Staff and Board
KAREN MACK
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
BETH PETERSON
COMMUNITY ARTS PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Karen Mack is a life long resident of Los Angeles and spent her early years growing up in Compton before moving to the current LA neighborhood of Miracle Mile. She decided to start LA Commons after her work in the civic sector revealed the challenge of building a sense community the city and her deep belief that art has the power to address this challenge. She holds a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard University where she studied the role of culture in community building and is a former Vice President of Community Partners, LA Commons' fiscal sponsor. She brings her focus on issues of civic engagement and creative placekeeping to her role as an appointed member of the Los Angeles City Planning Commission.
Beth Peterson is the LA Commons Director of Community Arts Programs and has organized over 65 public arts projects in 13 neighborhoods successfully involving youth, professional artists, high schools and community partner organizations in diverse neighborhoods. She serves as a Master Puppet and Mask Teaching Artist for the Music Center of Los Angeles County and LA Arts, and as puppet and mask artist at venues and celebrations throughout the region. In addition, she serves as an adjunct faculty member at Antioch University teaching approaches to integrating arts into school curriculum for the Masters of Education Program.
LESLIE TAMARIBUCHI
STRATEGY AND OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Leslie has championed arts and cultural equity as a strategist, teacher, producer and administrative leader in Los Angeles for over 25 years. As Managing Director and ensemble member at Cornerstone Theater Company she produced participatory theater projects with partners in Boyle Heights, Pacoima, Watts and Chinatown, and led a $1.5 million capital campaign for sustainability. At California Institute of the Arts she served on the faculty of the School of Theater, teaching cultural policy and fundraising for the expanded field, and serving as Associate Dean and faculty Co-Director for Equity and Diversity. A founding member of the boards of Watts Village Theater Company and Los Angeles Performance Practice, she serves on the national board of the Network of Ensemble Theaters and as an advisor to the New England Foundation for the Arts' National Theater Project. She holds an MPA from the Kennedy School and studied as a Mombusho Fellow at Kyoto University.
DENA CHENG
DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Dena (she/her) hails from the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles. She holds a B.A. in Political Science and Ethnicity and Race Studies from Columbia University. During her undergraduate years, she was active in the Columbia Artist Society, and she regularly staffed free weekly figure drawing sessions for students who desired a creative outlet but did not have access to studio time. Before coming to LA Commons, she worked at Asian Americans Advancing Justice -- Los Angeles, Asian Americans Writers' Workshop, Center for Migration Studies, and Sacred Places Institute for Indigenous Peoples.
VALERY MENDOZA-MARTINEZ
COMMUNITY ARTS PROGRAM MANAGER
Born and raised in Southeast Los Angeles and the Inland Empire, Valery’s experiences as a first-gen student of color fueled her desire to impact the systems that create barriers for communities to thrive. At UC Santa Cruz, Valery planned comprehensive social justice campaigns and programs based on students’ requests and interests. This led her to pursue her Master’s of Social Welfare, with a concentration in Social/Economic Justice at UCLA and aligned her passion for the leadership development of Black and brown residents of Los Angeles. Valery was shaped by her family’s values of mutual aid and care for others. She has led numerous mutual aid art fundraisers to support Black, Indigenous people of color across the country.
KAITWAN JACKSON
PROGRAM MANAGER - PROMISE ZONE ARTS
Kaitwan Jackson is a native of Washington, DC, where he began his love for dance and devotion to creating and leading programs that increase community access to arts and culture. Kaitwan holds a B.S. in Public Policy with a concentration in Philanthropy, Nonprofits, and Social Innovation from the University of Southern California. He currently serves as the Program Manager for LA Commons’, Cultural Treasures of South LA: A community-driven cultural asset mapping initiative in the South LA Promise Zone. Additionally, he performs professionally with the Lula Washington Dance Theatre and other Los Angeles-based companies and choreographers.
ELIZABETH CHO
PROGRAM MANAGER - PARTNERSHIPS
GUILLERMO ALVAREZ
CULTURAL ORGANIZER
HANNAH DOMINICA CHUA
SYSTEMS AND RESEARCH COORDINATOR
Elizabeth Cho is the daughter of Mexican and Korean immigrants, born and raised in the Inland Empire. She is passionate about art, culture, and public space as a means to activate, empower, and heal. From 2018 to 2022, she was the executive assistant for the artist Shepard Fairey, assisting with mural installations, print releases, and civic art campaigns. She has organized with Gente Organizada in Pomona and gardens with the Beverly Vermont Community Land Trust. Elizabeth received her BA from Wellesley College, majoring in Cinema and Media Studies and minoring in Education. In her free time, she enjoys drumming, book-binding, and road trips.
