Founder Bio

Irma Resendez founded Familia Unida-Families United Living with Multiple Sclerosis (FULWMS) in the early 90’s and incorporated as a non-profit (501-c3) in 1998, after having endured her personal experience with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). FULWMS proudly stands as the first bilingual, English/Spanish, Multiple Sclerosis non- profit (501 c3) organization in U.S. history. In 1990, Ms. Resendez was diagnosed with MS, and experienced paralysis from the waist down with limitations of her upper extremities for almost a year. As she struggled through a difficult rehabilitation period, she was stunned to discover that culturally appropriate and expert
information, as well as services and resources in the Spanish language were not available from local or national MS organizations. This was a shocking phenomenon, as Ms. Resendez began researching the growing number of Latinos affected by the disease. From then on, Ms. Resendez, diligently and selflessly, committed her life to serve the needs of individuals diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and other medical conditions and launched Familia
Unida. Today, FULWMS makes it possible for those living with a disability to access healthcare, educational and employment opportunities that encourage maximum quality of life. Under her leadership, FULWMS has grown to service and meet the increasing needs of individual and families living with MS and other disabilities. FULWMS provides critical and culturally sensitive services free of charge throughout the Southern California region and contacted from all parts of the world.

A strong and effective leader, Ms. Resendez has become a pioneer for the Latino MS and disabled community and continues being at the forefront promoting critical issues affecting the thousands of families she serves. She advocates for the improvement of human and civil rights. A leading educator of culturally sensitive issues, she works diligently to bring awareness of the importance of respecting and preserving cultural identity, especially by providing trainings, workshops and featured in multiple media outlets. Her tireless efforts have gained her international recognition.

A recipient of numerous commendations such as “Woman of the Year for the state of California,” and “Women of the Year for the County of Los Angeles, “Latina Leader,” recognized by KABC7-CVS Pharmacy “Women of Courage” and recognized by La Opinion (Largest Latino Newspaper in the Country) as one of the top 80 “Lideres del Futuro – Future Leaders”. A graduate of the HOPE Hispanic Leaders Institute, Ms. Irma
Resendez stands as a Latina leader and serves as a mentor and role model to young Latinas throughout the country. Her position as a leader for the disabled earned her a special appointment by the County of Los Angeles’ Board of Supervisors and served as the former Disabilities’ Commissioner for the County of Los Angeles. Ms. Resendez graduated as a zero-divide fellowship that is supported by The Community Technology
Foundation of California. The Fellowship focuses on community technology resources and the advancement for social justice. Currently, is a Community Advisor to the National Civic League, and appointed to the National Paralysis Task Force.
In addition, Ms. Resendez has been acknowledged for her volunteer and community activism, and is a
former Honoree of Hispanic Heritage Month by KCET/Union Bank of California. Her work and
accomplishments have been featured in various media and radio interviews, as well as in several Multiple
Sclerosis publications. She was featured in Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center’s first-ever calendar (June 2000),
which recognized her as one of the Center’s “Outstanding Patients.” Overall, Ms. Resendez has established significant community resources and partnerships throughout the country. She also produced the first-ever bilingual, English/Spanish, Multiple Sclerosis culturally diverse educational video titled, “You are not Alone / No Estás Solo” with the support of Gloria Estefan, Estefan Enterprises and Sony Records.

Ms. Resendez received her Master’s and Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work from California State University at Long Beach after her diagnosis of MS. She was awarded several Honors in Community Service and was also recognized by the National Association of Social Work (Region 1) on two occasions for her exceptional contributions in community advocacy. Her educational experience also includes counseling thousands of individuals and working with diverse populations, with a concentration in disabilities advocate, families and older adults. Ms. Resendez, is fluent in both English and Spanish, has acquired over 18 years of administrative,
program development, and community organizing experience.