Chief Executive Officer (he/him)

Rev. Eddie Anderson

Rev. Edward ”Eddie” Anderson is a passionate civil rights activist and ordained minister with degrees from Morehouse College and Claremont School of Theology. Rev.Anderson was born on Warner Robins Air Force base and raised on the Southside of Atlanta as the fourth (youngest)child of Rev.Ganus and Priscilla Anderson. Currently, he serves the historic McCarty Memorial Christian Church located in the West Adams neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Rev. Anderson affectionately known as Pastor Eddie is an Regional organizer for LA Voice (PICO), advocate for Black Lives Matter, Co-Founder of Clergy4BlackLives, a convener and former Co-Chair of the New Poor People’s Campaign in California (led nationally by Rev.William Barber II) and was a Bethany and Preston Taylor Fellow. Rev. Anderson has served as a movement and thought leader for many of the local and state-wide reforms around transformative justice and has been jailed for justice at least 4 times. Reverend Anderson served as a Commissioner for the Los Angeles Redistricting Commission (2020-2021) and is on the board of the ARDI Advisory Body of Los Angeles County and the Black People Experiencing Homelessness Committee for LAHSA and LA County. He serves on the National Convocation Board as the President of Youth and Young Adults as well as the Regional Board for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) as Chairman of New Church Development. He is a sought out leader within his church denomination and served on every level of the church including his latest appointment to the General Ethics Commission of the denomination. Last year,Pastor Eddie was humbled to be awarded the honor of being a Leonard Beerman Fellow, a fellowship that has funded the work of rising political and civil rights leaders across the nation.

Pastor Eddie serves on the Board of Directors for Claremont School of Theology as well as Progressive Christians Uniting and served on Crossroads for Women Inc, Eastmont Community Center boards raising the voices of those who are forced to live along the margins of society. Rev. Anderson Co-Organized Trust Talks LA with Rev. Delonte Gholston.Trust Talks is a award winning faith community-led initiative that brings together all sides of the Downtown Los Angeles community—including representatives of Skid Row, condo owners and renters, police, business owners, and activists—in discussions around race and policing.The model was also used to heal race relations in West Virginia. He continued this work for equity and repair as member of the Measure J Steering Committee, Black People Experiencing Homelessness Committee(LAHSA) and the community advisory board for the Los Angeles County Anti-Racisim, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative.

In 2020 Rev. Andeson co-founded the Partnership for Growth Los Angeles Community Development Corporation with Rabbi Joel Simonds, which has partnered with local communities to impact the lives of over 10k South LA residents to date and will break ground on the largest Urban farms program in SD30 and the 37th Congressional district in a decade.

Rev. Anderson core values around impactive community engagement, civil rights, brotherhood and faith stem from the legacy of his late grandfather the Honorable Rev. Willie Anderson Sr, a civil rights icon in South GA,Pastor and elected official. While he has been honored to serve in many capacities which have afforded him to be seen and heard on television, radio and become a published author; his greatest accomplishment to date has been to be the son of Rev.Ganus and Priscilla Anderson, a good little brother to his 3 older siblings and the husband to Clare Anderson-Fox.

The scripture of calling for Pastor Eddie’s life has been Isaiah, Chapter 42, verses 1-7 which says in part, “I am the LORD. I have called you in righteous, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a Covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.”

People and Culture Manager (she/her)

Maia Washington

Maia Washington, born and raised in the Crenshaw District of Los Angeles, California is an experienced Human Resources Professional. With over 6 years of experience in talent acquisition by way of recruitment and staffing, specializing in retention, employee relations,
compensation and benefits, performance management, human resource policies and compliance, employee engagement as well as accounting, Maia currently serves as our People and Culture Associate, facilitating the organization’s talent management and administrative
processes. She also works closely with PFGLA’s COO to facilitate key human resource and operational work, while also providing the executive team with administrative support.

Her work history also includes Voter Education, Outreach and Advocacy. Through community outreach, education and action Maia believes we can collectively heal our communities and create a healthy, equitable society for everyone. She is an impactful leader and change agent
who lives a life dedicated to advocating for the oppressed.

Maia feels purpose aligned while serving as the People and Culture Associate for a nonprofit organization that Partners with the community that she was raised in, for the Growth that she could only imagine as a child in South Central LA. She attended Crenshaw High School where
she worked in the garden daily dreaming of a life that actually supported a farm to table lifestyle. Maia also attended Tuskegee University studying Social Work where she immediately learned that her passion in life focused heavily on education and interactions within the community that would allow her to be a force for change.

