Mark R. Edwards is deeply committed to creating a vibrant civil society and believes art plays a vital role. Mark is informed by cognitive scientist George Lakoff’s frequent comment that “Frames come first. Policies follow.” Art creates the cultural narratives that make equity, justice, and democracy thinkable. Before a community supports climate policy, housing justice, or civil rights, they must be able to imagine their role in a shared, just future. Art cultivates that imagination.

Mark brings an expertise in working across complex bureaucracies. His experience began in the private sector, where he served as an Associate at a leading land-use firm in the West San Fernando Valley and later as Director of Government Relations for a premier boutique lobbying firm. In these roles he guided clients through intricate entitlement and policy processes, helping steward nearly $250 million in city and county contracts that supported public infrastructure and community-serving projects.

Mark has served several roles in government. It began as a Senior Field Deputy for Los Angeles City Council, representing Brentwood, West Los Angeles, and Palms. Serving approximately 50,000 residents, he collaborated closely with city, county, and state agencies always centering community voices to resolve issues ranging from public safety to planning, transportation, and tenant/landlord conflicts.

His commitment to equity deepened during his tenure as a Planner with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. There, he played a key role in shaping the Bring Los Angeles Home Plan, a landmark public-private initiative and collaborative blueprint to reduce homelessness through coordinated systems, broad stakeholder engagement, and long-term investment. Lastly, he mostly recently served in Mayor Karen Bass’ administration as the Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs. 

Mark’s service extends into the cultural and civic life of Los Angeles. He served on the board of the Barnsdall Art Park Foundation, two years as chair, supporting the eventual successful inclusion of the Hollyhock House into Frank Lloyd Wright’s UNESCO World Heritage Site designation celebrating his work. Plus, the foundation funds were used to support the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery (the only public owned art gallery), and to support programming at the Barnsdall Art Center & Junior Arts.

A proud Marine Corps veteran and a product of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Mark has called Los Angeles home for 27 years. Presently, resides in West Hollywood. He holds a B.A. in Urban Studies from CSU Northridge with a concentration in Public Administration and Community Service. Across every chapter of his work, Mark brings a genuine love of service, community connection, and a belief that arts and culture are essential to a thriving Los Angeles.

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.