The Bridge
Dreamer to Doer: Taco Bell Foundation’s Ambition Accelerator Fuels Young Changemaker’s Bold Idea
Following the second annual Ambition Accelerator Summit, 24-year-old changemaker Victoria Lamar receives $25,000 in funding to help excel her education-focused initiative.
IRVINE, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — Taco Bell Foundation and nonprofit partner Ashoka announced today the top changemaker in the second Ambition Accelerator Summit, hosted at Taco Bell’s headquarters in Irvine, Calif. Victoria Lamar pitched Securing Degrees, a national scholarship coaching platform that helps students alleviate the financial burden of higher education, winning the challenge and receiving a $25,000 social impact grant.
Changemaker Recognition
The prize funding will enable the Atlanta-based initiative to expand and provide additional resources to students aged 17 to 22, especially those from underrepresented communities. Since 2018, Securing Degrees has assisted over 4,000 families in securing $20 million in scholarships, ensuring debt-free education. Students on the platform are provided access to experienced coaches who help identify scholarships, craft compelling narratives, and meet application deadlines.
“Participating in the Ambition Accelerator program has been a transformative experience,” said Victoria Lamar, the 2024 Ambition Accelerator grand prize recipient. “The support and resources provided are empowering me to drive meaningful change and will allow me to take Securing Degrees to the next level. I’m excited to see the positive impact Securing Degrees can make with the help of the Taco Bell Foundation and Ashoka.”
After receiving over 370 applications from young people across the country, the Taco Bell Foundation invited the top 50 changemakers, including Victoria, for an immersive experience at Taco Bell’s headquarters this week. These Summit Semi-Finalists were granted the opportunity to enhance their entrepreneurial skills by participating in workshops focused on storytelling, community building, networking, and more. Each Semi-Finalist received $1,000 in seed funding for their social ventures, and five finalists were invited to a pitch competition. The grand prize recipient of the pitch competition received $25,000 in addition to previous competition awards and a Taco Bell gift card, gifted by Taco Bell Corp. The other four finalists were awarded an additional $5,000 each to further develop their projects.
“We created Ambition Accelerator to elevate the voices of our future leaders,” said Julie Davis, Global Chief Legal Officer, Taco Bell & Executive Sponsor, Taco Bell Foundation. “By fostering a supportive network and providing essential tools over the past few days, we hope these bright, socially motivated individuals will feel empowered to continue their work and make a difference in their communities.”
In addition to Securing Degrees, the other projects selected to participate in the pitch competition included:
- Farms for Thought: Farms for Thought combats food deserts by deploying autonomous vertical farms in schools. Through partnerships and innovative technology, the program aims to improve access to healthy food, promote education, and empower communities.
- Elevate the Navajo Nation: Navajo youth face challenges such as substance abuse, poverty, domestic violence, hopelessness, and lack of guidance. To address these issues, multi-generational Navajo leaders have created Elevate Navajo, a program that provides mentorship to help youth navigate these challenges. The program aims to build long-term, life-changing relationships, equipping Navajo youth to thrive and contribute to their community.
- Every Kid Gets a Robot (EKGAR): Founded in 2019, The STEAM Connection is a 501(c)(3) charity led by youth and minorities, dedicated to democratizing technical education for Indigenous youth through robotics by providing free access to cutting-edge solutions. The STEAM Connection has created Every Kid Gets A Robot (EKGAR), an educational robotics kit that costs less than $20 to produce. It’s provided free of charge to K-12 students, boosting their technical skills by 70%. So far, EKGAR has reached 45,000 youth.
- SignAll: Less than 0.1% of the hearing population understands sign language. SignAll is an AI-based sign language translation app that provides real-time translations by leveraging a mobile device’s camera at the person signing, helping to break down barriers in communication.
To narrow down these breakthrough ideas and select the winner, Taco Bell Foundation invited a panel of judges to deliberate including:
- Kim Malek, Founder & CEO, Salt & Straw
- Stephen Green, Founder, PitchBlack
- Chris White, EVP of Brand Partnerships, The SpringHill Company
- Neil Borkan, Taco Bell Franchisee & Chairman, Taco Bell Foundation
- SG Ellison, Taco Bell Franchisee & President of Diversified Restaurant Group and A&C Ventures
- Tim Bergevin, Vice President of Entertainment & Community Marketing, Taco Bell
“Meeting the participants and witnessing the connections they have made over these past few days is incredible,” said Tia Johnston Brown, Executive Director of Ashoka’s Youth Venture. “The Ambition Accelerator Summit embodies Ashoka and the Taco Bell Foundation’s mission to empower individuals to pursue their passion. These young people are already changing the world.”
