Meet The Commissioners

TIARA SUMMERS

Executive Director

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Policy Areas: Juvenile Justice and Mental Health

Bio: Tiara Summers has allowed her lived experience to serve as the driving force behind her passion to serve youth, families, and the community.  Although Tiara was born and raised in Oakland, California, she has dedicated over 20 years serving the community of Los Angeles County.  Tiara studied at the California State University of Long Beach where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Social Work.

Tiara began her career working as a youth counselor and rehabilitation therapist for a level-14 STRTP psychiatric facility.  She dedicated 5 years working with youth impacted by the juvenile justice and child welfare systems who were diagnosed with severe mental health disorders.  She provided group counseling centered around cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma informed care, and more. 

Tiara continued her career working for the Los Angeles County Probation Department.  She dedicated 15 years of service working in diverse settings such as: Dorothy Kirby Center (DKC), Quality Assurance Bureau, Dashboard, Camp Community Transition Program (CCTP), Systems Accountability Bureau, AB109 Adult Probation, and Juvenile Investigations and Supervision.  Tiara’s probation career began as a therapist providing individual, group, and family therapy to sexually exploited youth at the DKC residential facility. Throughout Tiara’s probation career, she worked on various special projects to impact change such as continuum of care initiative, monitoring staff on youth violence, redesign of the behavior modification program, implementation of the strengthening needy family’s program, and more.  She participated in community outreach by spearheading, planning, and organizing the annual food drive and toy drive at the Compton courthouse (South-Central Probation Office) for three consecutive years.

Tiara believes impactful and transformative change begins with a person having a genuine heart to selflessly and relentlessly serve others.  Tiara’s lived experience channels her irrefutable passion to be part of the solution to transform the lives of systems-involved youth by supporting the voices of our youth.  She is vested and devoted to serving the LAC Youth Commission.

Superpowers: Selfless and Empathetic

ASHLEY CARRILLO-LOPEZ

Executive Assistant

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Policy Areas: Youth Advocacy

Bio: Ashley Carrillo-Lopez, she/her, is a 21 year old student at Long Beach City College, transferring to California State University Long Beach as a Social Work Major where she will get her Masters. Ashley is extremely passionate about uplifting and providing assistance/resources to Systems Involved Transitional Age Youth. As a Former Foster Youth herself, Ashley believes sharing her experience with youth in similar paths can offer great outcomes. Ashley has a great amount of administrative and clerical experience in and out of the county — starting as a Youth Worker for the Department of Children and Family Services, where her interest in serving systems involved youth began, and now serving as a Career Development Intern for the Board of Supervisors, under the Youth Commission. Ashley is eager and hopes to be able to give back resources and assistance that she received once as a youth in care.

Super Power: Spreading Joy

Vivian Martirosyan

Management Analyst

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Bio: As the Youth Commission's Management Analyst, Vivian Martirosyan is committed to improving and standardizing data analysis and research efforts to streamline proposals made to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. Vivian is dedicated to identifying logistical problems and helping improve the commission’s efficiency.

Vivian has previously worked for the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in the Service Linkage Unit, ensuring mental health linkage for clients. Additionally, Vivian has worked as a Human Services Aide for DCFS, providing specialized program and client-related assistance and support to professional staff in providing human services to the public.

In addition to her child welfare experience, Vivian has previously worked as a Law Enforcement Technician for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and learned first-hand the importance of having pre-arrest and school-based diversion programs for the youth.

Vivian holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the California State University of Northridge.

Superpowers: Reliability and Humility

FLORENCIA “FLO” VALENZUELA

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Policy Areas: Universal Basic Income, TAY

Bio: Flo Valenzuela is an enthusiastic and brilliant advocate for youth involved in the foster care system. Flo is currently studying sociology at UCLA and believes that it is fundamental for youth to co-envision and co-create the systems intended to support their lives. She was nominated by Supervisor Hilda L. Solis and is an extremely accomplished young woman who wants to use her voice to inspire youth currently involved in various systems. Flo hopes to remove transportation barriers for systems-involved youth and is excited to share solutions on the Youth Commission.

