The Goldhirsh Foundation and its LA2050 initiative announced today that a trio of new Fellows has recently joined the organization. They are:

• Carla Fuentes, Social Impact and Outreach Fellow, Goldhirsh Foundation / LA2050.
• Ariadna Cruz, Social Media and Communications Fellow, Goldhirsh Foundation / LA2050.
• SaraJoy Salib, Social Media and Communications Fellow, Goldhirsh Foundation / LA2050.

“In our grantmaking, investing, and personnel decisions, we seek out top emerging ideas and fresh perspectives," Tara Roth, president of the Goldhirsh Foundation, says. “Carla Fuentes, Ariadna Cruz, and SaraJoy Salib each appear to possess the passion, drive, and discipline necessary to create positive change in the communities of this region. I'm delighted to welcome them to the team."

Fuentes is a student of Political Science with an emphasis of Public Policy and Management from CSU Northridge. She has experience working with nonprofits and local government, and on elections and political campaigns. Most recently, she focused on outreach to close the digital divide, and efforts to hold social media platforms accountable for the spread of misinformation.

"I am excited to be a part of the Goldhirsh Foundation and LA2050, to give back to my own community through this organization's great work," Fuentes says. “I cannot wait to see the social changes and the impacts made in the coming year."

Cruz is a Masters in Social Entrepreneurship candidate at USC, and is passionate about leveling the playing field and inspiring others to be more compassionate and caring for the world around them. She is dedicated to serving the LGBTQ+ immigrant community, and advocating for food insecurity. During her time at USC, she has been involved with organizations such as the MSSE Student Association, Latino Alumni Association, Queer Graduate Alliance, and Latino Business Association, and volunteered with the Trojan Food Pantry.

“When I first learned about LA2050, I was excited about the opportunity to join such an incredible organization that understands intersectionality and is uplifting BIPOC Angelinos," Cruz says. “I am impressed with the work that the Foundation has accomplished thus far, and eager to be a part of this work."

Salib is a 2021 Cognitive Science graduate from Occidental College and an LA native who is currently completing a series of post-baccalaureate courses at West Los Angeles College to prepare for medical school. She has been an intern with the LA84 Foundation, and has been involved in social advocacy groups including CopticHealth, the Algebra Project, Oxy's Justice Equity Diversity Inclusion Athlete Committee, and the Oxy Sexual Assault Coalition.

“As an LA local with a passion to serve my community," Salib says, “I am energized to join a team of individuals who are motivated to equitably distribute resources to marginalized peoples across the LA region and beyond.

Each of the three Fellows will work on a wide range of platforms and projects, including the signature annual MyLA2050 Grants Challenge, soon entering its ninth year. The grants challenge is an annual open call for ideas to make LA the best place to learn, create, play, connect, and live. A total of $1,000,000 is awarded among 25 organizations to implement their proposals. Each organization receives grant funds and partnership from LA2050 to support its efforts. Additional funding and prizes are often awarded by My LA2050 partners. More than 1,800 past proposals from Los Angeles-area nonprofits, for-profits, individuals and government agencies are available for anyone to search, view, and make donations at the MyLA2050 Ideas Archive.

ABOUT LA2050

LA2050 (www.la2050.org) is an initiative driving and tracking progress toward a shared vision for the future of Los Angeles. We are centered around five unique goals that in 2050 Los Angeles will be the best place to learn, create, play, connect, and live.

Connect with @LA2050 on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, and sign up here to receive our newsletter, which includes social impact job listings and events.

ABOUT THE GOLDHIRSH FOUNDATION

At the Goldhirsh Foundation, (www.goldhirshfoundation.org), we connect the dots between the best emerging innovations and the financial, social, and human capital to make them thrive.

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