Coro Southern California

Grateful for the leadership and friendship of Natalie Samarjian, the Coro Southern California community, and the program alumni leading the charge across the housing and homelessness sector.

Two weeks ago, two major chapters of my LA journey came to a close. November 5th—Election Night—marked a triumphant finish to my time with Mark Gonzalez for State Assembly, where we celebrated Mark Gonzalez's election to represent Assembly District 54! I was placed at the campaign through the Coro Southern California Fellowship in Public Affairs, and by assisting Mark's superhuman campaign manager Carlos Soto, I got a behind-the-scenes look at how a winning campaign is run—and I took part in everything he did, from cutting turf and preparing canvassers to staffing Mark at events. I grew to understand the diverse needs of Angelenos across the district, from Boyle Heights to Koreatown to Montebello, and how I could support these communities as a public servant. After my Coro placement ended, I wanted to see Mark to the finish line, so I volunteered every weekend to get canvassers on the streets and prepare the office for the next week. Celebrating his victory with all his supporters was incredibly rewarding! Thank you to the incredible people I met working or volunteering on his campaign: Vicclaudiana Hernandez, Drexel Heard, Christina Kegeyan-Pappas, Odalys Alvarado, Crystal Meza, Nina Suh-Toma, Eric Moon, Alec White and all the unions and volunteers who came out weekend after weekend. Thank you to Carlos Soto, for teaching me everything I know about campaigns and for helping me get my bearings in a new city. And thank you to Mark Gonzalez, whose dedication and unending gratitude to his community made him an honor to work for. A few days later, I said my goodbyes to the Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children, where I completed my Coro nonprofit placement. Over four weeks, I developed several proposals for LuskinOIC to support the LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games, which was an invaluable chance to investigate Los Angeles' preparations for 2028 while exploring the multiple ways that LuskinOIC supports the community. There were many memorable days, from celebrating Spooktacular with the kids, to speaking with Board Chair Craig Ehrlich over dinner at his home, to introducing the Coro Fellows to the visionary leaders of the LuskinOIC Foundation, Michael Sullivan and Mary Beth Perrine. I was continuously inspired by LuskinOIC's mission to provide world-class orthopedic care to kids who need it—and their commitment to turning no child away. I could feel that dedication in every person I worked with at LuskinOIC, which made it a work experience unlike any other. Thank you to all those who make LuskinOIC's mission possible: Joanna Schafhausen Stover, Stephanie Garza Lucero, Alma Castro, Michael Willis, Danica Montes, Joe Holt, and Vanessa Klopmeyer. And thank you to Eunha Choi and Michael Sullivan for your mentorship: I will never forget what you taught me about leadership, public citizenship, and fighting for a cause. I've learned so much from my last two Coro placements. As I begin my new placement with EKA, I can't wait to see what's in store!

?? Gratitude Post ?? I’m feeling incredibly inspired after wrapping up a thought-provoking workshop on equity in the gender pay gap that I had the honor to help plan and present with my amazing Women in Leadership Coro Southern California cohort peers. A special shoutout goes to, Caroline Torosis, Esq., whose insights as a panelist were absolutely invaluable. Your deep expertise and thoughtful contributions enriched the conversation and helped shed light on actionable solutions. Thank you so much for joining us! I'm grateful to work with you on Supervisor Mitchell's team, your insight and wisdom continue to amaze me.?? To my cohort peers, thank you for your collaboration and dedication in making this event a success. I learned so much from working with you, and by putting what we are learning in CORO in practice in planning our project. We packed in data and information on pay equity, a dynamic panel discussion, and a hands-on negotiation workshop designed to empower women with tools to advocate for higher salaries. Together, we created a space for dialogue, learning, and empowerment. ?? Sophia Rice Sophia Jimenez Sonia Mak Kaetlyn Hernandez Nathalie Nevarez @connie Here’s to continuing the work toward equitable pay for all! ?? #GenderPayEquity #Empowerment #NegotiationSkills #ThankYou

Coro thanks the Inner City Law Center for partnering on a Coro X training. The training aimed to enhance team connection and examine diverse leadership styles' effects on team collaboration and communication. Inner City Law Center team members explored their leadership strengths, growth areas, communication preferences, and stressors using practical frameworks and real-time practice. Learn more about Coro X's customized professional development trainings at?corola.org/corox.

The Fellows Program in Public Affairs is a rigorous, full-time fellowship that prepares emerging leaders to shape the spirit and integrity of their communities, their organizations, and their country. Fellows learn and practice essential leadership skills and frameworks — forging connections across sectors, navigating challenges, and learning new strategies to create tangible change. Know a rising leader ready to make an impact? Nominate them for the Fellows Program and help shape the future of our communities. https://lnkd.in/gnVczd6t

Enjoy an evening filled with festive cheer, reconnect with friends, and meet new leaders across the Coro community as we toast to another impactful year together. This event is open to everyone in our Coro community—whether you’re a Coro alum, a newcomer to Southern California, or simply interested in learning more about our programs and initiatives. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! Buy tickets at https://lnkd.in/gPEUdt5b #holidayevents #civicengagement #civicevents

As 2024 draws to a close, we are inspired by the resilient and courageous leaders who have stepped forward to tackle the complex challenges facing Southern California. These leaders, driven by a deep commitment to building stronger, more inclusive, sustainable communities, are at the heart of Coro's mission. We invite you to explore our Annual Impact Report, which showcases the milestones and transformative work accomplished this year, made possible by the support of partners like you. Read the report at https://lnkd.in/g9R_HvfR The impact we've achieved would not be possible without the generosity of supporters like you. This year, as part of your year-end giving, we invite you to help Coro expand our programs and reach even more leaders. With your gift, you empower a new wave of courageous, inclusive, and visionary leaders who are ready to make lasting change in Southern California and beyond. Donate today at www.corola.org/donate

Veterans Day began as Armistice Day in 1919, marking the end of World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. In 1954, it was renamed Veterans Day to honor all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Today, we reflect on the significance of this day and the importance of peace and unity. Veterans Day calls on us to honor the past, learn from history, and strive toward a future shaped by resilience and shared responsibility.

Coro’s mission is to strengthen the democratic process by preparing people for effective and ethical leadership. This Election Day, we encourage everyone to embrace the power of their vote and participate in the democratic process. By making informed choices, you’re contributing to the future of your community and helping shape a more just and equitable society. When we engage in civic affairs, we uphold the values of accountability, collaboration, and leadership—principles at the heart of Coro’s mission. #ElectionDay #Vote2024 #YourVoteMatters #CivicEngagement

It was a joy and honor to host Coro Southern California's Civic Welcome to officially welcome and celebrate Michelle Gaskill-Hames, Regional President for Kaiser Permanente in Southern California and Hawaii. Gathering and being in community with dedicated civic leaders who share a commitment to the greater good served as a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we connect and embrace a bold vision for the future of our region. At Coro, we believe in the transformative power of community and civic leadership. Thank you, Michelle, for your vision and dedication to advancing health and equity in our region. We are excited to work alongside you and the Kaiser Permanente team to advance a brighter, healthier future for all. #CivicLeadership #CommunityImpact #CoroSoCal #CivicWelcomeDinner