Meet The Commissioners

ELIANA IBARRA

Pronouns: she/her/hers 

Bio: Eliana Ibarra is a passionate advocate for sustainability and community engagement, believing that collective action through volunteering and active involvement can drive meaningful change in the fight against climate change and foster a future where both people and the environment thrive together. She envisions a more sustainable world for future generations and is dedicated to guiding communities toward this goal. Eliana serves as the Associated Student Body Advisor for Sustainability at Rio Hondo College, where she helps student leaders develop eco-friendly initiatives on campus.

As Acting Program Manager for California for All College Corps, Eliana oversees 50 students working with community-based organizations focused on K-12 education, food insecurity, and climate action. She empowers students to create positive change in their communities through collective action, promoting a sustainable and equitable future.

Eliana also volunteers at local community events, strengthening connections and community resilience. She holds an Associate in Arts in Social Work from Rio Hondo College, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UC Irvine, and a Master of Science in Educational Counseling from the University of La Verne. Eliana is committed to creating a future where both people and the environment thrive together.

RENE JIMENEZ

PRONOUNS: he/him/his

Bio: Rene Jimenez is a Marine Corps veteran who served five years as an MV-22 Osprey Crew Chief before being honorably discharged. He brings extensive experience in environmental restoration, project management, program development, and community engagement. Driven by a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, Rene is dedicated to protecting natural resources and mentoring youth and young adults to become the next generation of environmental leaders.

MATTHEW CARRANZA

PRONOUNS: he/him/his

Bio: Matthew Carranza brings a strong commitment to environmental justice and youth-centered climate policy. He is passionate about advocating for increased green spaces and safe, accessible places for children to play and grow in clean, healthy, and green environments, particularly those who have faced underinvestment.

Born and raised in the first supervisorial district, Matthew is a proud Mexican-American and served as a commissioner for the city of West Covina, where he championed youth civic engagement and involvement. He was one of the youngest individuals to serve on a commission for the city. He aims to ensure that climate action addresses environmental challenges, while advancing civil rights, community well-being, and public participation.

MYA CARRILLO

PRONOUNS: she/her/hers

Bio: Born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley, Mya is deeply committed to serving the communities that shaped her. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Geography with an emphasis in Environmental Studies from Cal Poly Pomona, where her passion for sustainability and community resilience inspired her to pursue climate action.

Before joining the commission, Mya served with the California Climate Action Corps at CultivaLA. There she learned hands-on experience supporting climate resilience efforts, environmental stewardship, and community engagement initiatives. She also analyzed environmental data to identify community specific needs identifying gaps in resources and provided programming to combat them.

Mya is driven by listening to the voices of the next generation. Young people are experiencing the impacts of climate injustice firsthand, and their voices, ideas, and lived experiences are essential to creating meaningful change.

ALYSSA JAIPERSAUD

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Bio: Alyssa Jaipersaud is a first-generation American pursuing her undergraduate degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering with a concentration in information systems and a minor in Law and Public Policy at the University of Southern California (USC). At USC she is a Grand Challenges Scholar focusing on sustainability. She is passionate about sustainability, specifically on the topics of climate change mitigation and adaptation. Her interest in environmentalism began in high school when she worked with a local environmental department that was working on getting her town Sustainably Certified. 

Alyssa's efforts continued in college when she was selected to become a member of USC's Student Sustainability Committee headed by the Presidential Working Group on Sustainability. She is currently working with the Sustainability Hub task force to create programming for USC’s first campus sustainability hub. Alyssa is also working with a startup company called GreenHome. With a team of 8 undergraduate USC students, they are encouraging residential utility control and automation in the name of the global quest to reduce consumption and promote living sustainably. 

She recently culminated a California 100 Futures Fellowship, where she aided in developing a manifesto for the future of California, focusing on environmental justice and conservation. Alyssa was given the opportunity to lead the fellowship Summit in Sacramento, where assembly speakers heard  their calls to action and vision for a better future. Her career goals entail utilizing her engineering background in the environmental field to take action against climate change. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys practicing archery, watching movies, spending time with friends, and visiting amusement parks.

