Alumna Earns San Diego’s Woman of Distinction Honor
LaRaza Webb’s impact is creating opportunities, empowering communities, and inspiring others to lead with purpose.
Alumna LaRaza Webb ’09 is building pathways to opportunity across San Diego through housing, art, and community-driven innovation. A proud Southeastern San Diego native, she has dedicated her career to expanding access and impacting the communities that shaped her.
That work recently earned her recognition as one of San Diego’s 2026 Women of Distinction.
The annual honor, launched by Mayor Todd Gloria, celebrates women whose contributions strengthen communities across the city. “Our honorees represent the best of San Diego,” the mayor said. “Their impact is visible in lives improved, doors opened, and families strengthened.”
“It is an honor to be recognized by the very community that raised me,” shared LaRaza. “I am from Southeastern San Diego—Skyline Hills, to be exact—an area that has historically been underdeveloped and overlooked. To have my work recognized in the 4th district means I’m earning the respect and admiration of a community I hold very dear.”
Councilmember Henry Foster III, who selected LaRaza as the District 4 honoree, highlighted both her leadership and creativity. “LaRaza has dedicated her career to helping others grow, thrive, and find opportunity,” he said, pointing to her work in affordable housing and her use of art and culture to build connection. He also recognized her role in co-founding The Block Club, a space that preserves and celebrates Black art and culture while bringing community members together.
Expanding Opportunity Through Her Work
As the chief operations officer of Raimo Residence, LaRaza leads efforts to provide affordable housing and neighborhood-improvement solutions in underserved communities. Her work focuses on creating long-term stability and access to opportunity for families across San Diego.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Clark Atlanta University and a master’s certificate in industrial/organizational psychology, combining strategic leadership with a people-centered approach.
In 2021, she authored Restoring The Fundamentals and launched a “learn and earn” program that blends hair care education with blockchain technology, an approach designed to support both cultural and economic empowerment.
Where Creativity Meets Community
LaRaza’s work also extends into the arts. In 2024, she partnered with the Fleet Science Center to create the “Water Mane Art Experience,” an interactive installation connecting environmental awareness with Afro hair science.
She continues to invest in creative community spaces through The Block Club, which will soon celebrate its first anniversary with a 3-day fundraiser supporting its mission to preserve and uplift Black art and culture in San Diego, including a silent auction, live music, and a family-friendly gaming day.
Leadership Rooted in Service
In addition to being named a Woman of Distinction, LaRaza received the 2024 “40 Under 40” Emerging Leader Award from the San Diego County Black Chamber of Commerce.
She remains active across San Diego as a founding advisory committee member for the Black Arts + Culture District, a Community Rising fellow with Project New Village, and a contributor to the Community Land Trust Working Group.
A Foundation at LJCDS
LaRaza credits her time at La Jolla Country Day School with expanding her worldview and shaping her sense of purpose.
“LJCDS provided me with an intimate educational experience that broadened my horizons,” she shares, reflecting on her 10th-grade exchange program in Spain and attending the 2009 presidential inauguration, experiences that sparked her curiosity about culture and community.
She also reflects on the lasting mentorship of Upper School Educator Robin Stewart, who encouraged her to explore her identity and ancestry, and the close friendships she formed. These connections continue to support her today.
Looking Ahead
LaRaza plans to pursue a master’s degree in social innovation at the University of San Diego’s Kroc School of Peace Studies, continuing her focus on building systems that empower communities.
From affordable housing and education to art and advocacy, LaRaza continues to invest in the communities that shaped her. Her recognition as a Woman of Distinction is not just a milestone. It is a reflection of ongoing work to create opportunity, strengthen communities, and inspire others to lead with purpose.
LaRaza’s story is also a powerful reminder of the kind of future The Hub for Human Impact is designed to support—one where young people connect their passions to meaningful action, and where learning becomes a catalyst for lasting impact in the world.