Maia loves to travel, spend time with her son, and is also a culinary artist. She strongly believes that it is important to “love your neighbor as you love yourself” so helping communities thrive towards wholeness brings her great joy.

President (he/him)

Rabbi Joel Simonds

Rabbi Joel Thal Simonds is the founding executive director of the Jewish Center for Justice, where he envisioned the need for a Jewish justice organization to reach the unaffiliated and expand the breadth and scope of the wider Jewish community. Previously, he served as a Rabbi for University Synagogue in Los Angeles and West Coast Legislative Director for the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. Rabbi Simonds served for seven years as Rabbi of the Synagogue for the Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles and as instructor in multiple courses. Rabbi Simonds in the founding President of Partnership for Growth LA, a black/Jewish community development corporation. Rabbi Simonds serves on the clergy team at Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles.

Project Jubilee Program Manager (she/her/ella)

Jordan Salviati

Jordan is the Program Manager for Project Jubilee where she oversees the operation and implementation of this project that serves violence impacted young adults in South and West Los Angeles. She has a passion for direct services and sees the importance of building self-sustaining communities through effective project management. Before joining PFGLA, she was the Program Manager at LA Voice where she owned multiple organizational programs through a diverse network of interfaith and multi faith organizations across LA County. Her passion for social justice and human rights, however, began when she worked at the Center for Reconciliation and Diversity in college. During her time there, she created and facilitated a college workshop for first-generation high school students from inner-city Los Angeles.

Some of her prior volunteer experience includes facilitating workshops for immigrant and refugee women at the Ethiopian Women’s Empowerment Group in London and working with the social outreach program Ethembeni, located in South Africa. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Media Studies from Azusa Pacific University and a Master of Arts degree in International Relations from Richmond the American International University in London. In her free time, you can find Jordan traveling to new countries, at the movies or taking a dance class.

Freedom Farms Initiative Program Manager (she/her)

Nisha Bansal

Nisha Bansal serves as Partnership for Growth LA’s Program Manager for Freedom Farms Initiative, where she oversees the establishment, management, and implementation of our portfolio of community farms. As a Los Angeles County native, Nisha has a passion for constructing local food systems that are more just, accessible, and community-centered in our city.

Her interest in local issues surrounding food equity and sustainability began while she was a student at the University of California, Los Angeles. During her time studying environmental science at UCLA, Nisha researched community gardening initiatives in Indigenous communities, and worked with the Office of Sustainability to facilitate student and staff engagement in sustainability and social justice programs. Prior to joining PFGLA, she worked as an environmental consultant, advising clients on carbon emissions reduction strategies, air quality regulatory compliance, and transitions to zero-emission vehicle technologies. In her free time, you can find Nisha practicing yoga, playing guitar and writing music with her friends, or attempting to master her cherished family dal recipe.

Brilon Anderson, PFGLA Program Manager (she/her)

Brilon Anderson

Brilon Anderson is the Program Manager for Partnership for Growth LA, where she spearheads the planning and execution of education and literacy initiatives for youth in South and West Los Angeles such as the Read Lead Freedom Schools Program. Drawing from her upbringing in South Los Angeles, Brilon has an unwavering commitment to dismantling inequities in education and fostering access to quality learning opportunities for Black and Brown youth.

With a multifaceted background in education, Brilon has served in various roles, including as a social science teacher for grades 8-12, a writing consultant, and an impassioned advocate for educational equity. Prior to serving with PFGLA, Brilon was an Undergraduate Admissions Evaluator at UC Berkeley which further deepened her resolve to ensure equitable access to higher education. In addition, Brilon is the visionary behind The Finishing Touch, an event and writing consulting small business aimed at empowering clients to articulate their ideas effectively through written expression and events for change.

Brilon holds a bachelor’s degree in Ethnic Studies from UC San Diego, where her studies illuminated systemic inequities within the traditional education system. She continued her academic journey at Azusa Pacific University where she completed a Masters in Education program and obtained a Teaching Credential in Social Science, merging her passion for education with a sense of purpose. She is driven by a profound sense of service to the youth of Los Angeles and strives to make a meaningful impact in their lives. Beyond her professional pursuits, Brilon finds joy in praise dance, karaoke, cooking, hosting game nights, and exploring with her family.