EMMANUEL ALCANTAR

Pronouns: he/him/his

Bio: Emmanuel is an advocate whose work is aimed at increasing awareness of what local elected officials can be doing to create a more livable and sustainable city. Growing up in South Los Angeles, he knows firsthand the need for housing, climate justice, and economic investment to address issues of equity. Emmanuel currently works as a Media and Communications Coordinator for Climate Cabinet, a national climate organization that supports downballot candidates running for office. He has previously worked as a Policy Director for several municipal campaigns. Additionally, Emmanuel currently serves as the Education Representative for Voices Neighborhood Council. He received his undergraduate degree from University of California, Santa Barbara.

KEVIN J. PATEL

Pronouns: he/him/his

Bio: Kevin J. Patel is a climate justice activist and social entrepreneur based in Los Angeles, California, with over a decade of experience advocating for a sustainable and equitable world. He envisions a future where young people can access the resources they need to implement climate solutions and combat environmental injustice. Kevin is recognized for his pioneering work in establishing and helping pass the motion to establish the Los Angeles County Youth Climate Commission with fellow activist Delaney Michaelson in 2019. As the architect of this initiative, Kevin has enabled youth voices to be heard more effectively in addressing the climate crisis. In addition, he is the founder of OneUpAction International, a non-profit organization that supports and empowers young people to implement and accelerate climate solutions in their communities. Kevin's commitment to sustainability has earned him numerous accolades and ambassadorships. He serves as a UN Togetherband Ambassador and was named a 2020 National Geographic Young Explorer. He is also a member of several influential organizations, including: the Environmental Media Association (EMA) Activist Board; the World Economic Forum's 1t.org US Stakeholder Council; the Ingka Young Leaders Forum; Youthtopia World: Circle of Youth; the Climate Power Council' and the Intersectional Environmentalist Council. Kevin's exceptional achievements have been widely recognized and he has been awarded the Men's Health 20 Under 20 in 2020 and the 2021 NowThis News Sustainability Honoree. Kevin is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Political Science at Loyola Marymount University, he remains committed to his mission of creating a sustainable and equitable world for all.

SIM BILAL

Pronouns: he/him/his

Bio: Sim Bilal is a youth organizer and climate activist from South LA. He was raised by a single mom and is Korean, Black, and Chickasaw. Sim roots his work through his identity. Currently, he works with Youth Climate Strike Los Angeles (YCSLA) as the head of logistics. Sim has been a climate activist for over 5 years and is a community organizer, working on banning oil drilling in his neighborhood, advocating for green spaces, and climate literacy. He is active in his community fighting for the enrichment of other local South LA youth, through supporting elementary, middle, and high schools through mutual aid programs and volunteering as a robotics and coding instructor for the past three years. Sim has been working on integrating tech, activism, organizing, and legislation into addressing the climate crisis in Los Angeles. As a youth climate organizer he has organized climate strikes in southern California mobilizing thousands of LA youth to call on divestment from fossil fuels and investment into green jobs, infrastructure, and spaces. Through the coalition, his organization YCSLA has helped pass legislation banning and phasing out oil infrastructure in the City of Los Angeles within the next five years, they pushed for SB-1173 divestment of pensions, and created a unique climate action plan for Los Angeles.

NANCI TORRES-POBLANO

Pronouns: she/her/hers/ella

Bio: Nanci is currently serving as the Sustainability Specialist at the Office of Sustainability at CSU Long Beach. Before joining the Office of Sustainability, Nanci worked in the non-profit sector for five years conducting environmental education. She spent two years working as an environmental science educator in Yosemite National Park where she would lead students, from 5th-12th grade, in hikes to learn about the park. During her time there, she had the opportunity to work on the Zero Landfill Initiative project, exposing her to the idea of sustainability. Nanci went on to join TreePeople, a non-profit organization based in Los Angeles County, as the Waste Management Youth Leadership Coordinator. Through this role, she supported middle and high schools throughout the county to adopt waste management systems, integrate community gardens, and raise awareness about sustainability issues. 

Nanci received her B.S. in Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning from UC Davis and recently obtained her M.S. in Sustainability Management and Policy from CSU Long Beach.

