Leadership Institute 2022 Graduates
Urban Peace Institute is celebrating our most recent graduates from the Leadership Institute. This past year, Urban Peace Institute has empowered 32 leaders who are dedicated to making South Los Angeles a safer and healthier place to live.
Our Leadership Institute prepares residents to become civic leaders who can effectively advocate for the health and safety of all residents. Our leaders from the Emerging, Advanced, and Congress cohorts committed to monthly meetings to further their learning, advocacy, and development for the hope of a better future for themselves, their families, and communities. Congratulations to all the graduates!
Lea Linares
Advanced 2022
We are eager to share that Lea Linares is a graduate of the Advanced cohort. She is from the South Park community and works in the area. Lea joined the Leadership Institute because she wanted to galvanize changes that benefit her community. She sought to be a voice for her talented but often quiet community members. Initially, Lea wanted to take a peek into the world of civic engagement as her father was a renowned community peacemaker. Lea ended up loving advocating for her community just as much as him.
The Leadership Institute taught Lea that there are people who have the same vision as her for the community and are willing to fight just as hard to achieve those goals. She now knows people she can count on if ever in need of support. Lea plans to advocate for free programs for youth, such as gardening and arts in her community. As a youth advocate, Lea will most certainly achieve her goals.
Paula Sandoval
Congress 2022
We are celebrating Paula Sandoval for completing the Congress cohort of UPI’s Leadership Institute. Paula has lived in South Central for more than 30 years and is dedicated to serving the community in whatever way she can. In her three years attending the Leadership Institute, she learned how to best support her community by sharing information about resources for families and establishing relationships with neighbors to ensure safety. The Leadership Institute motivates Paula to empower her community to learn to advocate for themselves and live without fear.
Paula currently works at 49th Street School as a community representative and is an active member in different ministries at San Patricio Church and Sociedad Organizada de Latinas Activas. In her neighborhood, she hopes to encourage city representatives to periodically maintain trees, so they don’t damage or clutter sidewalks. She also hopes to enhance community safety efforts and increase law enforcement presence so that children have safe places to play and practice sports.
Kiana Stepney
Congress 2022
Kiana Stepney is a recent graduate of the Congress cohort, after successfully completing both the Emerging and Advanced cohorts. She originally joined the Leadership Institute to build character and strengthen her impact in her community. Kiana is a community activist and former Vice President of the Jordan Downs Resident Advisory Council.
Now that she has completed the Leadership Institute, Kiana plans to use what she learned to advocate for programs that assist young women dealing with domestic violence. Kiana says, “What I have learned from the Leadership Institute is that we all have room for growth. With persistence and dedication one can achieve anything!”
Sonia Rodriguez
Advanced 2022
We are happy to share an update on Sonia Rodriguez who recently completed the Advanced cohort of the Leadership Institute. Sonia originally joined the Leadership Institute to develop skills in leadership and advocacy for her community. She is a resident of the Southwest area of District 8 and does most of her community volunteer work in District 9 in South LA.
Sonia is an AmeriCorps member as a Community Engagement Specialist with the Coalition for Responsible Community Development. Participating in the Leadership Institute has helped her generate more relationships with City Council members, community-based organizations, and the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) bureau of LAPD. Ultimately, she learned how to understand the needs of her community and collaborate with other members and leaders for positive outcomes. As a result of her training, Sonia plans to advocate for mental health awareness and green spaces for the environment.
Araceli Herrera Ramirez
Emerging 2022
Araceli Herrera Ramirez is a graduate of the Emerging cohort and a resident of Watts in Council District 15. She joined the Leadership Institute after working on a community project and wanting to develop skills to better serve her community. During her time in the program, Araceli learned how important it is to understand the history of the community and the significant role representatives play in creating change.
Araceli plans to apply her knowledge from the Leadership Institute to advocate for safer streets, the rights of families, the needs of young students, and housing resources for low-income families. In her community, she serves as a health worker and coordinator of the 5 LA Nuevo Comienzo program.
Jorge Francisco Gonzalez Torres
Emerging 2022
We are excited to highlight Jorge Francisco Gonzalez Torres, a graduate of the Emerging cohort of the Leadership Institute. Jorge is a resident of Watts and joined the program to learn about how to effectively work in the South Los Angeles community. His biggest takeaway from the Leadership Institute was the significance of helping young people access resources and opportunities that help their education, safety, and neighborhood development.
As a community leader, Jorge plans to defend education and extracurricular activities, as well as support parents by teaching them the importance of exposing their children to opportunities outside of Watts. He is the Director of Project 5 LA Nuevo Comienzo, an advisor of Watts Rising, a community health worker, and a coach of the Team Meryland boxing club.
