JVS SoCal’s 27th Annual Strictly Business Dinner brought together business leaders, philanthropists, community partners, and supporters for an inspiring evening celebrating the power of workforce development and partnership. Held at the Skirball Cultural Center, the event raised funds to support JVS SoCal’s life-changing workforce programs across Southern California.
JVS SoCal CEO Jeff Carr spoke about the organization’s vision for the future of workforce development and the importance of preparing individuals for an evolving economy.
“We are building the next generation of training which will pair technical skills with things that only humans can do: exercise judgment, build trust, adapt, and lead,” Carr said.
The event recognized BMO with the Corporate Partnership Award for its longstanding support of JVS SoCal and the BankWork$ program, which has helped connect hundreds of individuals with careers in financial services. The award recognizes BMO’s exceptional commitment to supporting JVS SoCal’s mission to provide life-changing career services and employment programs throughout Southern California.
“As BMO continues to expand our presence here in California, we are proud to continue our partnership with JVS SoCal and its BankWork$ program,” said Sandy Walia, BMO’s Regional President for Southern California & Central California. “For more than a decade, this collaboration has helped meet our workforce needs while creating meaningful career opportunities in financial services.”
The evening also honored Adrienne Horwitch, JVS SoCal’s first female president of the Board of Directors, with the 2026 Founders Award for her longstanding support and commitment to the organization’s mission.
“I am truly touched and grateful to my dear friends and everyone here, and to those who were unable to join us, for showing up and supporting JVS SoCal,” Horwitch said.
Throughout the evening, speakers highlighted the importance of partnerships in creating opportunities for underserved communities. Event Co-Chair Rick Powell emphasized the impact of collaboration on JVS SoCal’s mission.
“The power of our partnerships strengthens all JVS SoCal programs and enables us to achieve what we simply could not on our own,” Powell said. “These partnerships support clients from marginalized and underserved communities, giving them the practical tools, training, and resources they need to overcome barriers to employment and transform their lives.”
Jonathan Karp, president of the JVS SoCal Board of Directors, reminded guests that workforce development succeeds when employers actively invest in people.
“We hope you leave inspired by what’s possible through this community,” Karp said to the attendees. “Organizations like BMO remind us that workforce development works best when employers step up not only as donors, but as hiring partners.”
BMO’s own Razmon Mohammedi, a BankWork$ graduate, was recognized with the Inspiration Award. Kitti Torok, an ApartmentWorks graduate, was also recognized with this Award.
The funds raised during the Strictly Business Dinner will help JVS SoCal fuel JVS SoCal’s essential career training programs and job placement services, empowering thousands of individuals annually to overcome barriers to employment while building pathways to economic independence.