Volunteers

Since 2023, Marlon Young has been a valued member of LACA, using his writing talents to promote tolerance and understanding through our newsletter. He also volunteers in our grocery distribution program and is currently narrating a short story about the launch of our food pantry. Marlon's dedication to community empowerment and inclusivity makes him an invaluable asset to our organization.

Social Media Content Contributor

Mary Ajemyan is a full-time student at University of California, Irvine studying Aerospace and Mechanical engineering in pursuits of becoming an astronaut. As a student, she is highly involved in campus life including being a lead engineer on UCI’s student-led Rocket Project, as well as a member of the Women’s Rowing Club. She is also actively interning at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory as a Contract Technical Manager. Mary’s role at LACA is to educate the community of Los Angeles on food insecurity through social media. As an Armenian American born and raised in LA, she aspires to help the community she grew up in and has been volunteering at LACA since the summer of 2020

Since 2020, Loren Lott has been volunteering at LACA, dedicating her time and talents to support our mission. As an actress and vocalist, she brings creativity and compassion to her volunteer work.Loren's contributions include assisting with our food distribution program and donating personalized toys for over 40 children in shelters during our Christmas toy distribution. Her performances have helped raise awareness and funds for our cause.Beyond her artistic talents, Loren is a true advocate for positive change in our community.

Accounting & Financial Reporting

Maria holds an MBA degree in Finance from the University of Southern California and brings her 15+ year experience as a corporate controller and senior financial manager with startups and fast growing companies.

Maria assists with all things accounting, financial reporting and compliance. Maria also coordinates the VITA (Volunteer Tax Assistance) program so LACA can serve as the IRS authorized site for free income tax assistance and filing services starting 2022!

Everyone is curious about Baehoni, who she is and what she does. Well, she is a multi-talented person with many active parts. She is a host of a Radio show, actress, a celebrity interviewer, event host, artist, brand ambassador, video director/creator, social media personality, graphic/video designer, and artist manager. All while being a single mother.

Since she has gone through the struggles of being a single mother, and being without, she dedicates her life to helping others in need.

Grant Writer

Jazmine Ajemyan, a USC graduate, comes from an immigrant family and has been a dedicated volunteer with LA Community Alliance (LACA) since 2020. She has played a crucial role in our food distribution program, ensuring that vulnerable families receive the nutritious food they need. Recently, Jazmine has expanded her involvement by assisting with grant writing, bringing her skills and dedication to support LACA’s mission to "End Hunger in LA." Jazmine spends a large part of her life taking care of people, and her caring nature is evident in her tireless commitment to helping others, always going above and beyond to make a positive impact in the community.

Crystal, a dedicated volunteer since November 2023, utilized her Scentsy business to launch a fundraiser for our Christmas toy experience, ensuring joy for underprivileged children. Additionally, she secured significant donations for our Day of Hope unsheltered event, demonstrating her commitment to supporting those in need. Crystal's efforts embody the spirit of generosity and community engagement at LACA.

Social Media Content Contributor

Marta is a resilient and multifaceted individual who came to Los Angeles two years ago as a refugee from Ukraine. She has been rebuilding her life with courage and determination, bringing her talents as a professional dancer and her passions for cooking, art, and architecture to her new community. With a background in marketing and a strong interest in social media, Marta is excited to contribute her skills to LA Community Alliance. Driven by compassion and a desire to inspire positive change, she embodies the spirit of service and hope, showing that small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

Translator, Armenian and Russian

Artur began volunteering during the 2020 war in Armenia, where he discovered his passion for helping others. After moving to the U.S. in 2022, he sought out opportunities to continue giving back to his community. Artur supports LACA by providing written and verbal translations in Armenian and Russian, ensuring effective communication for those we serve.

Artur is a professional hairdresser, bringing creativity and care to his clients. Artur humbly describes volunteering as "selfish" because of how much fulfillment it brings him, proving his deep compassion and dedication to making a positive impact.

Soledad Garcia volunteers as a community health worker at LA Community Alliance, where she provides critical referrals to vulnerable individuals and families, connecting them with the services they need to survive and thrive. A devoted mother of two, Soledad balances her volunteer work with caring for her immediate and extended family. Her tireless dedication to helping others exemplifies her commitment to building a stronger, more compassionate community.

Martha Sapien has been a dedicated volunteer with LA Community Alliance since 2022, contributing her time and energy to securing toys for our toy distribution, providing translation services, and assisting with grocery distribution. Born in Culiacán, Mexico, Martha migrated to the U.S. in 1993 and has been volunteering since 1996, starting with her local hospital. A nurturing, athletic, and generous single mom, Martha brings warmth and commitment to every role she takes on, embodying the true spirit of community service.

Richard was helping a neighbor secure gorceries when he came upon LACA and decided to stay! Richard is a 40 year veteran of the travel industry - a sales, marketing and product development executive with a focus on Africa and wildlife. When not planning trips for others or travelling himself, you will most likely find him in one or two places, the garden or in front of an oven. Prior to finding his niche in travel, he spent a number of years apprenticed to a Le Cordon Bleu chef and a German Master Baker.

When Richard needs to escape the kitchen, working in the garden is his zen release.

Lewis, with a keen eye for community needs, noticed LACA distributing groceries and, without hesitation, rolled up his sleeves and jumped in to assist. Since that spontaneous act of generosity, he has been a consistent volunteer at all our grocery distribution events, contributing to the seamless movement of lines and ensuring everyone receives the support they need. In addition to his dedication throughout the year, Lewis takes on the role of Grinch during our holiday toy distribution, bringing a festive and playful spirit to our efforts to spread joy and happiness during the festive season. His commitment and versatility showcase the genuine impact a dedicated volunteer like Lewis can have on the success and spirit of our community initiatives.

Sara's journey with us at LACA began with volunteering at our food distribution event and our Day of Hope, where she brought donations for women in need. Her talents extend beyond volunteering, as she entertained at our fundraiser party and spearheaded our auction, raising almost $20,000. Sara's integral role in our community and her unwavering commitment to our cause make her a valued member of LACA, inspiring positive change at every turn.

Consultant

Phil America is an artist and activist. In his work he uses installation and sculptures, performance, photography, video, and fashion in searching for a better understanding and connection to his subjects while bringing about an interpersonal relationship between the viewer and himself. He has worked with numerous organizations and agencies including the United Nations, ILO and others, as well as working on design for President Joe Biden.