Rachel Estrada (File Photo)
The Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena has announced the passing of its former President and CEO Rachel Estrada.
Estrada, who stepped down from her position in February, died peacefully at her home on May 22 following an illness.
Estrada began her career at the Boys & Girls Club in 2004 as Director of Program Development. In 2005 she was named Vice President of Business Affairs, a post she held until September 2010 when she was named President and CEO of the nonprofit.
Roberta Martinez, local author and activist, wrote that Estrada “was warm, loved to laugh, very bright, and had a smile that you feel welcomed. She had a great respect for the bottom line, but also knew that allowing for creativity and flexibility would sometimes be needed for programs to succeed. The Boys and Girls Club was richer for her leadership.”
Several current board members of the Boys & Girls Club spoke to the impact Estrada had on the organization as well as on the greater community.
“This is such a profound loss to the Boys & Girls Club and the City of Pasadena,” said Board Chair Nancy Spears. “Rachel was a true soldier for the mission, and played a key role in ensuring our kids had the resources they needed each day. She was more than a club professional to those of us close to her; she was our dear friend. There is no replacing Rachel. There is only moving on. Our hearts go out to her family and friends.”
“Rachel was one of the most tenured and valued team members at the Boys & Girls Club,” said Rick Lieber, past board chair. “Her passion for the cause and capacity as a leader first emerged when she managed our finances and blossomed even more when she became our CEO a little more than four years ago. Her dedication was not only fully evident in health but continued during her sickness when the success of the club remained a key concern for her. We will miss Rachel for her leadership that was instrumental to our past successes. We will miss her as the determined professional who cemented our foundation for ongoing service to the boys and girls. But mostly, I think we will miss her as a friend. Her passing is a great loss for all who knew her.”
“Rachel’s priority was always the children at the Club. She put our members first every day,” commented John Matthiessen, also a past board chair during Estrada’s tenure.
She is survived by her husband, Raul Estrada; daughters Marissa and Adriana Estrada; mother Olga Carlos; three sisters, three brothers, and numerous relatives and friends.
Services will be held Saturday, May 30 at 11:30 a.m., at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Rowland Heights.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Team Rachel for the Relay of Life. Donations can be sent in care of the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena, 3230 E. Del Mar Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107.
