Community Thriving and Advocacy: My VISTA Experience with SLATE-Z

By Priscilla Dueñas-Lopez

I joined SLATE-Z as a Small Business & Entrepreneurship Associate VISTA in March 2024. Previously, I completed an AmeriCorps service year, but I had missed out on the full experience since we shifted abruptly to remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So, I pursued a second year of service, looking to be part of a nonprofit focused on inclusive efforts and access to resources within South Los Angeles. I was immediately interested in working with SLATE-Z, a backbone organization and collective impact eoffrt with the mission of “revitalizing South L.A. by moving residents to economic opportunity” and prioritizing a levers of change model. Now, I have the pleasure of serving as a VISTA for SLATE-Z.

One of the great things about being a SLATE-Z VISTA is the hands-on experience, which allows us to wear many hats. I was eager to work as the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Associate, facilitating workgroup meetings and uplifting South Los Angeles small businesses. I have also learned about other areas of interest, including communications, where I use my creativity skills for social media efforts.

Immediately apparent to me at SLATE-Z is the inclusivity efforts for folks living and working in South Los Angeles. Inclusivity is a consistent central tenet of my social justice ideology, and to see and be a part of an organization that aims to close gaps created by historical marginalization is a true joy. These inclusivity efforts also translate to SLATE-Z ‘s team, where we are learning, growing, and always prioritizing ways to better understand the issues and factors that impact the South Los Angeles community.

I greatly appreciate the tireless dedication of SLATE-Z and its partners, both as someone who was born and raised within the South LA region and as a member of the team. I have had the pleasure of upholding this dedication, and I know that even after the end of my service, the infectious work ethic and drive shared among our community will remain with me. For that, I am truly grateful.

Job Growth Convening

On October 15, SLATE-Z hosted a second event in the Job Growth Convening series. We are excited to share full videos of our two presentations, Jessica Ku Kim from Los Angeles County Department of Economic Activity, and Kianna Scott from ChargerHelp!

Job Growth Convening goals:

• Strategize ways to increase number of living wage jobs/careers in South Los Angeles by supporting Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

• Develop mutually beneficial pathways for partners focused on SB/E job growth

• Understand common roadblocks to accomplish our goals and agree on solutions

• Build a village of support for workers and readiness

Jessica Ku Kim, Los Angeles County Department of Economic Activity

Kianna Scott - ChargerHelp!

In Conversation with Dr. Alfred McQuarters, President of LATTC

We recently sat down with Dr. Alfred McQuarters, President of Los Angeles Technical College (LATTC) to hear his thoughts on LATTC’s partnership with SLATE-Z. Dr. McQuarters explains how the collaboration helps LATTC tailor its curriculum, secure internships and jobs for students, and ultimately promote economic mobility in South LA.

Thank you, Dr. McQuarters for your partnership and visionary leadership.

Interning with the South LA Eco-Lab

By Anita Eyong

My name is Anita Eyong, and I am a nursing student and passionate community resource advocate. I recently participated in West LA College's internship program “Every Career is Climate Career,” which matched me with South Los Angeles Transit Empowerment Zone (SLATE-Z). 

My internship with SLATE-Z was a truly transformative experience which significantly deepened my understanding of sustainability and community engagement. I had the opportunity to work alongside a dedicated and passionate team and immerse myself in projects focused on promoting environmental awareness and fostering a greener future for South LA.

My key responsibilities as an intern included social media strategy and content creation for the South LA Eco-Lab, one of SLATE-Z's five initiatives. In addition to creating an editorial calendar to highlight South LA Eco-Lab's mission and accomplishments, I collaborated with SLATE-Z VISTAs, staff, and other partners to identify related events and outreach initiatives to promote. In addition to strategy, I also created videos, images, and captions for social media posts that highlighted South LA Eco-Lab's ongoing events and initiatives. For instance, I helped educate residents on sustainable practices like recycling and urban gardening, which not only taught practical skills but also strengthened community bonds. Through this content creation, I refined my ability to communicate complex environmental concepts in a way that was both accessible and engaging. 

Collaborating with local partners enriched my experience along the way, giving me insight into the power of community collaboration in driving positive change. Throughout my internship, I also felt supported and valued by my SLATE-Z team, especially by my site mentor, Vanesa, who made me feel welcomed and respected from the very beginning. I’m also grateful to Joni, my interim supervisor, one of the kindest people I’ve ever met, who was incredibly helpful, especially with my final projects. The entire team was always ready to assist, truly making them a dream team to work with.

My time at the SLATE-Z was incredibly rewarding, inspiring me with the team’s dedication and the impact we were able to achieve together. This experience has equipped me with essential skills in project management, communications, and social media strategy, and has deepened my passion for advocating for environmental justice and sustainable development within our communities.

Welcoming New UBM Leaders: Celebrating Resident Advisory Committee (RAC)

SLATE-Z celebrates our second Resident Advisory Committee (RAC) cohort’s commencement. The goal of the RAC is to support effective development of residents as leaders and ambassadors for their neighborhoods and communities.

The RAC members went through an orientation and 12 weeks of trainings with topics including:

• Building Healthy Communities through Mobility Justice

• Landscape Analysis of Mobility in South Central Los Angeles

• Universal Basic mobility in South Central Los Angeles

• Power Dynamics

• Tour of South-Central Los Angeles

• Civic Engagement for Mobility Projects

• Developing Leadership Skills

• Group Decision Making

After the trainings, selected RAC members go on to participate in the Sustainable Transportation Equity Project (STEP) Steering Committee. Their first meeting was last week and we are so proud to have a dedicated group informing the broader community about the Universal Basic Mobility Pilot Program.

SLATE-Z leverages existing relationships developed through previous community engagement activities to identify and recruit potential RAC members who are South Los Angeles residents passionate about increasing greater access to multiple methods of transit around the city.