MAX RILEY

Pronouns: he/him/his

Bio: Max Riley is an urban sustainability advocate focused on building more equitable, climate-resilient cities through transportation, housing, and environmental policy. He serves as Chair of the LA County Youth Climate Commission (YCC), where he has helped deliver major youth-led policy wins, including the YCC’s work to advance the Sepulveda Transit Corridor, through a formal policy recommendation and the creation of an Ad Hoc committee to drive coordinated research, stakeholder engagement, and implementation-oriented advocacy.

Max works in State Senator Ben Allen’s District Office, supporting constituent services and district initiatives at the intersection of climate, infrastructure, and community development. He also contributes to local civic organizing, including work with the LA Stonewall Democratic Club.

Previously, Max led campaigns in partnership with groups like LA Forward and continues to support transportation and green-infrastructure advocacy, especially shade and schoolyard greening efforts in collaboration with the Jane Goodall Institute, and community engagement through LA Climate Week. He has also worked with aquaculture and blue economy organizations including The Cultured Abalone Farm and AltaSea.

JUSTIN WILKEN

Pronouns: he/him/his

Bio: Justin Wilken is a policy and sustainability advocate dedicated to accelerating the transition to climate-friendly and animal-free food systems. He serves as a Commissioner on the LA County Youth Climate Commission, where he works to advance policies at the intersection of food, climate, and community health, with a focus on fostering innovation in sustainable agriculture and alternative proteins.



Justin leads partnerships and programme development at Animal Advocacy Careers, where he builds coalitions, strengthens talent infrastructure, and provides strategic insights to expand the capacity of organizations tackling animal welfare and climate challenges. He previously supported corporate engagement and ecosystem mapping at the Good Food Institute, helping identify infrastructure and policy opportunities to scale alternative protein industries.



As founder of the San Diego Alt Protein Project and Summit, Justin convened cross-sector leaders from academia, government, and industry to position Southern California as a hub for sustainable food innovation, securing grants and influencing institutional investment in novel food research. His experience also includes advancing sustainable food adoption through consumer engagement with various climate-friendly food brands.



Justin earned his B.S. in Business Administration and Finance from San Diego State University, where he was active in leadership and policy fellowships. He is committed to civic service and envisions a just food system that aligns environmental resilience, public health, and higher welfare standards for our communities.

SARAHJEET DOSANJH

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Bio: Sarahjeet Dosanjh is a passionate sustainable food systems advocate, eager to build healthy, local, nutritious, and ethical food systems within the field of public health. Originally from San Jose, she is now studying Public Health at UCLA and has seen first-hand how local sustainability efforts directly affect her communities' health and the well-being of the planet. Having worked with a variety of public and private organizations, her professional background and skills are in food policy, K-12 education, K-12 school meals, and non-communicable diseases. At UCLA, she has led several campaigns centered around sustainability, including dining hall reforms and institutional campaigns. She is the founder and director of UCLA's annual "Sustainable Food Futures" career fair, which encourages students to connect with non-traditional pathways across all sectors to engage in sustainability efforts. Within the greater Los Angeles area, she approaches the climate crisis through a community health lens, recognizing the importance of urban agriculture, green spaces, and access to healthy foods. Additionally, she frequently speaks on the importance of engaging the next generation of changemakers in sustainability reform, encouraging companies and organizations across all sectors to integrate youth perspectives and opportunities. In her free time, Sarahjeet enjoys gardening, practicing her traditional dance, and cooking plant-based dishes.

MARCOS J. MORENO

Pronouns: he/him/his

Bio: Marcos Jose Moreno is an environmental and community focused conservationist who grew up in the San Fernando Valley with experience being a community organizer, environmental field operative, and program development entrepreneur. While growing up in Pacoima, he developed an appreciation for the mountains and oceans surrounding his neighborhood and aspired to deepen his understanding of the coast he grew up visiting. During his time at Cal Poly Humboldt, formally known as Humboldt State University, he received a Bachelor's of Science in Oceanography leading hands on operations on his old vessel the R/V Coral Sea, from being lead cruise assistant assisting professors with teaching oceanographic sampling techniques, to conducting maintenance operations during dock days to maintain and preserve vessel upkeeping, to working with NOAA's Southwest Fisheries Science Center and conducting research cruises dedicated to compile real time data dedicated to serve the global scale. Additionally, he worked closely with his university annual giving department starting out as a fundraiser to growing into a student fundraising manager and assisting operations of fundraising efforts for various campaigns including one that led him to present at Ocean Science Meeting 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Post graduation, he has been a leader in various non-profit sector interdisciplinaries ranging from contributing to grassroot canvassing efforts at social justice organizations such as Somos Familia Valle, leading community beautification and preservation of the L.A. River as an ambassador through the Los Angeles Conservation Corps and facilitating a network of other like-minded sustainability leaders from Black Thumb Farm, TreePeople and the Getty. He is looking forward to advocating for his community on climate issues and policies and turning passion into action. During his off time he is playing the bass guitar, SCUBA diving, or enjoying the natural world around Supervisorial District 3. 

