The Evergreen Archive

LEEAF Media & Newsroom

Welcome to LEEAF’s Media Page— The Evergreen Archive. At LEEAF, our work is rooted in driving systemic change, empowering local entrepreneurs, and building lasting community wealth. Explore this space to find our latest announcements, discover how we are making headlines in the community, and dive into the academic research that highlights our data-driven approach to economic equity.

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Media coverage

  • East Los Angeles Residents Seek Representation

    Featured On: Telemundo 52
    When East LA residents demand a louder voice, the media turns to community advocates leading the charge. In this powerful Telemundo 52 segment, see how LEEAF is at the forefront of the fight for local representation, ensuring marginalized communities secure the civic and economic power they deserve. Discover why true equity starts with a seat at the table.

  • Immigration Raids and the Effects on Local Businesses

    Featured On: CBS News Los Angeles How do harsh immigration policies impact the lifeblood of our local economy? CBS News Los Angeles spotlights LEEAF’s critical insights on the devastating ripple effects immigration raids have on small businesses. Watch our feature to learn how LEEAF defends the entrepreneurial spirit and fiercely advocates for the immigrant workforce that powers our cities.

  • Building Inclusive Pathways to Entrepreneurship

    Featured On: Hustle to Ecosystem Podcast The journey from a side hustle to a thriving enterprise takes more than just hard work—it requires a supportive, well-funded ecosystem. LEEAF’s Elianne Rodriguez breaks down the ultimate blueprint for inclusive entrepreneurship. Tune in to hear exactly how LEEAF is actively dismantling systemic barriers and funding the next generation of diverse, high-impact founders.

  • Empowering Entrepreneurs with Elianne Rodriguez

    Featured On: SoCal Celebrates Entrepreneurship When Southern California gathers its top innovators, LEEAF helps lead the conversation. Watch LEEAF's Elianne Rodriguez deliver a masterclass on empowering underestimated founders at the premier SoCal Celebrates Entrepreneurship event. Get inspired by her actionable strategies for scaling minority-owned businesses and driving massive regional economic growth.

  • The Playbook For Impact and Economic Justice

    Featured On: Entrepreneurial Thinkers with Rob Ryan What is the driving force behind the mission for total economic equity? In this highly engaging, candid podcast episode, LEEAF’s Elianne Rodriguez shares her personal playbook—blending her fierce love for futbol with her relentless, unapologetic pursuit of economic justice. Listen in for a compelling look at the heart, hustle, and visionary leadership powering LEEAF's community impact.

LEEAF in the press

  • Shaping Local Government: Weighing In on East LA’s Future

    Featured On: The LA Local | Boyle Heights Beat Community power is built through active participation. The LA Local highlights the crucial virtual forums where East LA residents are deciding the future of their local government. See how LEEAF encourages civic engagement to ensure that economic and political representation align with the community's true needs.

  • Giving East LA a Voice: The Push for a Local Advisory Council

    Featured On: LAist Representation is the very first step toward economic empowerment. LAist covers the pivotal movement to establish an advisory council for East LA, giving residents and business owners a much-needed seat at the table. Learn why LEEAF fiercely advocates for civic structures that amplify the voices of our communities.

  • The Real Cost of Fear: How Immigration Raids Drain Local Businesses

    Featured On: Los Angeles Business Journal When the workforce lives in fear, the whole economy suffers. The LA Business Journal breaks down the chilling economic ripple effects of ICE raids on local commerce. Discover LEEAF’s crucial perspective on why protecting our immigrant workforce is an urgent matter of economic justice and business survival.

  • Defending Local Economies: The LA County Small Business Resiliency Fund

    Featured On: Department of Economic Opportunity Unjust immigration disruptions don't just hurt families; they devastate local commerce. Read the official release on the LA County Small Business Resiliency Fund—an essential initiative championed by advocates like LEEAF to provide emergency support and stabilize immigrant-powered enterprises facing unprecedented challenges.

  • The Next Generation of Leaders: Elevating East LA Small Businesses

    Featured On: Wave Publication The impact of LEEAF extends to the leaders of tomorrow. Wave Publication spotlights the incredible Cal State L.A. students within the LEEAF program who were honored for directly boosting East Los Angeles small businesses. See how hands-on student engagement is creating a thriving, resilient local economy.

  • Civic Excellence: Honored by the LA County Board of Supervisors

    Featured On: Cal State LA Newsroom A true testament to our community impact. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has officially honored the LEEAF program for its relentless dedication to regional economic equity. Read about this prestigious civic recognition and how our work is actively reshaping the policies that support local small businesses.

  • Resilience and Recovery: Navigating Post-Crisis Economic Healing

    Featured On: Cal State LA Connections True community support means being there in times of crisis. In the wake of devastating local wildfires, read how Cal State LA and the LEEAF program are anchoring community resilience. Backed by $3.4 million in grant support, see how we are working to stabilize and heal our local economic ecosystems when they need it most.

  • A Historic $3.4 Million Milestone for Small Business Growth

    Featured On: Patch News Transformational change requires transformational capital. Patch covers LEEAF's massive $3.4 million grant acquisition aimed at leveling the economic playing field. Find out how this historic funding milestone equips historically marginalized entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive and build generational wealth.

  • Catalyzing Economic Equity: Multi-Million Dollar Grants Fuel LEEAF

    Featured On: Cal State LA Newsroom When it comes to building wealth in communities of color, LEEAF is setting the gold standard. Explore this highlight on the multi-million dollar grants recently awarded to the LEEAF program. See exactly how these vital funds are deployed to accelerate economic mobility and fortify local businesses.

  • The Power of Authentic Storytelling: LA’s Latino/a Founders Tell All

    Featured On: dot.la Storytelling is a crucial currency in the venture capital world. In this exclusive feature, explore how LEEAF and LA’s top Latino/a founders and funders are rewriting the narrative of startup success. Get the inside scoop on how authentic cultural representation is driving investment, innovation, and lasting economic justice.

  • Empowering Women-Led Enterprises: Closing the Gender Wealth Gap

    Featured On: Hey SoCal The future of local economies include women. Hey SoCal highlights how LEEAF is leveraging targeted grant funding to directly support and scale women-owned small businesses. Learn how our dedicated mentorship and capital investments are successfully closing the gender wealth gap across Southern California.

  • Securing $1 Million from Wells Fargo to Fuel Inclusive Entrepreneurship

    Featured On: Cal State LA News Major financial institutions are recognizing LEEAF’s unparalleled impact on economic equity. Read how a monumental $1 million grant from Wells Fargo is scaling our mission at Cal State LA to dismantle barriers for underestimated founders. Discover how this powerful investment is actively transforming the landscape of inclusive entrepreneurship.