The Bridge Forward Project
Hola
Marcia Torres-Leija & Mark A. Leija
Founders & Community Advocates, The Bridge Forward Project
Marcia and Mark are the parents of two amazing boys on the autism spectrum and are long-time community advocates with decades of hands-on experience supporting immigrant families and individuals with special needs across Los Angeles County. Their work is rooted in lived experience, deep trust within the community, and a commitment to making complex systems more accessible, humane, and effective.
About the Founders
For more than 25 years, Marcia has worked alongside immigrant families, helping them navigate social service systems, connect to vocational education opportunities, and build pathways toward economic stability and independence. Her work has focused on meeting families where they are—offering practical guidance, education, and connection rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.
Over the past 10 years, Mark and Marcia have been deeply engaged in the special needs community, serving as a parent advocates, a board member at the North Los Angeles Regional Center, and special needs accommodation advocates for places of worship throughout Los Angeles. In these roles, they have supported families in understanding their rights, accessing services, and advocating for inclusive environments that welcome individuals of all abilities.
The Leijas founded The Bridge Forward Project to bring these two areas of service together under one mission: ensuring that families do not have to navigate education systems, disability services, or social resources alone. They believe that true progress happens when families are informed, supported, and connected—not just to programs, but to one another.
Their leadership is guided by compassion, accountability, and a belief in the strength of community. Mark and Marcia continue to work directly with families, partners, and service providers to build bridges between people and opportunity—creating clearer paths forward for today and stronger communities for tomorrow.
Want to join the movement or want to share a great idea on how to help others?
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