GUISEL HERNANDEZ

Pronouns: she/her/hers/ella

Bio: Guisel Hernandez is a first-generation college graduate of Zapotec descent. She holds an Masters in Peace and Justice Studies from the University of San Diego and a Bachelors in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley. For over ten years, Guisel has worked and volunteered locally and abroad with non-profit organizations dedicated to providing legal and social services to low-income and immigrant communities. Born and raised in a low-income, immigrant, and Zapotec community in Los Angeles, she has seen firsthand the disparities in social and economic opportunities. From her personal, academic, and professional experiences, she has developed skills in community outreach, monitoring and evaluation, peacebuilding, and advocacy to improve the lives and well-being of marginalized communities.

In addition to her commitment in advancing the rights of marginalized populations, she is also passionate about the environment. Her interest in environmental rights and justice stems from visits to her parents’ Zapotec village in the highlands of Oaxaca, Mexico. Inspired by the communal living and land management practices of the village, she gained a newfound appreciation for nature and sustainable development. Her interest in environmental rights and justice has also further developed through her research of armed conflicts over natural resources in Northern and Southern America and from hearing stories of people fleeing from their countries of origin due to environmental disasters. She has also observed how Indigenous and low-income communities are disproportionately impacted and the first to experience the direct consequences of climate change. She envisions a city with safe and equitable green spaces that children, families, and vulnerable populations can go to for the benefit of their mental and physical health.

Since the pandemic, Guisel expanded her understanding of the connection between health and the natural environment. Due to the transition to working from home, she began interacting more with the natural environment by exploring the outdoors. She recognized her privilege in being able to access nature and green spaces, which may not be accessible to everyone, due to limitations like financial constraints, unwalkable neighborhoods, or lack of transportation. As a result, she believes environmental issues are a human rights issue and through her participation with the Youth Climate Commission she hopes to foster social cohesion, create spaces for dialogue, and promote community engagement with the natural environment to make an impact on the lives and well-being of everyone.

JORDAN SALCIDO

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Bio: Jordan Salcido is a multidisciplinary community organizer based in the Los Angeles area. Through a number of projects, she supports efforts to advance environmental justice and amplify community needs and priorities. She greatly believes in the power of storytelling and seeks to shine a light on community stories of strength and resilience. Jordan is inspired by her community and is eager to further expand her network and to learn from a group of strong and thoughtful leaders. As a California naturalist, Jordan enjoys learning about the land and its plants, animals and people.

MAYRA CATALÁN-OROZCO

Pronouns: she/her/hers/ella

Bio: Mayra Catalán-Orozco is a seasoned community specialist with extensive experience in the non-profit sector. She is deeply committed to environmental and health initiatives, advocating for a just and resilient future for all individuals. In her recent capacity as Vice Chair of the Los Angeles County Youth Climate Commission, she anticipates the opportunity to cultivate collaborations and advocate for equitable climate solutions.

Mayra holds a bachelor's degree in health science, with an emphasis on community health education, from California State University, Long Beach. In 2016, she received the Zahra Bailoo Cabinet Member of the Year award from the CSULB Student Association Inc., along with recognition from The Student Life Development at CSULB.

Currently residing in Lakewood, California, Mayra values time spent outdoors, time with her family, and being in community. An immigrant from Mexico, she spent the majority of her upbringing in Lennox, California, before relocating to the Bay Area for five years. She is now pleased to return to her native Los Angeles and to contribute meaningfully to her community.

