Angelina Levy Named a "Woman of the Year" In the 29th Congressional District

Angelina Levy Named a “Woman of the Year” In the 29th Congressional District

Washington, D.C. – Today at a reception in Pasadena, Representative Adam Schiff honored Angelina Levy for her commitment and service to Temple City by naming her a “Woman of the Year.” 

“It is little wonder that Angelina’s peers are proud to call her a ‘marvel,’” said Schiff.  “Her work with the developmentally disabled is a true inspiration to us all. Temple City and our entire region are lucky to have her in the community and I thank her for all she does.”

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Ms. Levy began her career in fashion when she graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 1954. After 20 years of experience in the New York fashion industry, she moved her family to California but was unable to find programs that catered to her son’s special developmental needs. In response to the void, Ms. Levy established the School of Fashion and Design for the Developmentally Disabled in 1984 and embarked on a remarkable legacy of community service and leadership.

Ms. Levy’s School of Fashion and Design for the Developmentally Disabled works to provide students with tools to become self-sufficient and to boost self-esteem. It proves that the skills necessary for sewing and crafts can also be used to improve the learning and the concentration skills of those who are developmentally disabled. In addition to sewing, dressmaking, and tailoring, the groundbreaking facility provides daily instruction via their “Healthy Living Skills” program, where students learn about food shopping, cooking, and computing using the resources of the local community. At any given time there are over 40 students who range from young adults to seniors, and each emerges with enhanced social skills needed to integrate in today’s complicated world.

In addition to her work with the School of Fashion and Design for the Developmentally Disabled, Ms. Levy is a past President of the United Commercial Travelers of America, the East Los Angeles Regional Center, and Civitan International. She has volunteered with the Special Olympics and the San Gabriel Civic Theater Group, as well as served on the Presidential Task Force on the Employment of Adults with Disabilities (PTFEAD) and its related U.S. Congressional Advisory Board. Ms. Levy is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars Distinguished Service Award and the 2004 Soroptimist International Woman of the Year.

Every March, during Women’s History Month, Rep. Schiff honors one outstanding woman from each of the communities in the 29th Congressional District.  These women come from all walks of life and represent the thousands of women who make a positive impact in our region.  While there are no specific criteria for nomination, Rep. Schiff looks for women who — through their work or volunteerism — have improved the quality of life for our community.

Rep. Schiff represents California’s 29th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.

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