The San Diego Rotary Club honored Beatriz Valencia, the Executive Director of the Cardinals Interact Program, as the 2023 recipient of the MacLaggan/Frye Award for her dedication to City Heights youth. Established in 1991, this award is a significant honor recognizing individuals and organizations making outstanding contributions to the benefit, care, and welfare of children. Traditionally, the recipient receives a teddy bear as an acknowledgment of their commitment to improving children’s lives.
Those who know Beatriz can attest to her deep passion for enriching the lives of youth. She began her career as a teacher’s aide in the San Diego Unified School District at Cesar Chavez Elementary. Later, she spent many years working with Barrio Logan College Institute, contributing to the creation and design of their middle school curriculum. Now, in her role with Price Philanthropies as the Executive Director of the Cardinals Interact Program, assisting high school students to graduate and pursue college and careers, it is evident that Beatriz has had a broad impact on youth of various ages. What brings joy to Beatriz is the chance to offer young people the opportunities she wished for as a young girl.