Program Coordinator, Read Lead Freedom Schools (He/Him)

Joaquin Horton

Joaquin Horton serves as the Program Coordinator for Partnership for Growth LA’s Read Lead Freedom Schools literacy program. Raised in the vibrant Leimert Park area of Los Angeles, Joaquin grew up immersed in a community rich in culture and collaboration, shaping his commitment to fostering spaces that uplift and empower.

Joaquin is passionate about advancing culturally relevant education for youth, firmly believing that “we derive confidence from our understanding of our cultural heritage.” This principle guides his efforts to inspire the next generation to embrace their identities and potential.

His dedication to cultural identity is deeply tied to his work as an artisan. A self-taught artist, Joaquin developed his creative skills while attending Crenshaw High School’s Business Academy, where he launched Fuzzy Stix, a business creating custom functional art for adults, teachers, and peers. After high school, he continued honing his craft, showcasing his work throughout the Los Angeles area.

Beyond his artistic pursuits, Joaquin brings expertise in small business development and corporate sponsorship strategy, further expanding his impact across creative and professional landscapes.

Currently, Joaquin is a student at Morehouse College, majoring in Studio Art with a minor in Cultural Studies, where he continues to blend his passions for artistry, culture, and education into his work.

Read Lead Freedom Schools Site Coordinator

Maya Posey

Maya Posey is a dedicated aspiring educator, born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Talladega College in Alabama and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. Maya is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments and is committed to making a lasting impact in the lives of young learners. Her interest in Freedom Schools stems from a lifelong desire to become an educator and advocate for equitable education. Upon completing her graduate studies, Maya plans to become an elementary school teacher, where she can empower students and foster a love for learning.

Read Lead Freedom Schools Site Coordinator

Aaliyah Washington

Hi!! My name is Aaliyah Washington! I have my degree in early childhood education and hope to get my masters soon! I started working with read lead in 2023 and was so inspired by the work!! ! I’m excited to spend more time on the freedom schools mission!

Epworth Farm Assistant Farm Manager (she/her/ella)

Carolyn Mendoza

Carolyn Mendoza serves as the Assistant Farm Manager at Epworth Farm, where she supports the daily nursery operations, workforce training, and long-term vision of the farm’s community-centered work. Raised in the San Fernando Valley and the daughter of Salvadoran immigrants, Carolyn is deeply committed to creating healing and culturally rooted green spaces that promote food justice, environmental sustainability, and community wellness.

Carolyn’s interest in food systems and health equity began during her studies in Nutritional Science at California State University, Los Angeles. While pursuing her degree, she worked in school and community gardens, delivering nutrition education and wellness programming to youth and families. Her desire to deepen her impact led her to earn a Master of Social Work from California State University, Northridge, where her graduate research explored Indigenous Food Sovereignty as a pathway to collective healing and resilience.

Prior to joining Partnership for Growth L.A., Carolyn served as Program Manager for a 4,000 sq. ft. community garden, where she secured over $160,000 in funding, led garden operations, facilitated intergenerational wellness programming, and supervised volunteers and student interns. She brings over five years of experience in urban gardens, nutrition education, program design, and community engagement, with a focus on climate justice, refugee support, and culturally responsive practices.

Outside of her work, Carolyn enjoys gardening with her two children, cooking traditional Salvadoran meals, camping, and creating art through crafts, poetry, and music.

Operations Manager, Freedom Farms Collective (he/him)

Miles Samuels

Hi, I’m Miles Samuels. I’m a graduate of the Summer 2025 Project Jubilee Cohort and recently moved to Los Angeles to begin a new chapter in my career. I currently work as a Nursery Assistant at Epworth Farm. Through my experiences with PFGLA, I discovered my passion for creating green spaces, and I’m now working toward my goal of earning a degree in Landscape Architecture.

Corporate Work Study Program Intern (He/Him)

Pfeifer Heard

Currently a senior at Verbum Dei High School, Pfeifer Heard was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles. He is eager to apply and develop his skills at Partnership for Growth LA, and views this experience as a pivotal opportunity to achieve personal and professional growth.

BSW Intern (she/her)

Kylia Lewis

Kylia Lewis is an intern from California State University Long Beach who is pursuing her Bachelor’s in Social Work, currently applying for her Master’s in Social Work. Originating from the Pacific Northwest, she has called Los Angeles her home for over 10 years. Kylia is passionate about giving back and serving the community of Los Angeles in hopes to bridge the gap in inequity. She is eager to gain further experience and expertise from her peers at PFGLA and support the growth of the agency.

In her free time, she enjoys serene moments at the beach, creating music, watching the Seahawks and spending time with family.

