Michael Allan Fraser is a Public Interest Attorney who has lived downtown for five years. Michael loves that in DTLA he can commute by bicycle, and has the option of living car-free. He is passionate about urbanism and fighting for a better Los Angeles.

Gabriella Barbosa is a children’s rights lawyer experience in social justice education, advocacy and policy to advance and achieve access and equity for children across multiple issue areas including public education, health and well-being, and economic stability. Rooted in and motivated by her lived experience as the first generation of her family to be be born in the US, her work centers in advancing the rights of children, youth and families from historically marginalized communities so that they can achieve their dreams and thrive. Gabriella loves living in DTLA because of its diverse community, walking culture, beautiful rooftop sunsets, historic architecture, vibrant civic and political engagement, and access to incredible art, music, and food.

Samir Bitar is a queer business owner, US Army veteran, and community leader. Born to Lebanese immigrants in the Valley, Samir has spent his professional career advocating for universal access to the arts, LGBTQ+ equality, and participatory democracy. What inspires Samir about and why he lives in DTLA is its spirit of resilience and community, where people from all walks of life come together to create dynamic neighborhoods, all within a walkable cityscape with more than 200 years of history. Samir sits on the board of the Ojai Film Festival, has a thriving tax law business, and serves as Chairman of the Board of Dance Loft 14 in Washington DC.

Trelynd “Tre” Bradley has been a resident of DTLA since 2021, living in the Financial District / Bunker Hill area. He loves and deeply values DTLA for its dynamic diversity, unparalleled access to cultural amenities, and immense opportunity to become a leading hub for innovation and upward mobility. As a professional at the intersection of public policy and economic development, Tre’s background spans multiple areas, including business development, climate and sustainability, technology, finance, real estate, and urban planning. His commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community drives his passion for contributing to DTLA’s future growth and success.

Farah Casis has worked and lived in DTLA since 2015, enjoying its many perks, including world-class restaurants, nightlife and hospitality. After living in Panama City, Bogotá, Madrid, Zurich, NYC and Boston, Farah embodies “city chic”; she thrives in the buzzing vibe of DTLA and loves being a part of this resilient, friendly and diverse community. She is the events manager for Circa 93 venues and has the great opportunity to host, work with, and meet many of DTLA residents, businesses and organizations. When not working, you will find Farah hiking, camping, discovering new spots in the city, roaming around these DTLA streets with her new rescue (Billy) or traveling.

Teresa Y Hillery, a resident of South Park for nearly two decades, moved from Vacaville, CA to “live, work, and play” in a vibrant Downtown LA. She loves downtown for its diversity and walkability. With a background in commercial real estate law, Teresa commands respect within the legal community and has recently been appointed to the Planning and Land Use Committee of the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council. Her passion for bettering people's lives led her to pursue a Public Leadership Credential from Harvard and campaign for a seat on the Los Angeles City Council. Equipped with expertise in public policy, community development, and legal strategies, Teresa is poised to collaborate with DTLA RA in creating a better Los Angeles for all.

Cassy Horton is a nonprofit and public policy leader who has devoted her career to improving outcomes for kids. She is the Executive Director of Pickles Group, a national organization that supports kids whose parents have cancer. Previously she championed the needs of 130,000 students as the Vice President of Local Advocacy for the California Charter Schools Association and led programming and fundraising work at Los Angeles Team Mentoring. She was a member of the Neubauer Civic Scholars Program for nonprofit and government professionals, and is part of the Downtown Women’s Center Los Angeles Leadership Circle. Cassy loves living car-free in LA’s most walkable, transit-rich, diverse neighborhood and is committed to helping DTLA thrive as a vibrant urban residential community.

Leslie A. Ridings is a native Angeleno and the son of Latino immigrants. Leslie's background is as diverse as our city, having been a bartender, a pizza-man, a motorcycle mechanic, run a record label, founded a film production company, and been a guest lecturer at the University of Southern California. More recently, he's settled on being a corporate litigator with an active pro bono practice in immigrant and tenants’ rights. His advocacy and passion for DTLA is motivated by his belief in the inherent dignity and immense potential in all people and his vision for everything that our city could-- and should -- be doing for its residents. Leslie loves living in our city’s dense urban core, loves not needing a car, and believes more Angelenos should be able to afford to live this way if they choose to.

Lily Rosenberg is the previous Director of Strategic Relations at Central City Association of Los Angeles (CCA). An interdisciplinary public affairs, communications, and marketing professional, Lily is passionate about writing and engaging stakeholders to bridge the public and private sectors and build consensus to address complex civic issues in Los Angeles. A DTLA resident, Lily serves as President of the Downtown UCLA Bruins alumni chapter. Her favorite part of urban living is living a less car-reliant life with proximity to unbeatable food and world-class arts and culture. Lily received her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and recently graduated from the Coro Southern California Lead LA Program for civic leaders.

Marc Sinnott is the founder of Urbana Real Estate, an independent brokerage based in DTLA. With a passion for urbanism and housing advocacy, he has a long history of community involvement with both city and non-profit organizations. Marc lives in the Historic Core with his partner Carrin and Miso, their 5-year old Jindo pup. Marc loves living in the most walkable neighborhood in the city, and being constantly immersed in all the history, food, culture, beauty, diversity, and life that DTLA has to offer.

Ricardo Sebastián is a first-generation Mexican American, non-binary, and pansexual business leader. They started their first company at twenty years old while serving as Student President of Robert Morris University’s international business club, ENACTUS. Over the last 17 years, Ricardo has dedicated their entrepreneurial career to supporting LGBTQ+ businesses, artists, programs, and initiatives across America. Currently serving as the Co-Founder and CEO of arraygency, Executive Director of OUTLOUD music festival, and Producer of LGBTQ+ Business Week Virtual Summit, Ricardo continues their mission of empowering the queer economy.

Noemi Tagorda has lived in the historic core since 2006. A regular Metro rider, she appreciates the potential for a car free walkable community. Along with her husband, she is raising three kids in DTLA.

Rodney Stone is the President of a national architectural/interior design firm. He received his architectural education at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn… and on the streets of New York City. Since he was 15 he wanted to be an architect and over 50 years later, he still loves it. Rodney has been DTLA resident for 10 years. As an urbanite, he wouldn’t live anywhere else in LA.