Super Power: Protecting Those I Love

LA’TOYA COOPER

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Policy Areas: Child Welfare

Bio: La’Toya Cooper is an outstanding and vibrant young leader. She shadowed Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell during a California Youth Connection event in 2018. She credits that experience and participation in The RightWay Foundation as the key reasons she desires to lend her voice on the Youth Commission. La’Toya hopes to inspire other youth who have been impacted by the foster care system and is excited to bring her ideas and insight. She has a genuine enthusiasm and will represent youth and the Second District well.

Super Power: Connection

JOSHUA ELIZONDO

Pronouns: he/him/his

Policy Areas: Entertainment, Education

Bio: Joshua Elizondo is a brilliant leader and creative and has advocated for systems-impacted youth for over ten years. He has completed 9 Associate Degrees from Santa Monica College and is currently completing double Bachelor of Arts degrees at Pepperdine University. He has collaborated with many organizations through his advocacy efforts, including Spirit Awakening, MYOI, PBS SoCal ‘s-To Foster Change, and California Youth Connection, where he currently sits on the Board of Directors. Joshua also founded The Foster Bunch, an organization aimed at changing the narrative of the child welfare system. He is eager to use his diverse background to give back to the community.

Super Power: Connecting with people

CLARISSA PEÑA

Pronouns:  She/her/hers

Bio: Clarissa Peña is a dedicated public servant, youth advocate, and student leader in Los Angeles County. She currently serves as a commissioner on the LA County Youth Commission, where she works to amplify the voices and perspectives of young people in county policy-making.

Clarissa's personal experiences have shaped her passion for advocacy and community service. She entered the County's foster care system at nine years old after experiencing homelessness with her family. She spent another ten years in foster care, switching between home placements and moving schools frequently, before settling at Jordan High School in North Long Beach.

Despite the challenges she faced, Clarissa excelled academically and developed a strong commitment to community service. She graduated from Jordan High with over 600 hours of community service with California Youth Connection, a testament to her dedication to giving back to her community.

In Fall 2021, Clarissa achieved a major milestone, moving out of her last group home and into on-campus housing at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). She is now pursuing a liberal arts track as her area of study, with a focus on political science.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Clarissa works with the California Youth Connection as a Core Organizer, continuing her advocacy work on behalf of young people in foster care and beyond.

Upon her appointment to the LA County Youth Commission, Clarissa expressed her gratitude and commitment to the role, stating: "First I would like to thank Supervisor Hahn for appointing me to the Los Angeles County Youth Commission. I'm honored to represent District 4 since I was raised in cities such as Long Beach, Whittier, and South Gate throughout my time in the child welfare system. From my lived experience, I hope to uplift the voices and experiences of those who have been system impacted, who have experienced homelessness, and part of the Latinx community. I am excited for this opportunity and I look forward to connecting with the youth of Los Angeles County!"

Her experiences and leadership have made a positive impact on countless lives, and she remains a shining example of resilience, determination, and community spirit in Los Angeles County.

AMANDA HERNANDEZ

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Policy Areas: Workforce Development, TAY

Bio: Amanda Hernandez is a brilliant and kind advocate for youth experiencing foster care. As a current employee with the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs, Amanda will provide vital insights on navigating County departments and systems. Amanda was nominated by Supervisor Kathryn Barger and is excited to explore County policies and programs; and is ready to partner with various departments and organizations. She is interested in exploring workforce development opportunities for systems-involved youth and plans to use her time on the Youth Commission to make a difference within and beyond her community.

Super Power: Creativity

Jessica Castillo

Pronouns: she/her/hers

CRISTOPHER ESPINO

Pronouns: he/him/his

Policy Areas: Juvenile Justice

EVELYN KARINA RODRIGUEZ

Pronouns: they/them/theirs

SHERRIE BRADFORD

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Policy Areas: Universal Basic Income, Yay, Child Welfare, College Affordability, Employment

Bio: Sherrie Bradford is a senior at the University of Los Angeles California Los Angeles, working toward a degree in Education and Social Transformation. She is a Youth Education Advocate and Trainer with the Alliance for Children’s Rights. In her free time, she loves to go to the movies and catch any premieres around the Westwood area. She has performed in her community , local open mic nights, talent shows, and comedy clubs. She loves to sing, dance, and act. Her horoscope is a Virgo and she believes it is the best sign because Beyonce is also one. Over the summer, she was able to land two internships with Tiffany Haddish and Kovert creative. Furthermore, she will be starring in the short film Run where she was a part of the writing, acting, and producing process. Her goals for the upcoming year are to be able to Study Abroad in Europe and apply for grad school. She is currently working with Bruin Guardian Scholars First Star Academy, a program that allows high school-aged foster youth support in growing their career, educational, and personal goals while helping assist into adulthood.