BSW Intern (she/her)

Preet Dhillon

Preet is completing her master’s in social work at the University of Southern California and is currently interning at PFGLA. She chose the social change and innovation track for her MSW and has been narrowing down the potential pathways she wants to focus on in her career. She is interested in working with diverse populations and adolescents in non-clinical settings. Moving to Los Angeles after being raised in Columbus, Ohio, has expanded her understanding of social problems in different environments and continues to build her cultural competency. She hopes to continue being a great support and to always lead with kindness.

Outside of her education and career, Preet enjoys nature walks, music, traveling, thrifting, and catching up with friends and family. She is a big cafe enthusiast and is also working to expand her creative outlets.

Rev. Eddie Anderson

Rev. Edward ”Eddie” Anderson is a passionate civil rights activist and ordained minister with degrees from Morehouse College and Claremont School of Theology. Rev.Anderson was born on Warner Robins Air Force base and raised on the Southside of Atlanta as the fourth (youngest)child of Rev.Ganus and Priscilla Anderson. Currently, he serves the historic McCarty Memorial Christian Church located in the West Adams neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Rev. Anderson affectionately known as Pastor Eddie is an Regional organizer for LA Voice (PICO), advocate for Black Lives Matter, Co-Founder of Clergy4BlackLives, a convener and former Co-Chair of the New Poor People’s Campaign in California (led nationally by Rev.William Barber II) and was a Bethany and Preston Taylor Fellow. Rev. Anderson has served as a movement and thought leader for many of the local and state-wide reforms around transformative justice and has been jailed for justice at least 4 times. Reverend Anderson served as a Commissioner for the Los Angeles Redistricting Commission (2020-2021) and is on the board of the ARDI Advisory Body of Los Angeles County and the Black People Experiencing Homelessness Committee for LAHSA and LA County. He serves on the National Convocation Board as the President of Youth and Young Adults as well as the Regional Board for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) as Chairman of New Church Development. He is a sought out leader within his church denomination and served on every level of the church including his latest appointment to the General Ethics Commission of the denomination. Last year,Pastor Eddie was humbled to be awarded the honor of being a Leonard Beerman Fellow, a fellowship that has funded the work of rising political and civil rights leaders across the nation.

Pastor Eddie serves on the Board of Directors for Claremont School of Theology as well as Progressive Christians Uniting and served on Crossroads for Women Inc, Eastmont Community Center boards raising the voices of those who are forced to live along the margins of society. Rev. Anderson Co-Organized Trust Talks LA with Rev. Delonte Gholston.Trust Talks is a award winning faith community-led initiative that brings together all sides of the Downtown Los Angeles community—including representatives of Skid Row, condo owners and renters, police, business owners, and activists—in discussions around race and policing.The model was also used to heal race relations in West Virginia. He continued this work for equity and repair as member of the Measure J Steering Committee, Black People Experiencing Homelessness Committee(LAHSA) and the community advisory board for the Los Angeles County Anti-Racisim, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative.

In 2020 Rev. Andeson co-founded the Partnership for Growth Los Angeles Community Development Corporation with Rabbi Joel Simonds, which has partnered with local communities to impact the lives of over 10k South LA residents to date and will break ground on the largest Urban farms program in SD30 and the 37th Congressional district in a decade.

Rev. Anderson core values around impactive community engagement, civil rights, brotherhood and faith stem from the legacy of his late grandfather the Honorable Rev. Willie Anderson Sr, a civil rights icon in South GA,Pastor and elected official. While he has been honored to serve in many capacities which have afforded him to be seen and heard on television, radio and become a published author; his greatest accomplishment to date has been to be the son of Rev.Ganus and Priscilla Anderson, a good little brother to his 3 older siblings and the husband to Clare Anderson-Fox.

The scripture of calling for Pastor Eddie’s life has been Isaiah, Chapter 42, verses 1-7 which says in part, “I am the LORD. I have called you in righteous, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a Covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.”

Julie Bank

Julie Bank is a Strategic Consultant with a focus on start up non-profit and small businesses. She has been the Managing Director for Upstage Theatre Schools, Inc. where she has overseen operations, marketing, human resources, financials and business development for the close to ten years. Julie is the Founding Board Chair of the Jewish Center for Justice and a Founding Board Member of Partnership for Growth-Los Angeles. She has worked for organizations including the Chicago Urban League and Dallas CASA and served as Chair of the Economic Justice Task Force of the Commission on Social Action for Reform Judaism. She holds a Bachelor’s in Sociology from University of Texas, Austin and a Master’s in Social Service Administration from University of Chicago.

