timely aid for those in need.

Behind her professional stance, Ligia’s maternal instinct helps to foster genuine connections with LESC clients. And her nurturing spirit doesn’t end with her professional responsibilities. She often extends her care through her culinary skills, marking special occasions in a way that brings people together.

A Taste of Devotion: Sharing Savory Favorites

Ligia not only brings her leadership and organizational expertise to the table but also generously shares two of her signature recipes that beautifully encapsulate the essence of Latin flavors.

Ligia’s Savory Sofrito

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oil (preferably olive oil)
• 2 tablespoons annatto seeds
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup plum tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup scallions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Complete seasoning
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon dry cilantro leaves
• 2 packets Sazon seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add annatto seeds and allow them to boil until the oil darkens (about 5-7 minutes).
• Once the oil is dark, strain it to remove the annatto seeds.
• Return the strained oil to the saucepan and heat it again over medium heat.
• Add chopped onions, minced garlic, diced plum tomatoes, cilantro, scallions, complete seasoning, ground cumin, dry cilantro leaves, Sazon seasoning, salt, and pepper to the hot oil.
• Let the mixture boil for about 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender and flavors are well combined.
• Once done, let the sofrito cool completely.
• Transfer the cooled sofrito into a glass jar and store it in the refrigerator. It can last for several weeks when stored properly.

Ligia’s Family Favorite Potato Salad

Ingredients:

• 6 large red potatoes
• 6 hard-boiled eggs
• 1 small carrot, grated
• 1/2 green pepper, grated
• 1 small red onion, grated
• 1 small bunch cilantro (coriander), finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Mayonnaise

 

Instructions:

• Boil the red potatoes in a pot of salted water until fork tender. Drain and let them cool.
• Boil the eggs until hard-boiled, then peel and dice them.
• Once the potatoes have cooled, peel and dice them into bite-sized pieces.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes, diced hard-boiled eggs, grated carrot, grated green pepper, grated red onion, and finely chopped cilantro.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Add mayonnaise to the mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated. Adjust mayo quantity based on personal preference.
• Once mixed, refrigerate the potato salad for at least an hour before serving to allow flavors to meld together.

Note: For a larger quantity, simply double the ingredients as mentioned in the recipe. Adjust seasoning and mayo accordingly to suit taste preferences.