Los Angeles is a sparkling nexus of innovation and impact. St. Vincent Jewelry Center’s Gems of LA recognizes extraordinary women in our community who are at the forefront of social change. These true LA Gems are dedicated to improving the lives of millions of their fellow Angelenos, as they shine as bright as the bling they model for St. Vincent Jewelry.

Meet LA Gem and River LA Director of Development, Andy Steinhoff. Andy and River LA are on a mission to bring people, water, and nature together along the 51 miles of the Los Angeles River. Deeply entwined with the history of our region, the river starts in the San Fernando Valley, flows south through downtown Los Angeles to the southeast cities, and on to Long Beach. With 25% of California’s population living within 30 miles of the river, Andy sees it as a common thread with the potential to connect communities of varying interests and resources. Central to her efforts, is facilitating and convening supporters with different priorities —

from connecting bike paths and horse trails to educational opportunities, promoting green space and public parks, arranging kayaking trips and birdwatching. Her goal is to ensure a future in which the river offers something to everyone.

An objective of the master plan for the county is to develop an LA River cultural center. Working in partnership with architect Frank Gehry, the center is envisioned as a rich and varied outdoor asset that will support the health and well-being of Angelenos while providing a welcoming place to congregate. As the river’s potential comes to fruition, Andy and River LA envision a future modeled after successful waterway revitalizations in San Antonio, Seattle, Portland, the Twin Cities, and Manhattan.

Click here to learn how River LA is connecting communities by cultivating riverside recreation throughout our region.