Molina Healthcare of California Celebrates Three Inland Empire MolinaCares Community Champions
Honorees receive $5,000 to donate to nonprofit organization of choice.
Media Contact: Rhonda Frazier, Rhonda.Frazier@MolinaHealthCare.Com, (562) 980-3849
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., June 30, 2025 – Molina Healthcare of California (“Molina”) recently recognized three individuals for their dedication to addressing social determinants of health in the Inland Empire through the MolinaCares Community Champions program. Each honoree received a $5,000 grant to pay forward to the nonprofit organization of their choice.
“These three individuals have shown incredible dedication to improving the health and well-being of the Inland Empire community,” said Abbie Totten, plan president of Molina Healthcare of California. “Molina is pleased to honor them for their selfless work and further empower the missions of the community organizations these recipients support.”
This year’s Inland Empire MolinaCares Community Champions are:
Karena Zermeno, of Hemet, serves as the driving force behind Student of the Month Program, a nonprofit organization that honors and uplifts students who have overcome significant life challenges. Through this program, Zermeno helps to recognize kids in six school districts whose stories of resilience and character often go unnoticed. Zermeno’s efforts go far beyond logistics — she creates a space where young people feel seen, valued and inspired to keep pushing forward. In a world that often celebrates the loudest voices, Zermeno is a quiet force for good, consistently showing up, giving back and empowering the next generation with dignity and heart. Zermeno personally connects with students, families, educators and community leaders. The ripple effect of her work impacts many people in the broader community. Zermeno’s grant will be donated to Student of the Month Program.
Ana Karina Suchanek, of Claremont, is cofounder and chief financial officer of Project Boon, a nonprofit that has been instrumental in efforts to address food insecurity in the Inland Empire. Through Project Boon, she has been able to collaborate with dozens of organizations to provide thousands with hot meals, groceries and other critical resources. Suchanek organizes all related community events, including planning and set-up, grocery distribution and even meal preparation. Project Boon has provided over 381,500 meals to families in need. As owner of The Hitch Burger Grill, Suchanek provides Project Boon with free access to the restaurant’s facilities and staff. As a result, over 15,000 Thanksgiving dinners have been prepared and served to area families. Suchanek’s passion and dedication inspires hundreds of volunteers to serve the community year after year. Suchanek’s grant will be donated to Project Boon.
Leonard Williams, of Barstow, has made significant contributions to advancing equity and addressing disparities in health care and social services in the Barstow community, an area with high rates of poverty and food insecurity. His dedication to improving the lives of others is evident in the numerous projects he has spearheaded or supported. Through Kiwanis International, Williams helped organize a fundraiser that supported the Clothes for Kids program, which provides financial support for select kids in every school in the Barstow Unified School District and Silver Valley School District. As executive director of Barstow Youth Sports Coalition, he helped raise $100,000 to ensure kids have proper playing fields, and as chair of the Barstow Community Coalition, Williams organized symposiums on critical issues such as fentanyl abuse, youth and teen suicide and human trafficking. Williams inspires collaboration among many, including local elected officials. His grant will be donated to Barstow Youth Sports Coalition.
About Molina Healthcare of California
Molina Healthcare of California, Inc. provides government-funded, quality health care, serving members through Medi-Cal, Medicare, and Marketplace (Covered California) programs. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information about Molina Healthcare of California, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.
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