Bryce Cracknell

Bryce Cracknell is a writer and filmmaker from North Carolina based in Los Angeles, CA. As a storyteller, Bryce seeks to elevate narratives, histories, and experiences that are often overlooked, cast aside, or forgotten. He is in post-production on his directorial debut feature film, a hybrid-documentary on climate justice produced by Effie T. Brown and Gamechanger Films. Bryce is the Founder and Editor in Chief of the Anthem award-winning environmental justice publication The Margin. He led social impact campaigns for narrative and documentary features and television shows including Descendant, Flee, My Name Is Pauli Murray, John Lewis: Good Trouble, Just Mercy, and When They See Us.

Bryce is a Morris K. and Stewart L. Udall Scholar and a graduate of Duke University where he earned a B.A. in Public Policy. Forbes named Bryce as one of 68 climate leaders changing the film and TV industry. He is a member of the 2024/25 NBC TV Writers Program and is repped by Kronicle Media. He serves on the Boards of McCarty Memorial Christian Church, The Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice, The Hollywood Climate Summit, and Partnership for Growth Los Angeles.

Tina McKinnor

Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D – Inglewood) was first elected to the California State Assembly in June 2022 representing the cities and communities of Gardena, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lawndale, Lenox, Los Angeles, Marina del Rey, Venice, West Athens, Westchester and Westmont in Los Angeles County.

McKinnor currently serves as Chair of the Public Employment and Retirement Committee and serves on the following policy committees: Arts, Entertainment, Sports and Tourism Committee; Business and Professions Committee; Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee; the Governmental Organization Committee and the Judiciary Committee. Additionally, in March 2023, McKinnor was appointed to the State Coastal Conservancy. In this capacity, McKinnor has become one of the most influential, respected and progressive policy leaders in California.

In January 2024, McKinnor was unanimously elected Chair of the Los Angeles County Legislative Delegation. The Los Angeles County Legislative Delegation is the largest, bi-partisan, and most diverse delegation in the California Legislature. Collectively, the Delegation’s 39 Assemblymembers and State Senators represent nearly ten million Californians.

As a legislator, McKinnor has received national recognition for leading some of the most progressive policy issues in California including legislation to unionize state legislative employees, reducing microplastics from our environment and eliminating racist housing policies needed to create safe and inclusive neighborhoods across the state.

Prior to her election to the State Assembly, McKinnor served as Civic Engagement Director for the non-profit LAVoice and previously served as Operational Director for the California Democratic Party and Chief of Staff to several Members of the State Assembly. McKinnor received a BA in Accounting from California State University, Dominguez Hills. McKinnor was born and raised in Los Angeles County, is the mother of two adult sons and recently welcomed her first grandchild.

Nick Melvoin

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Nick Melvoin has devoted his career to enhancing his community through roles as a teacher, civil rights attorney, nonprofit leader, and School Board Member. His journey began teaching in Watts, where exposure to systemic inequities fueled his civil rights activism, leading to impactful litigation and new protections for students. This spurred his legal studies on a public interest fellowship, working with the Obama White House and U.S. Attorney’s Office. Nick returned to LA, aiming to effect broader change from the Los Angeles Unified Board of Education, where he’s served for the past seven years. Under his leadership, the school district has seen significant improvements in both academics and operations and Nick has also been a leader on addressing broader societal issues like climate change, food insecurity, housing, and health care. Nick is a recent recipient of the Los Angeles Young Democrat of the Year Award, was the Elected Official of the Year from the California Charter Schools Association, and has served on the boards of the Jewish Center for Justice, the Union of Reform Judaism, and United in Harmony. Nick is also proud to still serve as the director of Camp Harmony, a camp for homeless and underserved children in the greater LA area. Nick received a BA from Harvard University, a Master’s in Urban Education from Loyola Marymount University, and a law degree from New York University, where he was a Root Tilden Kern Scholar.

Rabbi Joel Simonds

Rabbi Joel Thal Simonds is the founding executive director of the Jewish Center for Justice, where he envisioned the need for a Jewish justice organization to reach the unaffiliated and expand the breadth and scope of the wider Jewish community. Previously, he served as a Rabbi for University Synagogue in Los Angeles and West Coast Legislative Director for the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. Rabbi Simonds served for seven years as Rabbi of the Synagogue for the Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles and as instructor in multiple courses. Rabbi Simonds in the founding President of Partnership for Growth LA, a black/Jewish community development corporation. Rabbi Simonds serves on the clergy team at Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles.

