Administrative Professionals Day 2026 is celebrated during the month of April to recognize the essential work of administrative staff, including secretaries, assistants, and support professionals. For our Administrative Professional Empowerment Series, Plan Dulce Hosts Michelle E. Zuñiga, PhD, AICP (she/her/hers) and Haydee Urita-Lopez (she/her/hers) interview Cecilia Lamas (she/her/ella), Commission Executive Assistant II at the City of Los Angeles’ Planning Department.

Cecilia Lamas is a 42-year-old Latina (Mexican-American) that grew up in the City of Cudahy, and is an LA Girl at heart. She recently earned an associate’s degree in Law, Public Policy and Society from Riverside Community College and East Los Angeles Community College, and plans to pursue a Law Degree in the field of Estate Planning and Family Law.

With 20 years of civil service status, she started with the city as an Administrative Clerk in 2005 and her first 10 years were with the Housing Department, Code Enforcement Division, followed by the Department of City Planning, Commission’s office. She was promoted from Senior City Clerk to Commission Executive Assistant II, a position that plays a vital key role in managing the City Planning Commission, and helping to lead and motivate peer Administrative Clerks in the Commission Office. Cecilia helps to manage 9 commissions, including the City Planning Commission, seven Area Planning Commissions, and the Cultural Heritage Commission.

Outside of work she is a proud Mom to a beautiful 24-year-old young woman, and three boys ages 13, 11, and 9. Her boys play club water polo and consume her weekends with exciting tournaments and games. Cecilia enjoys traveling with her family to different parts of Mexico and also enjoys camping, playing tennis, reading and watching football.

Links and Resources

https://planning.lacity.gov/

https://ewdd.lacity.gov/index.php/employment/worksource

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Plan Dulce is a podcast by members of the ⁠⁠Latinos and Planning Division⁠ of the American Planning Association⁠. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only.

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This episode was conceived, written, and produced by Haydee Urita-Lopez (she/her/hers), Michelle E. Zuñiga, PhD, AICP (she/her/hers) and co-produced by Vidal F. Márquez (he/him).

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Administrative Professional Empowerment Series. Self-Determination from Cudahy and Beyond: Believing in Yourself, She Se Puede with Commission Executive Assistant II, Cecilia Lamas (she/her/ella)