Funded by Yum! Brand’s $100 million Unlocking Opportunity Initiative, Ambition Accelerator is dedicated to creating pathways for a more equitable and inclusive society. The inaugural Ambition Accelerator India Summit will be taking place in September in Bengaluru.
About Taco Bell Foundation
Taco Bell Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity that helps break down barriers to educate and inspire the next generation of America’s young leaders. Since 1992, the Taco Bell Foundation has reached more than 5 million young people across the country and has awarded more than $188 million in grants and scholarships, focused on education and career readiness. For more information about the Taco Bell Foundation, visit www.tacobellfoundation.org.
About Ashoka
Ashoka is the largest global network of leading social entrepreneurs—individuals with new ideas to systemically address the world’s biggest challenges and the entrepreneurial skill to transform those ideas into national, regional and global social impact. For over 40 years, Ashoka has supported over 4,000 social entrepreneurs in 90 countries with solutions addressing society’s most pressing issues. Ashoka’s vision is a world in which Everyone is a Changemaker—a society that responds quickly and effectively to challenges, and where every individual has the freedom, confidence and societal support to address any social problem. For more information, visit ashoka.org.
Katie Snyder – Edelman
katie.snyder@edelman.com
Chad Hoffmann – Taco Bell Corp.
chad.hoffmann@yum.com
Tia Johnston Brown – Ashoka
tjohnston@ashoka.org
SOURCE Taco Bell Corp.
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
Author
Urbanism
LA Metro’s D Line Extension Phase 1 Officially Opens, Bringing Subway Service to Mid-Wilshire and Beverly Hills
LA Metro’s D Line Extension: LA Metro officially opens Phase 1 of the D Line Subway Extension, connecting Downtown Los Angeles, Mid-Wilshire, and Beverly Hills with three new underground stations.
The future of transportation in Los Angeles has officially arrived.
LA Metro’s D Line Extension Phase 1 Officially Opens
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) officially opened Section 1 of the long-awaited D Line Subway Extension on May 8, 2026, expanding underground rail service westward through the historic Mid-Wilshire corridor and into Beverly Hills.
The 3.92-mile extension is one of Metro’s most ambitious transit infrastructure projects and marks a major milestone in Los Angeles public transportation. The new section extends subway service beyond the current Wilshire/Western station in Koreatown and introduces three new underground stations:
- Wilshire/La Brea
- Wilshire/Fairfax
- Wilshire/La Cienega
The expansion is part of Metro’s larger “Twenty-Eight by ’28” initiative designed to improve mobility across the region ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Downtown Los Angeles to Beverly Hills in About 20 Minutes
With the extension now open, riders can travel from Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles to Beverly Hills in approximately 20 minutes with no transfers required.
The D Line extension is expected to significantly improve travel along the heavily congested Wilshire Boulevard corridor, offering commuters, visitors and residents a faster and more reliable alternative to driving.
“Traveling through Mid-Wilshire to experience the culture, cuisine and commerce across diverse neighborhoods will be easier, faster and more accessible,” said Fernando Dutra, Metro Board Chair and City of Whittier Council Member.
Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins also highlighted the importance of the project in connecting Angelenos to some of the city’s most iconic destinations.
“Angelenos and visitors alike will love the extended service from Downtown Los Angeles to Beverly Hills, delivering greater access to the iconic and culturally diverse communities, institutions and destinations that define the deep history along Wilshire Boulevard,” Wiggins said.
New Stations Connect Riders to Cultural Landmarks
Wilshire/La Brea Station
Located near Hancock Park and the western edge of Koreatown, the station provides access to cultural and entertainment destinations including:
- Korean Cultural Center
- Marciano Art Foundation
- Ebell Theater
- Popular restaurants including Republique and Sycamore Kitchen
Wilshire/Fairfax Station
Known as the heart of Museum Row, this station serves some of Los Angeles’ most recognizable cultural institutions and attractions, including:
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
- Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
- Petersen Automotive Museum
- La Brea Tar Pits
- The Grove
- Original Farmers Market
The station also connects neighborhoods including Little Ethiopia, Park La Brea and the historic Fairfax District.
Wilshire/La Cienega Station
Serving as the eastern gateway to Beverly Hills, the station provides convenient access to Restaurant Row and destinations including the Beverly Center.
A Major Milestone for Los Angeles Transit
The D Line extension has been decades in the making and is widely considered one of the most important transit projects in Los Angeles history.
