Heartfelt Reflections on the CAP Meeting and Community Connections
Meeting Overview
On December 17, 2024, we gathered for the Community Ambassador Program (CAP) holiday meetup at Lao Sze Chuan (5150 Buford Hwy NE #B199-B Doraville Ga 3034), nestled in the heart of Buford Highway. The evening was filled with warmth, camaraderie, and an unwavering sense of purpose as we celebrated the upcoming launch of the We Love Buford Highway Community Ambassador Pilot Program. This initiative, rooted in love and resilience, is a beacon of hope designed to protect and celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of Buford Highway.
The Community Ambassador Program is a groundbreaking initiative designed to preserve the identity and unity of Buford Highway through meaningful volunteer opportunities across five tracks:
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Coalition Builder: Collaborating with local events and organizations to uplift community needs.
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Business Advocate: Building bridges with local businesses, sharing their unique stories, and providing vital resources.
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Government Liaison: Standing as advocates for the community within government spaces to ensure their voices are heard.
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Language Support: Harnessing the power of language to connect, translate, and reach those in need.
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Operations Leader: Seamlessly managing the behind-the-scenes efforts that keep this mission alive.
These efforts are only one part of the extensive work being done by We Love Buford Highway, an organization that tirelessly supports the community through programs like the Feeding Families initiative, the Buford Highway Oral History Project, and Voices of a Highway podcast. Together, they amplify voices, preserve stories, and provide direct support to the multicultural residents and businesses that make Buford Highway extraordinary.
Spotlight on We Love Buford Highway Staff Members
Lily Pabian – Executive Director
Lily’s journey with We Love Buford Highway is a deeply human story of resilience and hope. Her father, a law school graduate and entrepreneur, and her mother, a tireless and resourceful woman who worked countless jobs to provide for her three daughters, shaped Lily’s values of perseverance and community. Their experiences navigating systemic challenges inspired Lily’s commitment to advocacy and her belief in the transformative power of belonging.
As one of three daughters raised in a close-knit and traditional household, Lily found strength and inspiration in her family’s love and perseverance. Her advocacy journey began with her own children, as she fought to ensure their opportunities in a world that wasn’t always equitable. That personal mission expanded when she joined We Love Buford Highway, an organization rooted in the very community that shaped her childhood. Under Lily’s leadership, the organization’s initiatives—from providing culturally specific food assistance to fostering youth education—have flourished. Lily’s story is a testament to how personal history and professional dedication can intertwine to create lasting impact. Contact: Lily@welovebuhi.org Tagline: Genuineness and Kindness Builds Trust and Fosters Relationships
Delia Mendez – Program & Communications Manager
Delia’s story is one of determination and heart. As a first-generation Mexican-American, she grew up along Buford Highway (Cross Keys Alumn), surrounded by the sacrifices and perseverance of her parents. Her mother and father worked tirelessly to ensure she and her siblings had every opportunity possible, instilling in Delia a deep appreciation for resilience and a passion for giving back.
From her early work in after-school programs for underrepresented youth to her transition into health education, Delia has dedicated her career to uplifting others. During the dinner meeting, she shared her excitement about her recent engagement, a personal milestone that reflects her optimism for the future. Her ability to connect with people, paired with her professional expertise, makes her an indispensable part of the We Love Buford Highway team. Delia’s work bridges vital resources with the needs of Buford Highway residents, ensuring that every voice is heard and every story honored. Contact: Delia.Mendez@welovebuhi.org Tagline: Move forward. Great things are up ahead.
Gabriela Juarez Claro – Communications Assistant
Gabriela’s journey is a moving testament to the triumph of resilience and love. Her parents’ decades-long journey to achieving the dream of homeownership after years of sacrifice is a profound source of pride for Gabriela. As a first-generation Latina, she draws from these personal experiences to fuel her passion for equity and inclusion.
Her work at We Love Buford Highway reflects her unwavering commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices. Gabriela’s journey began with volunteering and mentoring along Buford Highway, and her professional role now bridges community engagement with healthcare access. Her ability to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities, while drawing from her own experiences, makes her a vital part of the organization. Gabriela’s warmth and dedication inspire everyone she works with, reminding us all of the power of hope and perseverance. Contact: Gabriela@welovebuhi.org Tagline: No matter the challenges we face in our life, embrace them and never lose faith and hope and a generous heart who live and breathes with a timeless love.
Celebrating the Stories That Inspire
Lily Pabian – Lily’s story is one of profound resilience and love. Her father, a law school graduate and entrepreneur, and her mother, who worked tirelessly in countless roles to support her family, instilled in Lily the values of hard work and compassion. These experiences shaped Lily’s steadfast determination to advocate for others. As a mother of three, Lily’s journey came full circle when she found her home in We Love Buford Highway. Under her leadership, the organization’s programs—from providing culturally specific food assistance to fostering youth education through music—have flourished.
