Stella Murga, MSPA
founder

Stella R. Murga is the Founder and former Executive Director, 2001-2021 (Retired) of Adelante Youth Alliance (AYA). Under Stella’s direction, AYA produced the two largest annual college and career conferences for Latina/o youth in the State of California, Adelante Mujer Latina & Adelante Young Men Conference.

In August 2015, YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley selected Stella as the 2015 Racial Justice Award recipient.  In March 2015,  Assemblymember of the 41st Assembly District, Chris Holden selected Stella as “Woman of the Year.” Hispanic Lifestyle Magazine recognized her as a Latina of Influence . In 2013, Stella was selected as a Woman Achiever by Business Life Magazine. And in 2006, Pasadena Weekly highlighted Stella as one of eight Pasadena/Altadena individuals “Making A Difference” in the lives of youth.

Earlier in her career, Stella owned and managed a Vocational Rehabilitation Consulting business for 25 years. Under Stella's direction, thousands of injured workers were trained and supported in finding suitable gainful employment in the greater San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles areas. Her purpose and change in path were made in response to an alarming increase in youth violence and high numbers of school dropouts in her Pasadena community. Stella thrives on helping others succeed and is committed to uplifting and inspiring Latina/o youth to follow their dreams. She earned her M.S. Degree in Public Administration from California State University, Los Angeles, and her B.S. Degree in Business Management from the University of Redlands.