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.

A Vista into New Roles & Worlds: My Year with SLATE-Z

By Lucia Cappella

In March 2024, I joined SLATE-Z as a Communications Associate through the Americorps VISTA program. I was a fresh college grad, and though I had some experience with social impact communications, I knew I wanted to spend my year of service trying my hand at various roles within the nonprofit space. I hoped I would get the chance to at SLATE-Z.

Soon after joining the SLATE-Z team, it became clear that this was a great place for someone with my goals. Since it is a small organization, there are lots of opportunities to wear multiple hats. SLATE-Z’s role as a convening organization also means the staff regularly collaborates with other community-based organizations, federal and state agencies, and foundations, providing exposure to a wide variety of social impact career pathways.

In addition to my communications tasks, I jumped into the Transit Workgroup facilitator role, helping to set agendas and facilitate meetings that push forward SLATE-Z’s goals around transit – one of their five levers of change. Since taking on this role, I've had numerous opportunities to attend in-person events, like the annual Move LA conference, which took place at historic Biltmore Hotel. I loved getting to listen in on panels about exciting topics in transportation, like the legacy of the 2028 Olympic Games, all while surrounded by the folks passionate about transforming transit in LA.

Another of SLATE-Z's initiatives I help to support is called Cultural Treasures of South LA. By just sitting in on meetings for this initiative, I get to watch collaboration between a diverse group of professionals unfold, including folks from the Department of Cultural Affairs, Neighborhood Data for Social Change, Community Coalition, and LA Commons. Through exposure to their work, I am learning how my interests in communications, arts, and activism can be combined and turned into a career. 

SLATE-Z is an interesting and strategic place from which to launch a career, but it’s also a wonderful place to spend a year of service. With a warm, collaborative, and passionate team, I felt instantly welcome. Prospective VISTA’s, definitely apply!