Lissa Layng Reynolds Named a "Woman of the Year" in the 29th Congressional District

Lissa Layng Reynolds Named a “Woman of the Year” in the 29th Congressional District

Washington, D.C. – Today at a reception in Pasadena, Representative Adam Schiff honored Lissa Layng Reynolds for her commitment and service to our community by naming her a “Woman of the Year.” 

“Lissa’s stage is her community.  Rather than focus on herself, she works to make South Pasadena the star,” said Schiff.  “Her devotion to our serving our community is truly admirable.” 

Mrs. Reynolds is a professional theater, film, and television actress whose interaction with her community goes far beyond the stage and screen. As the President of the California Performing Arts Centre and co-Artistic Director of the award-winning Fremont Centre Theatre in South Pasadena, Mrs. Reynolds will celebrate the theatre’s tenth anniversary this year. She shares the milestone with her husband, James, who also serves as the theatre’s co-Artistic Director and can be seen on NBC’s “Days of Our Lives” as Commissioner Abe Carver. Together they have produced and co-produced over 30 plays during the Fremont Centre Theatre’s decade of existence. Mrs. Reynolds and her family have lived in South Pasadena for over 20 years.

In addition to the Fremont Centre Theatre, Mrs. Reynolds and James own and operate Classes Unlimited, an adult learning center, and Big Men Stuff, a clothing company that uses slogans to combat domestic abuse. The Reynolds’ were selected as two of the most influential people in Pasadena by Pasadena Weekly and they received the Gold Crown Award from the Pasadena Arts Council for supporting local arts education and development.

Giving back to the community is a priority for Mrs. Reynolds. Her busy schedule is packed equally with volunteering, fundraising, and professional efforts. Examples include the Haven House Women's Shelter in Pasadena, the Pasadena Humane Society, the Foothill YMCA, and the South Pasadena Police Department. For many years Mrs. Reynolds has joined her husband on USO handshake and educational tours for the troops and for their families. To encourage students to become active in the arts, the pair frequently directs local elementary school productions of Shakespeare and hosts an annual charity celebrity basketball tournament to benefit South Pasadena schools. For her continued philanthropic efforts Mrs. Reynolds has been honored by numerous organizations, including Women at Work, the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, and the Tournament of Roses Association.

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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