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Friday, Jul 3, 2026

COMMUNITY: JENNIFER FRIEND

CEO, PROJECT HOPE ALLIANCE

WHY: Runs nonprofit that provides basic needs such as food, clothing and transportation for children experiencing homelessness in OC.

IN THE NEWS: Honored at the Business Journal’s ninth annual Innovator of the Year Awards this year for more than quintupling Project Hope Alliance’s reach to about 400 students.

NOTABLE: OC native whose family struggled with homelessness while she attended middle and high school.

QUOTABLE: “God was calling me to share my story so that other kids like me wouldn’t carry around this shame. I never want another child to think that their inherent value is diminished by their parents’ economic circumstances.”

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