Introducing the 2023-24 Racial Equity in Homelessness Fellows

racial equity initiative
Written By

We're excited to introduce you to the third cohort of the Racial Equity in Homelessness Fellowship! This program continues to champion BIPOC leaders in Los Angeles County's Homeless Response Sector, each bringing unique experiences and perspectives.

These Fellows, selected for their dedication and leadership, will spend the next nine months exploring racial equity in homelessness, building community with each other, and working collaboratively to promote racial justice within their organizations.

Meet the 2023-24 Fellows:

Featured
Paul Anyankor
Paul Anyankor

(he/him)
Staff Analyst/ Program Manager - Los Angeles County Department of Health Services

Ericka Battaglia
Ericka Battaglia

(she/her)
Director of Impact | Standard Communities

Darneicea Day
Darneicea Day

(she/her)
Director | Center for Employment Opportunities

Nancy Martinez
Nancy Martinez

(she/her)
Manager, Workforce Development | United Way of Greater Los Angeles

Hazel Lopez
Hazel Lopez

(she/her)
Director of Crisis Solutions | United Way of Greater LA

Dashamelle “Dr. B” Bowie Russ
Dashamelle “Dr. B” Bowie Russ

(she/her)
Director of Shelter Operations | Better Angels Los Angeles

Arturo Garcia
Arturo Garcia

(he and they)
Program Manager, Support Services | Reach LA

Ruby Villareal
Ruby Villareal

(she/her)
Employment Specialist | Integrated Recovery Network

Erica Rodriguez
Erica Rodriguez

(she/her)
Core Faculty, Masters and Doctoral MFT Programs | Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Darrin Oliver
Darrin Oliver

(he/him)
Program Manager, Permanent Supportive Housing ICMS | Brilliant Corners

Shanice Buggs
Shanice Buggs

(she/her)
Every Woman Housed Director | Downtown Women's Center

Berlin Contreras
Berlin Contreras

(she/her)
Associate Director of Street Based Engagement | HOPICS

Anthony Conley
Anthony Conley

(he/him)
Director of Supportive Services | Covenant House

Tanicka Stephens
Tanicka Stephens

(she/her)
Director of Housing | Radiant Health Centers

Erica Lillquist
Erica Lillquist

(she/her)
Director of Learning | The People Concern

Ed Braxton
Ed Braxton

(he/him)
Program Officer | United Way of Greater Los Angeles

This year's cohort shares a deep commitment to community engagement, advocacy, and the ambition to build lasting, supportive systems. Each one is paving the way for meaningful, lasting change in Los Angeles County's homeless response sector.

We invite you to join us over the next nine months as we spotlight their journeys, insights, and innovations.

Previous

Breaking the Mold: The 5 Traditional Nonprofit Leadership Styles and How Liberatory Leadership Offers a New Path
Next

Which Course is Right for You? Liberatory Workplaces & Liberatory Leadership