In this episode of Changemakers LA, LISC LA Program Officer Erica Webster delves into the topic of diversion programs. These programs aim to prevent or minimize an individual's involvement with law enforcement or the criminal justice system by providing services such as mental health and substance abuse treatment or housing support. This discussion explores these programs from the viewpoint of participants and social service providers. Additionally, our guests will share insights on the key factors that contribute to the success of diversion programs. Joining LISC LA for this conversation is ..read more

This episode of Changemakers LA is hosted by Alexandra Dawson, Director of Lending + Investments at the Local Initiatives Support Corporation’s Los Angeles office. Alexandra talks to our guests about how they are addressing the equity gap through public policy efforts. Our guests leverage public policy to address many regional issues, including affordable and fair housing, homelessness, and criminal justice.  Joining LISC LA for this conversation is: Konstantin Hatcher, Senior Director of Community Impact at California YIMBY Maria Casillas, Founder & Executive Leader of Pride In Trut ..read more

This episode of Changemakers LA is hosted by Program Officer Wendy Gomez who oversees LISC LA’s Alternatives to Incarceration Incubation Academy. The Incubation Academy is a capacity building program for grassroots organizations serving the reentry population across LA County. Wendy talks to a graduate of the Incubation Academy about why community-based services are so critical in reentry and reimaging a justice system that is focused on care first. Joining LISC LA for this conversation is: Danielle Lafayette, Executive Director of Unite a Nation, Alternatives to Incarceration Incubation Acad ..read more

Senior Program Officer Shona Sen hosts this Changemakers LA podcast episode, covering the support Angelenos need in accessing digital literacy and upskilling opportunities through LISC's Financial Opportunity Centers® (FOCs). LISC's FOCs are community partners that provide employment and career counseling, one-on-one financial coaching, low-cost financial products, and income support counseling free of cost to their neighborhoods and communities. Joining LISC LA for this conversation are: ● Susy Contreras, Community Development Program Director of the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (M ..read more

Senior Program Officers Shona Sen and Stephen Salazar Ceasar host this Changemakers LA podcast episode covering organizations helping formerly incarcerated Angelenos navigate life after incarceration with support to find public services and pathways to highroad careers. Our guests represent the leaders of organizations implementing innovative approaches to helping the formerly incarcerated reconnect to the world that has changed so much during their incarceration. Joining LISC LA for this conversation are: ● Roberto Luca, Director of Mass Liberation ● Semaje Stinson, Vocational Counselor with ..read more

Senior Program Officer Alexandra Dawson hosts this Changemakers LA podcast episode covering how organizations are helping address housing scarcity and homelessness through urban development, social programs, and advocacy. Our guests represent the leaders of organizations implementing innovative approaches to account for the most marginalized communities impacted by homelessness, like Angelenos who are transitional age youth, LGBTQ, and formerly incarcerated. Joining LISC LA for this conversation are: ● Erika Hartman, Executive Director, Safe Place for Youth ● Becky Dennison, Venice Community H ..read more

This month’s Changemakers LA podcast episode is hosted by Deborah Membreno, LISC LA Program Officer. It covers Preparing Small Business for Eligibility and Accessibility in Supplier Diversity Programs. Each guest provides unique insights on how they are helping impacted businesses increase their overall sustainability and eligibility for contracting. Joining LISC LA for this conversation are: Dr. David Choi, Award-winning professor of Entrepreneurship, Loyola Marymount University (LMU) Claudia Morales, Small Business Owner and Business Consultant Rene Cota, President of CMG Alliance This epi ..read more

This month’s Changemakers LA podcast episode is hosted by LISC LA’s Deputy Director Miranda Rodriguez and Senior Program Officer Alexandra Dawson. It covers eligibility and accessibility in supplier diversity programs and opportunities in the City of Los Angeles. Each guest provides unique insights on the importance of building infrastructure, resources, and pipelines that improve economic mobility through contract & procurement opportunities for impacted entities they serve and partner with. Joining LISC LA for this conversation are: ● Fred Jackson, City of Los Angeles, Economic Workforce ..read more

This month’s Changemakers LA podcast episode is hosted by LISC LA’s Program Officer, Shon Sen, and covers best practices and areas of opportunity to address the unprecedented impact that COVID-19 and inequity have had on the workforce as experienced by employers and employees that live and work in the City of Los Angeles. Each guest and the host provide a unique perspective on the importance of building the capacity of workforce development organizations to improve service delivery and economic mobility for the impacted demographics and entities they serve and partner with. Joining LISC LA for ..read more

Today's episode will cover the importance of the school-to-career pipeline and managing equity outcomes through industry, governmental, and academic institution/organization coordination during & after COVID-19. This episode is filled with jewels and highlights two Changemakers navigating the culture shift towards equity in the outcomes of the school-to-career pipeline during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Joining LISC LA for this conversation are: Joy Masha, Regional Director with CDF Freedom Schools Benny Torres, CEO at CDTech Learn more on our site at https://www.lisc.org/los-angele ..read more