Rev. Dr. Damali Najuma Smith

As Assistant Director of Community and Public Engagement with the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture, the Rev. Dr. Najuma Smith combines her experience as a pastor and expertise as a community leader to help faith leaders become full partners in the work of social change. She leads programming for the Cecil Murray Center for Community Engagement, which is housed at CRCC.

Smith also is a pastor, motivational speaker, author, life coach, radio personality and community activist.

She accepted her call to ministry in 1996, while serving under the phenomenal tutelage of the Rev. Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray, her father in ministry. Smith was ordained as a Deacon in 1996 and as an Itinerant Elder in 2000. Since that time, she has served as Assistant Pastor and Pastor of Family Ministries at Christ Our Redeemer AME Church in Irvine, California; Pastor of A.K. Quinn AME Church in Moreno Valley, California; and Pastor of St. James AME Church in Los Angeles, California. In 2014, Smith launched Word of Encouragement Community Church (WOECC.org) in Los Angeles. She is a frequent speaker at churches and church conferences.

Pursuing her passion to serve others beyond the walls of the church, Smith founded the company Living on Assignment, LLC, a personal development coaching and consulting firm that helps people live rich and meaningful lives. She is also the executive director for the Southern California School of Ministry. She founded a sexual violence awareness and training campaign called “It’s Not Okay” (www.itsnotokay.org). Combining her passion for social justice and entrepreneurship, Smith established Chocolate Tee’s, an urban apparel company that uses a portion of its profits to support selected non-profit efforts and the “It’s Not Okay” campaign. She also leads the “…And She Can Preach!” mastermind group, committed to supporting emerging women preachers.

Smith holds a B.S. in management from Pepperdine University, a Bachelor of Theology degree from the Southern California School of Ministry, an M.B.A. from Woodbury University and a Doctorate in Ministry from United Theological Seminary. She is an alumna of the “Passing The Mantle” Civic Engagement and Community Development Institute at USC, the precursor to the USC Cecil Murray Center’s Faith Leaders Institute.

Aaron Thomas

Aaron Thomas is the Senior Managing Director at Standard Communities, a national affordable housing developer. At Standard, Aaron assists the founders in their leadership of the firm while working with cities around the country on affordable housing solutions. Prior to joining Standard, Aaron was the President and CEO of Accelerator for America, a national nonprofit focused on capital solutions to economic insecurity. He is a graduate of Harvard College and received his MBA from Stanford’s Graduate School of Business.

Co-Founder and Principal at Fractal Strategies

Breanna Hawkins

Breanna Hawkins, Co-Founder and Principal at Fractal Strategies, is a seasoned social justice and policy professional committed to advancing racial equity and community empowerment. She specializes in transformative systems change, aiding organizations through strategic community and organizational development. Breanna has extensive experience designing solutions for equitable impact evaluation, workplace culture transformation, and inclusive hiring practices for philanthropic entities and government organizations. Her rich background in research and evaluation, includes contributions to projects like the LA Food Policy Council’s Food Systems Dashboard and LA County’s American Rescue Plan Breanna is a Los Angeles native. She holds a B.S. and Master’s in Urban Planning and Development from USC, and is a recipient of the Emory E. Olson award for civic leadership.

Co-Founder and Principal at Fractal Strategies

Debbie Sheen

Debbie Sheen is the Co-Founder and Principal at Fractal Strategies. Debbie is a social justice strategist and skilled facilitator dedicated to fostering ecosystems of inclusion and belonging. With experience across grassroots organizations, academic institutions, and government agencies, Debbie guides teams to effective outcomes. She has strengthened the Los Angeles countywide infrastructure for community-driven change and activated donors for policy and systems transformation. Based in Koreatown, Los Angeles, Debbie serves as Board President for the Koreatown Immigrant Workers Alliance. She earned her J.D. from the University of San Francisco School of Law and her B.A. from UCLA in English and Asian American Studies.

Consultant at Fractal Strategies

Rosana Franco

Rosana Franco, is a Consultant at Fractal Strategies, who brings over a decade of experience in public, nonprofit, and educational sectors. Her experience spans the intersection of the built environment, food justice, and public health. With a background in policy and research, Rosana is committed to ensuring access to quality education and economic opportunities. Based in Long Beach, California, she holds a Bachelor’s from UC Berkeley and a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from UCLA. As a wife and mother, Rosana prioritizes family time, supporting local businesses, and enjoying a good cup of tea.