Rebuilding the Village South Bay Newscaster Vera Jimenez Directs Her Energy Toward Helping Youth Find Safety and Success By Writer and Contributor Melissa Bean Sterzick
We never really know our celebrities. We see them on screen and can only guess at who they are, where they come from, and what's important to them. It's easy to believe the person we see on TV is also two dimensional in real life. And though we are all aware of famous people who use their fame and resources to promote only themselves – the South Bay is home to a well-known face who uses her influence and energy to support others.
Vera Jimenez is KTLA 5's meteorologist for the KTLA 5 News at 6, 6:30, 10 and 11 on weeknights. Jimenez has won three Emmys, three Golden Mike Awards and three Golden Pylon Awards. Farmers and Merchants Bank awarded named her one of “California’s Strongest People You Can Count On” in 2019, and she was acclaimed in broadcast journalism by the National Hispanic Media Coalition in 2018. In addition, she's a busy author, public speaker, investor, and philanthropist. She and her husband, Brian Herlihy, and their dog, Rufus, have lived in Redondo Beach for 14 years.
Given the opportunity to talk about herself and her success, Jimenez swiftly bypassed a chance to endorse her own brand, and instead brought up one of the causes she is most passionate about: The Boys and Girls Club of Los Angeles Harbor, where she has been a member of the BGCLAHarbor board of directors since 2021.
When she isn’t busy working, exercising, enjoying her family, and serving with her fellow Rotarians in Rotary Club of Redondo Beach, she gives her time and abilities to BGCLAHarbor. Her service to them includes fundraising, networking, and pouring her heart into the center’s programs and the youth involved. Her dedication to this organization, and its meaning in her life, say a great deal about her that isn't obvious on the television screen.
Her desire to help kids and teens in the South Bay comes from her own experience, and her own ability now, to make a difference. Jimenez and her mother, Alicia, immigrated to United States from Mexico when Jimenez was 3 years old facing many challenges together and overcoming enormous obstacles. Jimenez says her mother’s care and teachings have been the foundation for all of her success.
Jimenez put herself through college taking 10 years to earn her bachelor’s degree. She first attended Santa Ana Community College and then California State University Long Beach where she graduated with honors in religious studies. She understands the challenges individuals face when their backgrounds do not include a roster of parents and grandparents with degrees in higher education or established businesses in craft or trade
“Sometimes, parents are overwhelmed trying to get food on the table and keep a roof overhead. They don’t get a chance to talk to their kids about priorities and let them know they are seen, loved and heard. As humans, we all want that. We crave that,” she says. “You might not care what your neighbor thinks of you, but your parents are everything. If you feel loved, you want to make them happy. You want to make them proud.”
When parents are too busy just trying to survive economically, children don’t get the other kinds of support they need and are at risk for a long list of social and emotional problems. “We fill that void. We are committed to the students. They see we are committed to them and they become committed to themselves,” Jimenez says. “Many people talk about community and how it takes a village. Everybody needs to take care of each other, and we all agree on that. But the village has broken. If you want to help, you have to leave your bubble in order to do so.”
In addition to her official role, Jimenez is a cheerleader and a coach for the youth BGCLAHarbor serves. “I tell them everything in life is about choices, because choices dictate outcomes. I tell them they have all the tools, and they have to take responsibility,” she says.
BGCLAHarbor offers kids tutoring, activities such as robotics, choir, band and guidance for their future, including decisions about attending a 4-year college or a trade school. The organization has a Workforce Development Center that helps teens learn to write a resume, approach a job interview, and find a career path. The center also arranges internships and exposure to job opportunities. “What we try to do is help them navigate and transition from teenage to young adulthood so they go into work force prepared,” Jimenez says. “I know what it’s like. That’s why I am so passionate about the work that we do at the Boys and Girls Club of LA Harbor.”
Many people are worried about the future of the community – and the country – knowing there are problems much too big for the government to solve, Jimenez says. Addressing needs on a local and individual level is the best way to cure some major social crises. It isn’t only money BGCLAHarbor needs to succeed in its mission. Contributions can come in many forms, Jimenez explains, including volunteer hours, the sharing of resources such as contacts and networks, and offers of apprenticeships and internships.
Jimenez says her life of service is a tribute to her mother’s perseverance, sacrifice, and example. This fall, Jimenez will publish her book, titled “Grounded,” sharing life lessons from her mother and inspiration for anyone who needs support in their search for good health, a purposeful and prosperous life, spirituality and community.
Alicia Jimenez – the person who made Jimenez feel seen and heard and loved – taught her daughter to surround herself with people of good character, work hard, and be self-sufficient. “She told me, ‘If you can’t lead yourself or take care of yourself, you’ll never be truly free, and you certainly won’t be able to help others,’” Jimenez recalls.
BGCLAHarbor
Melissa Bean Sterzick is a professional freelance writer, editor and proofreader. Melissa has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and has worked for publications including The Deseret News and The Dallas Morning News. She loves the beach, gardening, yoga, and tennis. She lives in the Los Angeles area with her husband, two daughters, and cat.