Gina Alexander and Richard Alexander, left, pose with their two adopted daughters, Katlyn and Makena. The Alexanders will celebrate the launch of WeGive NorCal, a Northern California branch of WeGive LA, on April 11 in Yuba City. This new nonprofit organization seeks to empower foster teens with essential life and career skills as they approach independence. Photo courtesy of WeGive LA

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - What if a handbag could change a life?

For years, designer Gina Alexander turned personal memories into fashion statements, creating custom photo handbags adored by both celebrities and high-end retailers.

But beyond the glitz and glamour, her true passion lay in something far more profound: giving foster youth the skills and support they need to build a future. Now, after years of success in Los Angeles, Alexander is bringing that mission home to Yuba City.

“My husband and I went through a devastating time trying to have kids,” said Alexander. “Designing and making products really helped me heal. The handbags were my therapy.”

Determined to become a mother, Alexander faced countless fertility treatments and heartbreaking setbacks. When she discovered that adoption would cost $20,000, Alexander turned to what she knew best: fashion. With a bold vision and unwavering determination, Alexander and her husband, Richard Alexander, opened their first store in 2000, in the heart of Los Angeles’s entertainment district. Within just 11 months, their business skyrocketed, generating $1.4 million in sales, and proving that purpose and passion could go hand in hand.

“All my customers became moms, moms who couldn’t have kids, moms who adopted,” said Alexander. “The sales of our bags have helped 12 families pay for their adoptions. I like to say it’s a bag that keeps on giving.”

Alexander wrapped up her handbag business around 2017 but her commitment to making a difference never wavered. Now a mother to two adopted daughters, Katelyn and Makena, Alexander has redirected her passion toward mentorship, hosting designer bag workshops and entrepreneurial training for foster teens and young adults.

 

A group of foster teens show off their new handbags during a designer workshop led by Gina Alexander. Alexander and her husband, Richard, will celebrate the launch of WeGive NorCal, a Northern California branch of WeGive LA, on April 11 in Yuba City. Photo courtesy of WeGive LA

Her dedication to empowering youth led to the creation of We Give LA in 2021, a nonprofit organization devoted to providing foster youth with the life and career skills they need to succeed as they transition out of the system.

“Foster youth aging out of the system often lose the support they had in foster homes, if they had any at all,” said Richard Alexander. “Many lack communication skills and the tools needed to become independent, productive citizens. We realized we could help by teaching them entrepreneurial and life skills at this critical point in their lives.”

WeGive LA provides foster youth, especially those approaching adulthood, with essential career training, business workshops and relief efforts. Since relocating to Yuba City two years ago, the Alexanders have actively immersed themselves in the community, hosting workshops for Sutter County’s Independent Living Program (ILP), speaking at local high schools and participating in community events.

“I grew up here. My dad was in the Air Force,” said Richard Alexander. “My mom still lives here and she’s starting to go blind, so we moved back to help her. So far, we love it here and we saw a real need for the kind of services we provide. Everything we developed in L.A., we’re bringing back home.”

On April 11, the Alexanders will celebrate the launch of WeGive NorCal, a Northern California branch of WeGive LA, based in Yuba City. The milestone event will feature a benefit dinner at Adventure Church of Yuba City, with live entertainment, inspiring success stories, a catered dinner and an exclusive auction to raise funds in support of local foster youth.

“We believe that every foster youth deserves a chance to thrive, not just survive,” said Gina Alexander. “This benefit isn’t just about raising funds; it’s about raising hope, opening doors and creating real opportunities for young people who need them most.”

Community members and businesses are encouraged to participate by attending, sponsoring or donating to the event. Tickets and sponsorship packages are available online at wegivela.org under the Fundraisers tab. Adventure Church is at 876 W Onstott Frontage Road in Yuba City. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and dinner will start at around 6:30 p.m. April 11. For more information, email [email protected] or call 818-425-9812.