Jillian is a senior majoring in Journalism with a concentration in Public Relations at California State University, Northridge. She brings a strong background in
communication, storytelling, and media production. Prior to joining Arts for LA, she interned at StrengthUnited, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women affected by domestic violence. There, she contributed to content creation by filming, editing, and writing blog posts that promoted upcoming events and raised awareness.

Jillian also gained valuable experience working at her local water district in Palmdale, where she used data analysis to identify trends and support community initiatives. Her combined experience in both creative and analytical roles has shaped her into a versatile communicator with a passion for impactful work. Outside of her academic and professional interests, she is an avid reader who enjoys exploring the horror genre and unwinding with video games. She is passionate about using her skills to uplift communities and tell meaningful stories.

Akib Rahman is a passionate public policy professional committed to driving equitable,
community-centered solutions for underserved populations. As a Policy Associate at Arts for LA,
Akib combines his expertise in policy analysis with a deep-seated passion for arts advocacy to
promote a vibrant, inclusive Los Angeles region.

With a Master of Public Policy from UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs and dual Bachelor’s
degrees in International Studies and Political Science from UC Irvine, Akib’s academic and
professional journey is deeply rooted in his commitment to underserved communities. His lived
experience as a first-generation student from a working-class immigrant family fuels his drive to
break down barriers and build a more inclusive society.

Akib’s career demonstrates his dedication to driving positive change through policy, research,
and education. Prior to his current role, he served as a Research Associate at Daley Strategies,
where he collaborated with government offices, nonprofits, and community groups to secure
funding for initiatives enhancing community well-being, including converting underutilized county
land into campsites for foster youth. His partnerships with organizations like LA Skyrail Express,
BYD, and Via have furthered transportation equity and clean mobility solutions across Los
Angeles.

While a Graduate Student Researcher for the LA County Office of Education, Akib led a
capstone project exploring Esports in K-12 education, delivering impactful policy
recommendations that supported the integration and development of Esports programs within
LA County schools.

Beyond work, Akib can be found rooting for his favorite sports team (Hala Madrid!), playing Call
of Duty with his friends, or exploring what is new to watch on Netflix.

Joanna is an economic development and small business specialist with expertise in program development, strategy and partnerships. Throughout her career, Joanna has supported small businesses and entrepreneurs with an equity driven and community-based approach.

Prior to Arts for LA, Joanna was at Startup UCLA managing the entrepreneurship hub for UCLA’s diverse and dynamic community. Joanna has also worked at the Pratt Center for Community Development managing Made in NYC, where she played a key role in the expansion of its programs, partnerships, brand and community building for NYC’s manufacturing and maker businesses. She also worked at Zipcar where she built strategic local marketing partnerships and for many years she managed the artist and food markets for the AFROPUNK Festival. Joanna has a Master of Urban Planning from NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainable Urban Development and Studio Arts from University of Rochester.

In her downtime, Joanna can be found riding her bicycle, doing yoga, going to museums, exploring local makers markets and watching (a lot) of baseball and basketball.

Talin has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 18 years, with an emphasis on housing, education and humanitarian projects both locally and abroad. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from California State University, Northridge, focusing on Nonprofit Management. Her primary interests in the nonprofit sector include financial and operations management, strategic planning and program oversight. 

In her downtime, Talin enjoys reading about different cultures and lived experiences. Born and raised in Lebanon, she is happy to join the Arts for LA team and develop her appreciation for the arts. 

Finnley is a dedicated administrative professional currently serving as an executive assistant at Arts for LA. Her journey combines a rich blend of experiences in the arts, diverse non-profit sectors, and a strong drive to build up communities.

Graduating with degrees in theatre and psychology, Finnley honed a unique skill set that bridges creative insight with psychological understanding. Her love for the arts has been lifelong, and this foundation makes Finnley proud to be at Arts for LA and to help advocate for the arts.

Finnley is currently pursuing her MLIS from Syracuse University, focusing on children and youth services. She is engaged by the role libraries can play in serving and bolstering their unique communities, and expanding the critical role of access to information services. She can generally be found speed reading before her book club meets and looking for the best cup of coffee in LA.

