By Wyatt Miller
English wasn't the first language for Ana Albarrán's mother. She grew up watching her mom feel "disempowered" and embarrassed while attempting to ask important questions to teachers, doctors, grocery store staff or even bus drivers.
Albarrán often found herself translating appointments or conversations from English to Spanish, and sometimes didn't fully comprehend what was being said. They would have benefitted greatly from daily assistance or education, which is what Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) offers.
"These experiences shaped my belief that every child needs a teacher, mentor, and friend who can support them in becoming the best version of themselves," Albarrán said.
That's why she joined HOLA as the manager of the Family Services Department, to help provide education and enrichment opportunities to the youth in Los Angeles. In November, she was surprised as the 12th Rams "pLAymaker" of 2025 and presented with a $5,000 check made out to HOLA.
"Being named a pLAymaker for doing the work I love is an honor that goes far beyond the title itself," Albarrán said. "To me, it means being recognized as someone who creates opportunities and inspires others to work together in support of our community. It means stepping up, strengthening my team, and creating space for us to use our creativity, leadership and compassion to bring new possibilities to the families we serve at Heart of LA."
HOLA organizes events after school and during the summer that focus on nurturing vital knowledge and skills, according to their website. That includes a music and youth orchestra program, a visual arts department, premiere sport leagues and clinics, leadership opportunities, STEAM classes, wraparound and counseling services, alumni support, scholarships and intergenerational programs. And the students themselves can choose to focus on their passions.
Albarrán tries to treat the people she works with at HOLA with the same respect and love that she shows to her own family. Her work made her realize the impact that parents, teachers and role models can have on a child's development and overall success.
"This understanding inspired me to create spaces where families feel safe to ask questions, express concerns, and seek guidance without fear or hesitation," Albarrán said. "I've learned that parents want to understand and support their children just as much as we do — they simply need the tools and encouragement to do so."
During the COVID-19 pandemic, HOLA began distributing household items, grocery bags and personal protective equipment every week, and Albarrán always showed up. Greeting families, having brief conversations and reassuring them that we weren't alone in a time where everyone was struggling allowed her to "truly connect" to the work and the people.
Many of them had lost jobs or work hours, but they knew HOLA wouldn't turn them away. Albarrán constantly received gratitude and blessings from parents who were overwhelmed and "unsure of how they would get through the next day," she said.
"That experience made it clear that our presence mattered, and that even in a time of fear and uncertainty, we could provide stability, comfort, and hope," Albarrán said.
Albarrán's Family Services Department has worked to expand HOLA's mission by "prioritizing the empowerment of parents and guardians," she said. They equip families with the resources they need to navigate daily life, but also provide "intentional programming and individualized support" that are unique to each family.
That commitment to creating change at a personal level is one of the many reasons that Albarrán is so passionate about her work at HOLA.
"To me, 'inspire change' means setting an example that motivates others to think, act, and grow in ways that create positive transformation," Albarrán said. "It's about helping people see new perspectives, imagining different outcomes, and encouraging them to take meaningful action—not just with words, but through example and commitment.
"We can inspire change in our communities by truly listening to people's needs and understanding their experiences. When we lead with integrity and show compassion, kindness, and respect, we create spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. That sense of belonging and support is what motivates people to come together and create meaningful change."
