Roots & Wings Online

Joya Celik and Anne Marie Yuhas ran in the Ladera Ranch Community Services (LARCS) Board election earlier this year. Each enthusiastically campaigned for one seat and the opportunity to serve their community on Ladera’s lifestyle division governing Board.

During the Meet the Candidates night at Oak Knoll Village Clubhouse, it was refreshing to see two intelligent candidates engage respectfully, have fun while being themselves, and passionately convey their vision to foster a strong sense of community, which is LARCS’ mission.

Anne Marie and her husband, Jim, moved to Ladera Ranch in 2003 as many neighborhoods were being built. Eventually, their jobs took them out of state, so they rented their home and were happy to return to Ladera in 2020. Their years away from Ladera gave them a greater appreciation for the lifestyle here.

Joya Celik has served on the board as a non-voting member for the past four years. She has witnessed the positive impact that community engagement can have on shaping the quality of life in Ladera Ranch. Joya has also served on the LARCS Technology Advisory Committee, as a Neighborhood Representative, and as the PTA President for Ladera Ranch Elementary.

On June 5, Joya was elected to the LARCS Board of Directors as a voting officer. Later that month, Anne Marie was appointed by the Board of Directors as the second non-voting officer. Joya says that in her role, she will strive to foster unity, promote transparency, and encourage open dialogue between residents and the board. “I believe in the power of collaboration and actively seek input from residents to make informed decisions that reflect the collective interests of our community,” she said. 

Ashley Blair, LARCS Community Services Director, notes, “The community, as well as the LARCS Board, was impressed with these remarkable women’s caliber and dedication to serving our community. Ladera Ranch is comprised of many talented individuals and families. When we come together with a positive aim to make our community the best it can be, great things happen.”

Photo: Ashley Blair, LARCS Director introduces Yuhas and Celik during the Meet the Candidates Night held at Oak Knoll Village Clubhouse.

This article appeared in the fall issue of Roots and Wings magazine.