Vince is a results-driven communications professional with more than a decade of experience in digital marketing management and a passion for helping community-oriented organizations develop their voice and communications strategy. He has proven expertise in project management, creative direction, and content development. With a finger on the pulse of trends that lead to shifts in the modern communication landscape, Vince’s work maintains social relevancy and has helped government agencies, non-profits and small businesses develop and implement communication plans. Everything he does revolves around a core motivator: helping people.

Previously, Vince helped lead and expand the Marketing and Communications department for the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator, navigating the organization through the the Pandemic by providing ideation and strategy to organizational pillars in order to optimize the promotion and storytelling of all startup programs, community outreach and pilots, recruitment initiatives, events, high-profile/legislative visits, advocacy efforts and policy outreach. Vince has also worked for the California Air Resources Board and California Energy Commission, the latter of which he led efforts to develop and implement their social media strategy.

Joining Arts for LA is a pivotal moment for Vince as it merges his personal life with his professional career. A lifelong musician and performer, Vince brings his own experiences in the arts sector to inform and help lead Arts for LA’s communication efforts and overall mission. 

Vince is an emcee, songwriter and self-proclaimed “social pterodactyl.” He devotes his spare time to exploring LA’s diverse flea markets & cultural events, cookies, all things Reggaeton, playing old-school video games, and anything people-oriented. 

Yamily is the Programs Associate at Arts For LA and an art educator with a focus on providing professional development programs for high school students and art workers. At Arts For LA, she’s managed their first high school student program that educates students on arts education policy, specifically Prop 28, and curates an experience for them to connect with leaders and professionals in the art world, as well as form-lasting bonds with each other. As an arts educator, she trains other art educators in the Visual Thinking Strategies pedagogy with a focus on developing practices that best serve bilingual Spanish and English students.

Gustavo was appointed as Arts for LA’s Executive Director in December 2018.  Prior to working with us, he was the Western Regional Director for Young Invincibles (YI), where he was responsible for leading YI’s California offices, including its West Coast expansion. As director, he set strategic direction and advanced YI’s policy priorities on health care, higher education, jobs, and civic engagement for the region.

Before starting at Young Invincibles, Gustavo was the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of L.A. Plaza de Cultura y Artes (LAPCA), overseeing the day-to-day operation of a county museum, including the oversight of a master plan committee responsible for strategically developing three acres of additional museum campus. From 2010-2012, Gustavo led the Maestro Foundation, a classical music and performance arts foundation, as the Director of Organizational Development. Between 2007-2010, he assessed and recommended business growth strategies in the US marketplace for the global Fortune 500 Company, American Honda Motors, Co.

Gustavo holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from American Jewish University and a dual Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies with an emphasis in socio-politics and economics and Art History from the University of California Santa Barbara. Gustavo served on the Board of Directors of the Create: Fixate Arts Organization (2006-2010). He is a current Strong Workforce Implementation Advisory Board Member for the California Community Colleges, Advisory Board Member for the California Physician’s Alliance and founding Board Member of Silverlake Forward.

Melissa is a program and operations specialist with a strong track record of building inclusive partnerships, expanding community-focused programs, and leveraging data to create long-term impact. At Arts for LA, Melissa leads the programmatic direction for the organization’s leadership development programs, ACTIVATE, ensuring local leaders are empowered with the skills, knowledge, and an expanded network to effect change in their communities. She also builds and maintains strong relationships with key partners, cultural organizations, and civic leaders, and spearheads Arts for LA’s annual State of the Arts Summit, which convenes 400+ arts and civic stakeholders each year. Melissa’s experience in the arts and culture sector is diverse – she has been a dancer since the age of three, studied film production at Santa Clara University and expanded her arts administration career through the former Leadership Council of Emerging Arts Leaders, Los Angeles.

Prior to Arts for LA, Melissa worked with the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator where she curated their member experience and brought its community together virtually during the pandemic. Melissa has also worked at The Gabriella Foundation, spearheading various projects including the expansion of their summer camp program to low-resource communities in Los Angeles. Melissa’s experience in the arts and culture sector is diverse – she has been a dancer since the age of three, studied film at Santa Clara University and expanded her arts administration career through the former Leadership Council of Emerging Arts Leaders, Los Angeles (EAL/LA).

In her downtime, Melissa can be found rooting for her favorite sports team (Go Clippers!), ambitiously working on her running pace, exploring different restaurants in Los Angeles or having passioned discussions about various prestige TV.