CAT SANTACRUZ

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Bio: Cat Santacruz is a community leader from Long Beach, CÁ. Her climate activism began while expecting her first child. At a wetland restoration, she imagined her daughter visiting the restored wetlands on a field trip. Cat was inspired to protect wild spaces for her daughter and all children in Los Angeles County. She has volunteered at the Aquarium of the Pacific as an education volunteer and as a community scientist. She was part of the inaugural class of the Aquarium's UC Climate Steward program. To foster community and climate resilience, she regularly hosts events connecting families to natural spaces.

RYAN VALENZUELA-HOLGUIN

Pronouns: he/him/his

Bio: Ryan Valenzuela-Holguin is a first-generation college student double majoring in aerospace engineering and sustainable architecture at College of the Canyons. His academic goals are to transfer to either University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) or University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) in the Fall 2024 and achieve an undergraduate degree. A career goal he has is to one day develop a career at Lockheed Martin or Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). While attending College of the Canyons, he became actively involved in many different areas of the campus community. One of those areas being sustainability, which he found a passion for as he began researching more about environmental and climate related issues. As a College Assistant, he is actively involved in the Sustainable Development Committee, which is tasked with keeping the College in compliance with state and local government regulations on environmental sustainability, as well as implementing district-wide initiatives and ordinances. 

He is also an active community member in the City of Santa Clarita, serving as a board member for the Santa Clarita Environmental Education Consortium, which is an award-winning non-profit organization whose mission is to improve environmental literacy for students and community members. As a student, he is always striving towards advancing his own skillsets and finding new learning opportunities in leadership roles. In doing so, he became a Lead for the STEM Equity Alliance at College of the Canyons, whose mission is to support marginalized students majoring in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) by creating an inclusive and educational environment for students to connect and have access to resources. Overall, his prospective goal is to use his educational background and experience from working in higher education to implement sustainable principles and design philosophies into the field of aerospace.

NILOOFAR SAHIMI

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Bio: Niloofar Sahimi is a senior at the University of Southern California, double majoring in Environmental Studies and Legal Studies with concentrations in environmental policy and public law. As a Commissioner, Niloofar hopes to inspire young people to see themselves as agents of climate action, empower them to bring their perspectives into decision-making, and foster a lasting commitment to building healthier, more resilient communities across the County.



At USC, Niloofar has organized panel events connecting students with faculty, government leaders, women in climate, and alumni in the Environmental Student Assembly. She has also engaged hundreds of prospective students through panels and open houses as an Admissions Transfer Ambassador and contributed to campus sustainability initiatives through the Student Sustainability Committee and Office of Sustainability. As a USC Leonard D. Schaeffer Fellow in Government Service, Niloofar worked with the Office of Exposition Park Management, where she supported policy development, research, and initiatives related to public spaces and community engagement.



Beyond campus, Niloofar's work spans government, nonprofit, and youth-led organizations. As Deputy Director of Impact at Climate Cardinals, she helps expand language accessibility in climate education while strengthening the organization's global reach through newsletters, press releases, and impact reporting. Her experience also includes climate policy analysis and electoral advocacy with Climate Cabinet, clean transportation with the Los Angeles Clean Cities Coalition, and constituent engagement as a district intern with Congresswoman Judy Chu.



Niloofar hopes to become an environmental health researcher, lawyer, and help shape public policy in maternal and children’s health, air quality management, and urban planning. In her free time, Niloofar enjoys photography, painting, thrifting, watching films and sports, exploring Los Angeles' vibrant food culture, and reading.

ARIANNA LAWRENCE

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Bio: Arianna is a student, environmental activist, and human rights advocate originally from Brooklyn, New York. She is currently studying Public Policy Analysis with a concentration in Environmental Analysis at Pomona College. Growing up in a pollution burdened coastal community, her experience with environmental degradation has imbued her with a passion for sustainable development, climate adaptation, and climate resilience. 

Arianna is interested in planning cities that prioritize sustainability and quality of life. Her work in advocacy, policy, education, and litigation spans several nonprofit, philanthropic, and governmental organizations, most recently the World Wildlife Fund and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In these roles, she has delivered outreach speeches to hundreds of students, coordinated youth lobby days, and advocated for environmental justice legislation at the U.S. Capitol. In her college community, Arianna coordinates a Rooftop Garden program for high schoolers in the Inland Empire and executes campus-wide sustainability initiatives as an Eco-Rep.

In her free time, Arianna loves to thrift and watch international films.