From partnering with your company to sharing your lived experiences and championing causes and values that help the community, there are a variety of ways you can make an impact. We recently hosted “The Conversation”, Wayfinder’s annual fundraiser, where Wayfinder Impact Council member Brian A. Barreto was honored with the Wayfinder Award.
In Great Company
In his role in external affairs for California American Water, Wayfinder’s water utility, Brian A. Barreto has been at the forefront of his company’s partnership with Wayfinder. From volunteering at athletic events and participating in toy drives to replacing old and inoperable water fountains with eco-friendly water bottle fillers at our Los Angeles campus, Brian and his company have helped us make a difference in countless people’s lives.
This year, Brian and California American Water were honored with a Wayfinder Award during “The Conversation” in recognition of their community impact.
He accepted the award by redirecting the recognition to Wayfinder’s staff and programs, calling our comprehensive approach to serving children with vision loss, disabilities and those in foster care both intentional and built for long-term impact.
Brian traced his commitment to service back to his time at St. John Bosco High School, where he said he developed values of faith, community and solidarity that have guided his advocacy ever since. He credited his parents with making that education possible and thanked his wife, Terry, for her ongoing support.
He highlighted California American Water’s longstanding partnership with Wayfinder, pointing to employee volunteer work at Wayfinder’s Paralympic Games, back-to-school and holiday toy drive contributions, campus water fountain upgrades and a generous grant from the American Water Foundation in support of children and families.
Brian ended by invoking the St. John Bosco motto that shaped him: “Do not put off till tomorrow the good we can do today.”
Interested in joining us? Contact Vanessa Botshekan. Please call (323) 295-4555 x205 or email at vbotshekan@wayfinderfamily.org to learn more.
May 11, 2026