Guillermo Alvarez (He/Him) is a Visual Artist, Photographer, and Youth-Organizer. Although he was born in the Harbor Area of Los Angeles, he lived most of his youthful days in the city of Richmond, California located in the Bay Area, where he was raised and attended his early years of college. Now residing in Los Angeles, Guillermo is a passionate organizer who utilizes creativity and art to advocate for the youth while raising awareness on the impacts of gang/gun violence, mental health, and the importance of practicing wellness. His lived experience of growing up in a family household heavily impacted by the system, and being a formerly incarcerated student has led him to creating meaningful connections in the community. He currently has an Associate’s Degree with academic goals to pursue and study Sociology and Ethnic Studies at Long Beach State University. Guillermo has worked with youth throughout Compton, South LA, Inglewood, and East L.A where he facilitates art workshops and sessions on building leadership skills with many different organizations in Los Angeles.
Hannah Dominica Chua (they/she) is a Pilipinx arts activist and cultural organizer born in Quezon City, Philippines and raised in Escondido, CA. They recently graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in World Arts and Cultures and a minor in Pilipinx Studies. For their senior thesis, Hannah spearheaded a collaborative, multi-disciplinary, arts project that critically explores Pilipinx identity formation and corporate mobilizations of diasporic nostalgia: "'Joy Served Daily!': The Jollibee Empire, Labor Exploitation, and Selling Diasporic Nostalgia”. Hannah is a passionate advocate for Ethnic Studies and universal access to relevant education. She believes in the transformative potential of art and storytelling as instruments to foster the radical imagination, and inspire actionable social and political change. In their free time, they enjoy crocheting and upcycling second-hand clothing. Hannah is also a member of the Pilipinx grassroots organization, GABRIELA Los Angeles.
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ANAHIT POTURYAN
DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Anahit Poturyan is a writer and art educator based in LA with a strong focus on technology, research, history, and culture. She received her B.A. in English Literature and an Art History minor from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and an M.A. in Aesthetics and Politics from the California Institute of Art (CalArts). She has worked at the Peggy Guggenheim in Venice, Italy; the 58th Venice Biennale, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the Hammer Museum, Artbook @Hauser & Wirth, and Otis College of Art and Design. She has lectured at numerous conferences across the world, such as the Nordic Summer University in Faro, Sweden, and the Western University of Australia in Perth, Australia. Her writings have appeared in the LA Review of Books, MediaTech Ventures, Whitehot Magazine, among others.
BRIANA RIVERA
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
Briana Rivera (She/Her) is a storyteller, videographer and change maker from Mid-City Los Angeles. Briana received her BA in Broadcast and Electronic Communication with a minor in race and resistance studies from San Francisco University. Post grad she moved back to LA with the goal to make a direct impact in the community she grew up in.
She launched Roots of the City, a community based organization back in 2020 to uplift youth and local creatives, connect her community to resources, giveback and tell the stories of the individuals that make the unique fabric of LA..She’s hosted several fundraisers, art shows, and her annual Holiday giveback with the goal to CONNECT and encourage involvement in community based events throughout LA.
On her free time she enjoys traveling, trying new food, listening to vinyl, and spending time with her pup.
JAMES KEUM
OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
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INDEYA EUBANK
PROGRAM COORDINATOR- PROMISE ZONE ARTS
James (they/he/she) loves to do paperwork, so others can do the people work! Originally from Seattle, they moved to LA to be closer to their Korean diaspora organizing community. James is passionate about cultural preservation as a tool for political education, and honors this in her traditional Korean drumming and dance practices. Before coming to LA Commons, he worked in the anti-violence field with the Northwest Network of BLGT Survivors of Abuse and API Chaya, supporting advocates and organizers for the last 7 years. They have a Bachelors in Medical Anthropology from the University of Washington, with a focus on gender and labor dynamics of immigration. Outside of work, they are obsessed with their friends, birding, and natural history.
Indeya, an LA native, believes there are multiple ways to fry a fish! Her passion lies where creativity meets business and community. Attending UC Santa Cruz and earning a degree in Business Management Economics, she was heavily involved on campus. Experiences such as advocating for change and building cross culture community with the Black Student Union, Mentoring first year students, and Being on the Haluan Hip Hop dance troupe have shaped how Indeya show’s up as a leader in the community today. She believes there's so much power in people coming together for a shared cause. And that being a part of a community has the power to uplift you, be a support system, and encourage growth - She loves doing work that supports that.