Delia Mendez – Delia’s story embodies a legacy of perseverance and generosity. Her parents’ relentless work to ensure their children’s success inspired Delia to dedicate her life to serving others. During the dinner meeting, she reflected on the strength she draws from her family’s sacrifices, which fuels her commitment to uplifting Buford Highway’s residents. Whether organizing youth programs or connecting the community to health resources, Delia’s work is a cornerstone of the organization’s impact. Her recent engagement is a testament to her optimism and belief in a brighter future for the community she loves so deeply.
Gabriela Juarez Claro – Gabriela’s story brought tears to the table as she shared the milestone of her parents buying their first home—a culmination of decades of sacrifice as immigrants. A first-generation Latina with a fierce passion for health equity, Gabriela’s every endeavor—from social work to civic engagement—is driven by her deep love for people. Her work at We Love Buford Highway bridges healthcare access with community storytelling, creating pathways for underrepresented voices to thrive.
Councilwoman Carrie Armistead – Carrie’s journey to Buford Highway reflects her passion for fostering communication and connectivity. A native of Illinois, she has embraced her role in Doraville with open arms, working tirelessly to unite the community. Known for her humility and hands-on leadership, Carrie uplifts voices that often go unheard. Her vision for Doraville is one of inclusion and collaboration, and her work embodies the spirit of rolling up your sleeves and getting it done.
Kim Gokce – Kim’s journey is rooted in asking the right questions—“Why not better? Why not us?” As the founder of the Cross Keys Foundation, Kim’s work began with a simple desire to witness change and grew into a transformative effort to provide scholarships, classroom grants, and mentorship to students. The foundation’s literacy programs and annual scholarships empower the next generation, ensuring that every child has the resources to succeed.
Spotlight on Organizational Impact
We Love Buford Highway has spent years fostering resilience and preserving culture in the Buford Highway corridor. Here are some of the programs that make a tangible difference in the community:
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Feeding Families: Since 2020, this initiative has delivered culturally-specific nutritious food to thousands of families monthly, addressing food insecurity with dignity and care.
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Oral History Project: A partnership with Georgia State University archives the lived experiences of Buford Highway residents, ensuring their voices and stories are preserved for future generations.
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Voices of a Highway Podcast: This podcast captures modern stories of advocacy, resilience, and community connection, fostering dialogue about systemic inequalities and shared aspirations.
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Youth Literacy Programs: Little Free Libraries and classroom grants have reached thousands of students, making books and learning tools accessible to all children in the area.
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Buford Highway Orchestra Project: This innovative program provides free orchestral music training to young students, enriching their educational journey and instilling a sense of pride and accomplishment.
These initiatives, along with community events like the BuHi Walk and restaurant month celebrations, highlight the organization’s dedication to amplifying voices and building connections that sustain Buford Highway’s multicultural identity.
Shared Purpose and Next Steps
This meeting reminded us that when hearts and minds unite, incredible things happen. Together, we identified key priorities to guide our next steps:
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Amplifying Voices: Ensuring legacy residents and underrepresented members of the community have platforms to share their stories and struggles.
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Building Bridges: Strengthening connections with local businesses, government officials, and angel investors to sustain the cultural and economic vibrancy of Buford Highway.
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Preserving Identity: Protecting Buford Highway’s cultural essence amid development pressures by ensuring small businesses thrive and the area’s unique character remains intact.
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Celebrating Stories: Expanding storytelling initiatives like the Voices of a Highway podcast and oral history projects to honor the narratives that define our community and inspire future generations.
Personal Commitments to a Brighter Future
In the spirit of this meeting, I pledged to:
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Assist with the podcast and storytelling initiatives to capture and amplify the rich legacy of Buford Highway residents.
- Support individuals in their personal and professional journeys by connecting them with networks and resources that align with their goals.
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Celebrate the milestones of our community, like Delia’s engagement and Gabriela’s family’s new home, as symbols of resilience and possibility.
Closing Reflections
Gathering at the CAP holiday meetup underscored an undeniable truth: this community is more than just a group of individuals. It is a family bound by shared struggles, collective resilience, and unwavering hope for the future.
As we look ahead, we recognize that the future of Buford Highway depends on honoring its past, supporting its present, and building a foundation for generations to come. With every story we share, every connection we strengthen, and every step we take, we inch closer to a vision of unity and opportunity.
Mission: We Love Buford Highway is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving the multicultural identity of Buford Highway.
Vision: Curating a multicultural coalition that illuminates how immigrants thrive in an ever-changing South.
A Final Thought
“Recognize yourself in he and she who are not like you and me.” – Carlos Fuentes
Through the collective efforts of leaders, advocates, and neighbors, Buford Highway will continue to shine as a beacon of hope, opportunity, and belonging. Together, we can ensure this vibrant corridor remains a thriving home for all who walk its path.
