From Colombia to California: Liliana Andriani’s journey of giving back

Liliana Andriani was born and raised in the vibrant city of Cali, Colombia. Her journey to become a powerful force for community welfare in the Inland Empire began when she decided to immigrate to the U.S. in 1986, escaping from the tragedy of narcotraffic that, during that time, immersed her native country in violence and terror.

Just a year after her arrival, Andriani set up a small jewelry repair booth at an indoor swap meet in Pomona. It was a humble beginning but it laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to her craft and community. “I came with $25 and everything I had in a suitcase but I was determined to move forward. I never thought about the alternative of going back. My only alternative was forward and here,” shared Andriani in Spanish.

The gifts of working on a swap meet

Andriani gained valuable experience working at the swap meet. There, she saw firsthand how hardworking immigrants from around the world were starting their lives in the country, many with young children and knowing very little English. This inspired her to continue on her journey.

She rented a small corner in a jewelry shop at the swap meet, where she set up a bench to handle jewelry repairs. As she served customers, she found herself deeply involved in the business, picking up invaluable lessons about inventory management. Through interacting with the store owner's suppliers, she began to build relationships within the industry, making this time a hands-on learning opportunity.

Andriani's high-quality work attracted many clients, prompting her to open Angel Jewelers in Rancho Cucamonga in 1989. The community's support for her business over the past 34 years has filled her with gratitude and inspired her to give back. “I had a great desire to do more, to say thank you to this community for all that I have received. Then I told myself, ‘I have to join an organization, a non-profit whose purpose is to help in education, health, and business, especially small and Latina-owned businesses,’” she recalled.

The first organizations that gave Andriani the opportunity to give back to her community were Soroptimist International of Baldy View and the National Latina Business Association. She helped fundraise for projects that aimed to aid women in accessing education and also assisted small Latina-owned companies in retrieving the information and resources they needed to advance their businesses.

Education has always been a cornerstone in Andriani’s life. Her journey began at Chaffey Community College, where she first enrolled in ESL classes before transitioning to business studies. This experience gave her a deep appreciation for the transformative power of learning. She served on the board of the Chaffey College Foundation, during which time Andriani was dedicated to empowering the next generation of students. Through her fundraising efforts for scholarships and campaigns like “Give with Your Heart,” she ensured that graduates had the financial support they needed, even for essentials like caps and gowns. She was driven by the knowledge that without this support, some students might have missed the opportunity to celebrate their achievements at commencement, a moment they had worked so hard to reach.

“My drive is gratitude. I feel a lot of gratitude for the education and support I received because when I started at Chaffey, every teacher on the staff helped me and motivated me. I will always be grateful to Chaffey,” Andriani said while reflecting on the role of education. “I believe that the power of education is what opens the future for all of us. It makes us better human beings. It's something we should all have access to.”

Andriani’s involvement in the community extends beyond education. As a Latina entrepreneur, she’s passionate about supporting other small businesses. She served as President of the Rancho Cucamonga Chamber of Commerce during the COVID pandemic between 2020 and 2021. Throughout that time, she made a point to deliver fast and efficient information to help businesses access government aid like small loans or grants offered by the gas company for restaurants to ease the challenges of those difficult times.

During the 2020 holiday season, Andriani launched the#shoprc campaign, with a mission to support local businesses and inspire the community to “shop, dine, and entertain in Rancho Cucamonga.” With her team from the Rancho Cucamonga Chamber of Commerce, Andriani selected a diverse array of businesses to feature. They created engaging videos showcasing the local gems, presenting a behind-the-scenes look at their unique offerings and inviting visitors to explore and support their vibrant community.

Empowering the Inland Empire community

Andriani's future looks exciting. She is full of plans for her work as a member of the board of directors of the Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF), a non-profit championing philanthropy across the region by providing resources to other non-profits  organizations making a difference in their communities.

Andriani expresses that the Inland Empire Community Foundation provides her with the opportunity to ensure that the time and resources she invests have a meaningful impact at a regional level. This organization specifically targets pressing issues within the region, such as education, healthcare and economic development, with the goal of empowering a large number of residents to move from simply getting by to truly flourishing.

“At the beginning of this year, the theme was the ‘Power of the Purse.’ We did very well. We gave $15,000 toMichelle's Place Cancer Resource Center,San Antonio Regional Hospital Foundation and theWomen of Worship & Warfare International. These are all non-profits doing incredible work in the Inland Empire,” explained Andriani. “Each year, we give scholarships and honor a woman who has demonstrated leadership and has a positive impact on her community through her work.”

Her pledge to community service constantly expands, and she also serves on the San Antonio Hospital Foundation board. Her current mission is clear: to raise funds for a new maternity unit to replace the outdated one at the area's largest hospital. For her, the hospital is more than just another healthcare provider—it’s where her two daughters were born and where she and her husband turn whenever they’re unwell.

That’s why she’s so passionate about ensuring this vital hub has the best resources available. The next big event, "Swing into the Fabulous 40s," is just around the corner on September 21st. It’s an annual fall celebration where all proceeds directly support the new maternity unit. With a firm conviction, Andriani is dedicated to ensuring the hospital continues offering top-notch care for everyone in the community.

According to Michelle Stoddard, president of the San Antonio Hospital Foundation, the new unit promises to set a new standard in maternal care. Beyond the traditional labor and delivery suites, each room will feature direct access to a private patio, offering expectant parents a serene outdoor retreat. For those who find comfort in the water, the unit will feature a pool to ease the journey into parenthood, and to make things even more convenient, expectant families will have a dedicated emergency entrance, allowing them to bypass the main ER entrance altogether. With 41% of the hospital's patients being Latino, this state-of-the-art facility is set to provide a high standard of care for a diverse community.

“Since she [Andriani] came on board, she's just been fantastic. I find that she's a woman who has a tremendous amount of integrity. I can count on her,” said Stoddard.

Andriani’s dream is to continue fulfilling her passion for giving back. She firmly believes that communities and businesses thrive when everyone stays connected, lending a helping hand to each other. “If we turn a blind eye to the needs of those around us and carry on thinking only of ourselves, there will be no future. The legacy I want to leave behind is one of contribution—bringing much-needed resources to those in need and connecting people in a way that benefits everyone,” she said.

Andriani's journey is a testament to resilience, unwavering dedication, and a deep love for her community. Her influence is far-reaching, from the artistry of her jewelry business to her passionate support for education and tireless involvement in various non-profit organizations. Andriani’s impact isn't just seen; it's felt in the lives she touches and the causes she champions. Her commitment to uplifting others and fostering a stronger, more connected community makes her a true force for good, enriching the path of those around her. Through her actions, she embodies the spirit of giving, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps and create lasting change.