CHRISTIAN GUDIEL

MARTINE JONES

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Policy Areas: Youth Housing Justice, Education, Mental Health and Trauma Informed Care, Restorative Justice, Foster Care and Child Welfare Reform,  Racial and Social Equity, Youth Engagement and Advocacy, and Intervention and Prevention of sex trafficking. 

Bio: Martine is a first generation former foster youth alumni from California State Polytechnic University, and proudly serves as a Los Angeles Youth Commissioner and as a Foster Youth Voice Representative for the Los Angeles Unified Area and South Bay districts. Martine is dedicated to chart a more equitable present and future for system impacted youth.

Super Power: My lived expertise and extensive knowledge on the Los Angeles child welfare system

MERCEDES JACKSON

Pronouns: she/her/hers

ANGELA YOUNG

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Policy Areas: Kin-gap, Permanency

Bio: Angela Young is a confident, accomplished, and brilliant advocate. She has been very active in the Youth Commission’s initial workgroups and has lent her voice on several important projects as the Youth Commission launches. Angela brings a wealth of professional and academic experiences. She hopes to lend her voice and experiences on various topics, including education and professional development opportunities for system-involved youth. A team player with a bright smile, Angela is excited to partner with her colleagues on the Youth Commission to reimagine the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.

Super Power: Relationship Management, Empathy

MYRIAH SMILEY

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Policy Areas: Child Welfare, Housing

Bio: Myriah Smiley is an “architect,” one of six youth leaders who helped conceptualize and create the Los Angeles County Youth Commission. Her advocacy, intelligence, and graciousness are widely regarded in the child welfare system and other community organizations. Myriah was voted Miss Compton in 2018 and hopes that her story and experiences will be an example of other youth interested in impacting their communities. Myriah is currently studying Culinary Arts at LA Harbor College.

Super Power: Empathy, Relationship Building

BRITTIANNA ROBINSON

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Policy Areas: Juvenile Justice

Bio: Brittianna is a resilient and outgoing advocate with a powerful story and can connect with diverse communities. Through her experience in programs like Saving Innocence Project and Survival Leadership Academy for Youth (SLAY), she has used her voice in improving systems for youth across the County. Brittianna has a clear vision for improving the child welfare and juvenile justice systems and is excited to share her ideas. She will be a strong advocate and powerful public speaker for the Youth Commission.

Super Power: Generosity

LUISA FLORES URRUTIA

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Policy Areas: Public Health & Wellness

Bio: Luisa Flores Urrutia is a compassionate and innovative young leader who will bring a unique perspective to the Youth Commission. Her experiences navigating the child welfare and immigration systems will provide tremendous insights. Luisa is incredibly passionate about education and wellness for systems-involved young people and will bring an inspiring voice to the Youth Commission. She is a City of Pasadena Public Health Department Community Ambassador, young adults advocate, and case manager. Luisa helps young adults at risk or suffering from housing insecurity get connected with sustainable housing in this role. As a current student at CSU Los Angeles, she plans to graduate with her Bachelors of Science degree in Kinesiology in 2021 and apply to the Physical Therapy doctorate program at USC.

Super Power: Happiness, Gratitude, Discipline

RICARDO ORTEGA MARTINEZ JR.

Pronouns: he/him/his

Policy Areas: Higher Ed, Financial Independence, Immigration

Bio: Ricardo is a savvy public servant and passionate advocate for foster youth. His diverse experiences in state and local policy will benefit the Youth Commission and the youth it serves. He has been active as a Legislative Committee member with California Youth Connection, was appointed to Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson’s Commission on Immigration, and is currently completing his Bachelor of Science degree at CSU Dominguez Hills. Ricardo currently works with Children’s Institute Inc. as a Peer/Parent Partner to support clients’ mental health journey. Ricardo hopes to streamline processes for systems-involved youth to receive financial and healthcare services.

Super Power: Healing (physical & mental pain)