California State Assembly Member Honors ISLA VP with Award

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. - Jan. 21, 2015 - PRLog -- Raquel Lizarraga , ISLA VP of Development, was recently honored with the #Pride58 Award by California State Assembly Member, Cristina Garcia.

Garcia launched the #Pride58 campaign to highlight the positive contributions, and recognize service and dedication in the community of the 58th District. Each week Garcia honors a deserving and inspiring individual and on December 15, 2014, ISLA's Lizarraga was awarded the #Pride58.

“It is a tremendous honor to receive the #Pride58 Award. I am truly grateful for the support and encouragement of my community," said Lizarraga.

This award follows another prestigious honor Lizarraga recently received.  In November 2014 she was honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award from the White House for her 400 hours of service to ISLA and helping to prevent drowning around the world.

"Drowning is a global epidemic, and it's great to be recognized for my efforts in drowning prevention,” Lizarraga said. “My hope is to continue to change lives and empower others though education.”

Lizarraga works in the Technology Division at Cerritos College, and is passionate about helping students succeed. She is a graduate of CSU Fullerton where she obtained her B.A. in Business with an emphasis on Entrepreneurship and served as a student consultant for ISLA. Realizing she could raise awareness and educate about drowning being a leading cause of death around the world as well as prevent drowning through social media, she began volunteering at ISLA. She currently serves as Vice President of Development at ISLA, and travels across the globe leading teams of volunteers and educating local populations on about drowning prevention and through social media strategies.

Since its inception in 2008, ISLA has conducted over 20 humanitarian projects in 12 countries. The organization has provided 1,628 preventative actions, including 220 rescues, 188 medical aids, and 14 international lifeguard trainings and workshops. Comprised entirely of volunteers; the organization serves to provide training, medical supplies, disaster relief, and emergency personnel to communities in need around the world.