Laura Valdez, Executive Director of Mission Action, is the new tenant of Mission District’s landmark Thrift Town

Image credit: O2 Initiatives Sabbatical

Laura Valdez, Executive Director of Mission Action and a Class of 2009 San Francisco LeaderSpring alum, is helping lead a powerful new chapter for San Francisco’s Mission District.

As recently reported by Mission Local. Mission Action is moving into the former Thrift Town building at 17th and Mission, a historic neighborhood landmark once home to the iconic “17 Reasons Why!” sign. Originally erected in 1935 atop Redlick’s Furniture, the sign became a beloved cultural symbol of the Mission District for generations, representing the creativity, character, and evolving history of the neighborhood.

Founded in 1982 in response to the needs of Central American refugee communities, Mission Action has spent more than four decades supporting immigrant and low-income families across San Francisco through housing support, food access, workforce development, and community services. Now, the long-vacant Thrift Town building is being transformed into a hub for community care and connection, including expanded food distribution efforts and gathering space for residents.

At LeaderSpring Center, we are proud to celebrate alumni like Laura whose leadership continues to preserve the cultural fabric of communities while building toward a more just and connected future.

Learn more about Mission Action: https://www.missionaction.org/