The project was funded primarily through Measure R, the voter-approved transportation sales tax passed in 2008, along with substantial federal funding support that included:
- $1.25 billion Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA)
- $66.4 million supplemental New Starts funding
- $749.3 million TIFIA loan
All three stations feature modern amenities including public artwork, enhanced lighting, cell phone service, bicycle hubs and improved pedestrian access.
Metro officials hope the extension will encourage more residents and visitors to use public transportation while helping reduce roadway congestion ahead of major international events scheduled for Los Angeles later this decade.
What’s Next for the D Line?
Construction is already underway on future phases of the D Line extension.
Phase 2 will continue west into Beverly Hills and Century City, while Phase 3 will eventually extend subway service to UCLA and the West Los Angeles VA campus.
Once completed, the D Line will provide a direct subway connection between Downtown Los Angeles and the Westside, dramatically reshaping mobility across one of Southern California’s busiest corridors.
Learn More
For official project details and station information, visit:
Metro D Line Opening Information
Stay connected with STM Daily News for the latest updates on Los Angeles transportation, Metro expansion projects, infrastructure developments, local news, technology, culture, and more. Visit STM Daily News for breaking stories, in-depth coverage, and exclusive content from across Southern California and beyond.
Last Updated on May 4, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. In the United States, the holiday has become a celebration of Mexican-American culture and heritage, often involving parades, parties, and traditional foods such as tacos and margaritas.
How will you celebrate Cinco de Mayo?
https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinco_de_Mayo
Author
The Knowledge
Metrolink Offers Fare-Free Rides for Earth Day 2026 Across Southern California
Metrolink offers fare-free rides for Earth Day 2026 across Southern California, encouraging sustainable travel and reduced emissions.
Last Updated on April 21, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Metrolink Offers Fare-Free Rides for Earth Day 2026
LOS ANGELES — April 22, 2026 — In a continued push toward sustainable transportation, Metrolink will once again offer systemwide free rides on Earth Day, inviting commuters and travelers to leave their cars behind and explore a cleaner way to move across the region.
A One-Day Opportunity to Ride Free
On Wednesday, April 22, passengers can board any Metrolink train — including the Arrow service — without purchasing a ticket. The initiative is part of the broader celebration of Earth Day, encouraging environmentally conscious travel choices.
The fare-free program is designed to appeal to both regular riders and first-time users, particularly those navigating Southern California’s persistent traffic congestion and rising fuel costs.
Encouraging Sustainable Travel Habits
“Earth Day is a reminder that small changes, like choosing public transit over driving one day a week, can have a meaningful impact on our environment,” said Doug Chaffee, chair of the Metrolink Board.
With gas prices continuing to strain household budgets, the agency hopes the initiative will inspire more residents to consider rail as part of their regular commute.
Regional Connections Expand Access
Metrolink’s Earth Day promotion aligns with similar efforts by other Southern California transit providers. Riders can seamlessly connect to services operated by: LA Metro and the Orange County Transportation Authority, Riverside County Transportation Commission, San Bernardino County Transportation Authority and Ventura County Transportation Commission.
These partnerships extend the reach of fare-free travel across a six-county region, making it easier for riders to explore destinations without relying on personal vehicles.
Service Adjustments and Rider Tips
Passengers should note that trains will operate on a reduced weekday schedule, implemented earlier this spring. Despite the adjustment, all Metrolink lines and station cities remain in service.
For those planning a trip:
- No ticket is required — simply board the train
- Bikes are welcome, with capacity ranging from three bikes per standard car to nine in designated bike cars
- A curated destination guide highlights attractions within walking or biking distance of stations
Environmental and Economic Impact
Metrolink is also promoting its Personal Impact Calculator, a digital tool that allows riders to estimate how switching from driving to rail can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower fuel expenses.
A Broader Trend in Public Transit
Fare-free transit days have gained traction nationwide as agencies look to boost ridership and promote sustainability. Southern California’s expansive commuter rail network makes it particularly well-suited for such initiatives, offering a viable alternative to one of the country’s most car-dependent regions.
Bottom Line
Metrolink’s Earth Day promotion is more than a one-day free ride — it’s a strategic effort to shift commuter behavior, reduce environmental impact, and showcase the convenience of regional rail. For Southern Californians, April 22 presents a low-risk opportunity to rethink how they travel.
Source: Metrolink
https://metrolinktrains.com/news/metrolink-goes-fare-free-for-earth-day-on-april-22
Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/