Enjoying things such as drawing, painting, & graphic design, Indeya takes pride in creating work that has meaning and thought behind it. Just like frying a fish, there's so many ways to use these mediums for expression and to tell your story. In her free time she loves to dance (Hiphop, Tap, and Salsa are her favorites) and explore LA! Currently shes’ working on Her brand to inspire creatives to get their Next Level.
JORE AARON
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Joré Aaron is a multi-disciplinary artist and community organizer based in Los Angeles, CA. Her work includes prioritizing authenticity, consistency, and the goal of continuing to be a resource for fellow creatives
ULI BARAJAS
MARKETING AND DEVELOPMENT INTERN
KATE ARIATHURAI
OPERATIONS AND SPECIAL PROJECTS INTERN
Uli is an LA native, filmmaker, and creative director with a fervent dedication to using his craft to amplify diverse voices and untold stories. Born to two Mexican immigrant parents, he has embraced his heritage and nurtured a profound understanding of the importance of representation and cultural diversity. Breaking new ground, Uli achieved a remarkable milestone as the first in his entire family to graduate from a university. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a focused concentration in Marketing and Advertising from Cal State Dominguez Hills.
His passion for filmmaking is deeply intertwined with his commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowerment for creatives across various mediums. His artistic journey has led him to create a film & multimedia company with his brother and explore the boundless possibilities of multimedia art. This visionary endeavor is driven by the core belief that our communities deserve unequivocal representation, and he dreams of being part of a movement that champions the diverse talents of creators, inspiring and nurturing the next generation of visionaries.
When not behind the camera, he finds solace and inspiration in the world of cinema and adventure, immersing himself in a myriad of films that ignite his creativity and storytelling prowess. He also finds joy in the great outdoors, often embarking on hikes that invigorate his artistic sensibilities.
Kate is a rising junior at the University of Southern California pursuing a BSE in Industrial and Systems Engineering with a specialization in Cybersecurity. Kate is involved in a variety of campus organizations including the Undergraduate Student Government where she serves as the Chair of the Academic Affairs committee, the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers as the Director of Outreach, and Delta Delta Delta where she is the Director of Risk Management and Wellness. She also works as a Teaching Assistant for the Viterbi School of Engineering in the Information and Technology department. In her free time Kate volunteers with WYSE, an on campus organization that mentors middle school girls at a local elementary schools in reproductive health. She loves to explore Los Angeles and go to the beach.
Meet our Board
TODD BECRAFT
ATTORNEY AT LAW
OFFICE OF TODD BECRAFT - LOS ANGELES
Todd Becraft is the First Vice Chair of the Los Angeles County Bar Immigration Section Executive Committee and the Asylum co-liaison for the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Southern California Chapter. He is a former associate of the Law Office of Judith L. Wood and the Human Rights Project. He has extensive experience representing clients in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the Board of Immigration Appeals and Immigration Court.
TAMMY BROWN
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY MARKETING AND ENGAGEMENT, SOCIETY OF CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITERS AND ILLUSTATORS
Tammy Brown is a media and entertainment executive with expertise in marketing, sales and promotion in television, publishing and digital media services who has served in senior-level leadership positions at the globally known brands of Disney, ESPN and Fox. As part of the creative marketing, sales and promotions teams at Nickelodeon, Marvel Comics, DC Comics and Ballantine Books, Tammy created B2B and B2C programs across multiple types of media from digital to video to print. Tammy held positions in content marketing and entertainment digital services marketing at digital content delivery market leaders Vubiquity and Technicolor. As a marketing consultant, Tammy has created and managed social media programs and digital advertising for a number of clients in the health and fitness and film/visual effects fields. Tammy graduated from the City University of New York – Queens College with a BA in Communications/Media Studies.
GLENN R. GATIEN
OPERATIONAL, ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL EXECUTIVE
Glenn Gatien is a seasoned operational, administrative, and financial executive with a long history in the media and entertainment industry. He served most recently as a Senior Vice President, Finance & Controller in the cable stations group of ViacomCBS. Mr. Gatien has held executive management positions at Lionsgate, Warner Bros. Entertainment and Paramount Pictures. As a financial operations and diligence consultant, he has provided consulting support to a variety of media and other enterprises, including Disney Consumer Products. He began his career at Price Waterhouse and is a Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Gatien graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Claremont McKenna College, earning a BA degree in Economics-Accounting / Psychology.
