2023-2024 leadership council
Yaritza Gonzalez (she/her/hers) was born and raised in Inglewood, CA by Mexican parents, and is a proud role model to her two younger sisters.
In 2016, she earned a B.A. in Geography with a minor in Public Policy from Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH and later earned her M.A. in Public Policy from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Currently, Yaritza works as a Policy Manager at an immigrant rights nonprofit organization that advances immigration policy at the federal, state, and local level.
She plans on becoming a licensed attorney to help eradicate the systemic injustices that hinder underrepresented communities like hers from thriving in society.
Yaritza is also a Co-Founder of the ING Fellowship.
Vanesa Iniguez (she/her/hers) was raised in Inglewood by Mexican immigrants and is a current South LA resident.
In 2020, she earned her B.A. in Environmental Studies and Geography from Dartmouth College and later earned her M.A. in Environment, Politics, and Society from University College London. Vanesa is passionate about socio-ecological systems and environmental justice within her community.
Currently, she works as a Program Manager for the South LA Eco-Lab, a program that will implement 11 projects in South LA focused on economic development through climate action.
Vanesa is also a ING 2022 Fellow Alumni.
Rachel F. Leon was born and raised in Inglewood, CA by Mexican immigrants. She strives to be a role model to her niece and nephews.
In 2018, she earned her B.S. in Child Development from California State University, Dominguez Hills.
Rachel has a strong passion for art through ceramics, self-expression, and enjoys her free time with hobbies such as gardening, baking, and making things from scratch. She believes in doing things herself and uses her hobbies to bring self-empowerment.
Lizet (they/she) was born and raised in Hawthorne, CA by Mexican immigrants.
In 2023, she earned their B.A. in Geography from Dartmouth College. They are interested in carceral and abolitionist geographies with a focus on youth community organizing.
Currently, Lizet is earning their PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Geography at the City University New York. They are studying abolition geographies and searching for ways to improve access to social, economic, and safety in the South Bay–without relying on carceral structures. They are passionate about working with youth and centering their voices and input for how to better shape the city.
Lizet is also an ING 2022 Fellow Alumni.
Lily Trejo (they/she) was born and raised in Inglewood, CA by a Salvadoran mother and Mexican father. Growing up in Inglewood shaped her aspirations of attending college to return and uplift her community.
In 2016, Lily earned a B.A.in Sociology and Philosophy from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). While at UCSB, she further developed her passion for community involvement through her various volunteer efforts.
Currently, she is a Resource Development Associate for a nonprofit working on transit equity projects in South LA.
Lily hopes to dedicate herself to a career in urban planning to advocate for improvement of public transportation and infrastructure.
Lily is also a Co-Founder of the ING Fellowship.
Leonel Garcia (he/him/his) was raised in Inglewood, CA to Mexican parents from Oaxaca, Mexico. He has three brothers. Inglewood, CA has been his home for over 25 years.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
In 2015, Leo earned a B.A. in Political Science from Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Since returning to Inglewood, CA he has helped various organizations and elected officials to make Inglewood, CA a better place.
In 2016, Leo was chosen by Councilmember Alex Padilla to serve as the District 2 Parking and Traffic Commissioner.
Currently, he works as a Senior Recreation Leader for the City of Inglewood Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department.
Leo is also an ING 2020 Fellow Alumni.
Karla Vasquez (she/her/hers) was born in San Salvador, El Salvador and raised in Hawthorne, CA by a strong, single Salvadoran mother.
She immigrated to the United States five years ago. Since then her goal is to empower students of color in the South Bay and El Salvador.
Currently, Karla is a second-year student at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She is majoring in Labor Studies and minoring in Community Engagement and Social Change. She is passionate about volunteering and advocating for underserved communities.
Karla hopes to serve her community and dedicate efforts to social justice.
Karla is an ING 2022 Fellow Alumni.
Aslin Osmara Paxtor was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA by Guatemalan immigrants. She currently resides near Inglewood, CA, strengthening her ties to the community and people.
In 2017, Osmara earned a B.A. in Sociology with double minors in Theater and Anthropology from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She is currently pursuing her M.A. in Communications with an Entertainment and Tourism concentration at California State University, Fullerton.
Osmara also works as a Department Assistant at Netflix. She enjoys hosting tours and panels for college students to foster their professionalism and bring a sense of the local community to the corporate world.
Alejandra Medina (she/her/hers) was born and raised in Inglewood, CA to a Guatemalan mother and a Mexican father. She is the youngest of three daughters and has a younger brother.
In 2018, Ale earned a B.A. in English from California State University, Sacramento. While in Sacramento, she was involved with the university’s Center for Diversity and Inclusion and local community grassroots organizations.
Since returning to Inglewood, CA, she has worked as a freelance writer with a focus on multicultural stories and an after-school teacher in Inglewood.
Ale is also a Co-Founder of the ING Fellowship.
Adrian Lizardo (he/him/his) was born and raised in Inglewood, CA by Mexican immigrants.
He is the product of Inglewood Unified, attending Worthing Elementary, Monroe Magnet Middle School, and Morningside High School. In 2017, Adrian graduated from UCLA with a B.S. in Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution and later earned his M.A. in Education and teacher credential in Science.
Since earning his degree, Adiran has been a science teacher for different high schools in various districts: LA, Paramount. and Long Beach. He became a science teacher to help show students that science can be a lens used to explain how the world works. During his teaching experience, he also co-founded a Gay-Straight Alliance at two different school sites and has been continuing his knowledge by participating in the Knowles Teacher Initiative, a five year teacher fellowship focusing on supporting math and science teachers.
Adrian is also an ING 2022 Fellow Alumni.