Team
Our programs create big impact at a very small cost, run with minimal paid staff assistance. Our volunteer board and volunteer Executive Director work hard to ensure our money goes to the neighborhood, not overhead. Our board members help oversee every aspect of our nonprofit’s day-to-day existence, from programming to finance.
Rochelle McAdam
Board Member and Tutoring Program Director
Rochelle is the founder of Urban Partners Los Angeles. She grew up in the Westlake/Pico Union neighborhood, graduating from Berendo Junior High School and John Francis Polytechnic High, now Trade Tech. She has served the community since the 1980’s and oversaw the Groceries for our Neighbors food distribution from 1995 to 2020. Rochelle is in her 90s and still active in the community she loves.
Collin Campana
Administrator
Collin is an actor and native of Cleveland, Ohio. He became involved with the COVID-19 Emergency Food Bank in the summer of 2020, serving neighbors weekly on the frontline distribution crew. He is an active volunteer with UPLA and now serves as the organization’s Administrator.
Deynsi Claro
Program Director
A Cal State LA graduate in Child Development; she is an avid and enthusiastic teacher that believes children learn best in an enriching and stimulating environment. Deynsi is dedicated to offering an environment for children that will support their higher learning.
Mo Allen
Chair
Mo Allen is an actor living in Pasadena with husband, Tyler, and new baby, Josephine Jane. Mo serves as the chair of the Board of UPLA and has been active in volunteering with the Tutoring Program and Cultural Enrichment Program. She loves connecting with the kids and their families. Mo is also a member of First Unitarian Church of Los Angeles where she served on the board for three years, two of which she served as the board secretary. She is grateful for the partnership between UPLA and First Church and the shared commitment to serving our community.
Irene Montantes
Board Member and Secretary
Irene Montantes is an Indigenous Apache/Mexica mother of two, with a unique background. Irene completed numerous academic/educational courses in social work from 2002 – 2010 with organizations like Friends of the Family – Young Parents’ Program, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and Drug and Alcohol Counselor. Irene grew a passion for social Justice and began her journey as a human rights and civil rights activist in 2012. Irene has been a part of several movements, including Divest LA and Revolution LA as a founding team member, Media Leader, Director of Community Outreach, and Street Team Leader for Public Bank LA, and has had active roles with Indigenous Rights Movements, such as No DAPL. Additionally, Irene was a news reporter for KPFK Radio – Los Angeles, in the progressive evening news department. Currently, Irene is a California Coordinating Committee Member, for the National Poor People’s Campaign, Founder of Los Angeles Baby Cooperative and on the Advisory Committee of SFV United Alliance. She has an A.A. in History and a minor in Journalism, B.A. in History, Law and Society from the University of California — Riverside and is currently at the University of La Verne – College of Law and Public Service, studying to obtain a Juris Doctor (JD) Degree to pursue becoming an attorney.
Jolly Hollamon
Board Member
Joshua “Jolly” Hollamon (they/he) is a Los Angeles based activist, with organizing expertise around climate justice and local politics. They previously held the Climate Justice Organizer position at the UU Justice Ministry of California, and are now an organizer with UUs for Justice in the Middle East. In 2020, they co-managed the incubation and operations of a new drop-in, homelessness access center in Sherman Oaks. He has been active in building a healthier and more sustainable community, from traveling to DC to lobby with congressmen to organizing and supporting community events. He has even been a front-line activist and coalition builder in various movements including the Line 3 pipeline in Minnesota. At First Unitarian Church of Los Angeles they are a member of the Animal Ministry and Building & Grounds Committees. Jolly believes in taking an active role in community sustainability.
kevin Smith
Board Member and Finance Committee
Kevin has been a supporter of UPLA for over ten years. He believes particularly that the availability of quality learning opportunities can empower communities in transformitive ways over just one or two generations. Kevin has been a software engineer for over thirty years, most recently at Youtube developing frameworks for their iOS and Android applications. He has the world-champion cat Lelly, and is trying hard to learn Chinese.
Victor Casas
Board Member
Victor is an Organizer for Revolution LA and Divest LA.
He is tired of being a bystander, inspired by the great possibilities of humanity.
Jeff Stanzler
Board Member
Jeff and his family have been volunteering at “Without Limits for Math and Reading” for almost 4 years. His five-year-old son Nikolaihas practically grown up there. For the Stanzlers, “Without Limits” is not just a chance to give back with our time and donations, but it’s also an opportunity for us to see first hand what the power of a well run, homegrown, community program can do.
A filmmaker drawn to stories looted from the tumult of our times, Jeff Stanzler was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Screenplay for SORRY,HATERS and has films that have played in the Sundance, Toronto, Venice and AFI film festivals. He has directed an array of award winning actors such as Robin Wright, Tim Roth, James Gandolfini, Sam Jackson, Julianna Magulies, Sandra Oh – as well as working with notable Producers: Lawrence Kasdan, Mark Waters, John Sloss and HBO. Recently, he has started to explore new mediums and is the process of completing a VR film series, “STATE POWER.”
Luane Stanzler
Board Member
Luane Stanzler, a 16-year-old high school student based in Los Angeles, has recently been appointed as a board member, reflecting her dedication to community service and leadership. Since the age of 7, she has volunteered with UPLA’s “Without Limits” program, tutoring and supporting underprivileged children. At school, Luane has held several leadership positions, serving as both Vice President and President of her class, as well as Commissioner. She enjoys organizing activities, fundraising, and leading initiatives that benefit her peers and the wider community. Luane’s passion for making a difference shines through in every role she takes on, whether in her school or her community.
About
Urban Partners Los Angeles is a 501(c)(3) devoted to improving the lives of people who live in the Koreatown / Westlake sections of the city of Los Angeles.
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Address:
First Unitarian Church
2936 W. 8th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90005
Email Address:
[email protected]
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