SUSAN GRAY
CONSULTANT
GUADALUPE CARDONA
ETHNIC STUDIES, ENGLISH, AND THEATRE EDUCATOR
BILL PARENT
RETIRED ASSOCIATE DEAN,
UCLA SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Susan F. Gray is an independent consultant with 25+ years’ experience in the development of innovative arts and cultural initiatives in a range of government, non-profit and private sector settings and working with emerging, mid career and established artists. Formally trained as an artist, Susan is able to apply design thinking to creatively respond to any assignment, with proven ability to plan, direct and deliver complex curatorial & organizational initiatives to enhance urban communities. Project stakeholders have included public utility authorities, affordable housing developers, incarcerated youth, indigenous populations, and those impacted by mass transit construction. Susan is proud to have initiated several major projects with LA Commons.
EMILY RANGEL
ARTIST
TERESA LARA
GRANTS MANAGER, LOS ANGELES CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Guadalupe Cardona has been an Ethnic Studies, English, Theatre educator for 23 years. She is dedicated to developing critical curriculum and facilitating a student-centered classroom environment based on mutual respect, critical thinking, and collaboration. She accomplishes this by fusing her classroom instruction with community cultural knowledge and a focus on auto-biographical counter-narrative.
She earned a BA in Chicanx Studies and Latin American Studies from UCLA and a MA in Curriculum and Instruction, Language and Literacy from ASU. She is now pursuing her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership at Cal State Northridge and is set to graduate Class of 2024. Guadalupe has spent her personal life and career re-membering herself and helps others on their quest for self-identity and the tools for telling their own stories.
Bill Parent is Associate Dean for Initiatives and Programs at the UCLA School of Public Affairs. He currently oversees custom research, conference, and executive education initiatives, at the UCLA Center for Civil Society and the Center for Community Partnerships. He teaches Leadership in the Public Interest in the Department of Public Policy. He previously served as Associate Dean for Advancement and Assistant Dean overseeing the Policy Form at the school. Before coming to UCLA, Bill was on the senior staff of the Harvard Kennedy School for 14 years, and served as executive director Harvard University’s Innovations in American Government Program, the largest single-grant program of the Ford Foundation. He was also Teaching Fellow in Harvard College. A former newspaper reporter and public school administrator, Bill worked in the Paterson, New Jersey, and New York City school systems and wrote for The Register and Cape Codder newspapers in Massachusetts. He was also writer/editor in the California Office of Appropriate Technology under former Governor Jerry Brown. He holds a doctorate in education from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He has published articles in Urban Age, The Washington Post, New England Monthly, and The Boston Globe, The Los Angeles Times, New Perspectives Quarterly, and writes the annual chapter on state political challenges in California Policy Options.
IBERT SCHULTZ
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF BLACK COLLEGE SUCCESS​
Emily Rangel is LA Commons' first ever youth artist board member. She is currently majoring in psychology and sociology at Long Beach City College and ultimately wants to study transpersonal therapy at Naropa University in Colorado, and continue to use her creative talents for the greater good.
Teresa Lara serves as Grants Manager at the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office overseeing Department of Justice issued grants for the Tobacco Enforcement unit. Over the course of her career, Teresa has gained a reputation as a convener, collaborator, and unifier – but most of all, as a changeleader. She is frequently tapped to launch new ventures within established organizations due her ability to innovate, build lasting partnerships, and move major initiatives from conceptualization to success. Teresa has served as a consultant to businesses and governments around the world, and is also best known for her work at three of the most recognizable institutions in Los Angeles: USC, UCLA, and Zócalo Public Square. Her experience includes civic engagement, brand management, public relations, communications, and marketing. Teresa holds a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science from San Jose State University and a Masters in Organization Development from Pepperdine University.
Ibert Schultz is the Executive Director of Black College Success, a college-access and career success initiative dedicated to increasing opportunities for African American students in South LA through higher education. Schultz brings more than a decade of experience from the public and private sectors to this initiative. Previously, he held senior roles at the LA City Council and LA Board of Supervisors where he focused on a diversity of policy issues and strategic matters.
Schultz served in the Obama Administration at The White House, US Department of Homeland Security, and the US Department of Transportation. He received his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and B.A. from Morehouse College where he graduated cum laude. An avid art collector and consumer of culture, he leads and lives by the principle of “empowerment through academic opportunity.”
LA Commons is supported by the following organizations:
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