About Us

Acerca de Los Angeles Walks

Los Angeles Walks is a member-driven nonprofit working to transform the city’s streets into vibrant, people-centered spaces. Founded in 1998 by urban planner and designer Deborah Murphy, the organization advocates for equitable infrastructure so that everyone can move through their communities with dignity and ease.
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Despite its car-centric reputation, Los Angeles already walks. From bustling sidewalks in Koreatown to neighborhood strolls in Boyle Heights, walking is essential to how Angelenos connect. Los Angeles Walks champions this reality by pushing for safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable walking conditions for all.

Nuestro equipo

Alexandra Ramírez

Directora ejecutiva

Bajo el liderazgo del director ejecutivo Alex Ramírez, Los Angeles Walks hace hincapié en un enfoque de transporte activo impulsado por la comunidad.

As a Mexican immigrant and urban planner, Alex works with diverse neighborhoods to reclaim public spaces and advocate for fair, accessible transportation. She champions the cultural and economic contributions of LA’s communities, ensuring equity and inclusion guide our mission.

Alex holds a master’s in urban and regional planning from the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s in architecture from Universidad de las Américas Puebla.

En Los Angeles Walks, creemos en la poder de la comunidad para crear un cambio duradero.
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Juntos, estamos construyendo una ciudad donde caminar es seguro, accesible, y celebrado.

Jose Richard Avilés

Presidente de la junta

Nacido y criado en el centro sur de Los Ángeles, Jose Richard Aviles combina el arte y la experiencia en planificación urbana para promover la equidad y la seguridad de los peatones. En el Othering and Belonging Institute, lideran iniciativas de justicia en el transporte, moderan la serie Reimaginando la planificación urbana y se desempeñan como líderes de estrategia artística y cultural, centrándose en la investigación sobre la imaginación radical.

Aviles colaboró con Los Angeles Walks y LADOT para desarrollar un glosario de términos bilingüe, promoviendo la inclusión en la planificación del transporte. Su trabajo ha sido destacado por la Asociación Estadounidense de Planificación y han enseñado en la Escuela Luskin de Asuntos Públicos de la UCLA.

Como artista, Avilés ha realizado giras internacionales con su aclamada Noche con Nalgona, mezclando «poesía en vivo». Su voz creativa apareció en la campaña del Mes de la Herencia Latina de Spotify y en su popular podcast, Fruta Fresca. Actualmente, están trabajando en su segundo libro de poesía, inspirado en su estancia en la Ciudad de México.

Jeri Lynch

Board Member

Jeri Dye Lynch, a member of SoCal Families for Safe Streets, became a pedestrian and driver safety advocate after her 16-year-old son, Conor, was tragically killed by a distracted, unlicensed driver in 2010. She founded the Conor Lynch Foundation to raise awareness about traffic violence and advocates locally, nationally, and internationally for safer streets.

A graduate of USC and Southwestern Law School, Jeri has held leadership roles in education and business, including as president of Pinecrest Schools and Pinecone Development. She is a proud mother of two sons, an avid walker, and a world traveler who has visited over 100 countries. Jeri lives in Sherman Oaks with her two Cavapoos, Nacho and Bosco.

John Thomas Benson

Board Member

John Thomas Benson is a recent father and resident of the Arts District in Los Angeles. Born in Long Beach and raised in Tucson, Arizona, he holds a Bachelor’s in Arts, Media, and Entertainment from the University of Arizona and a Master’s in Urban Sustainability from Antioch University Los Angeles.

With a diverse background that includes roles as a coach, foster caretaker, musician, actor, artist, carpenter, urban farmer, youth pastor, project manager, and executive assistant, John Thomas brings a wealth of experience in community service. His work is deeply rooted in a commitment to humanity, guided by his mystical faith.

Nina Kim

Board Member

Nina Kin is the Tech Lead for LA Metro’s Digital Experience Team, where she enhances rider experiences and accessibility through web tools and data optimization. With 17 years of experience in government technology, she is passionate about making public systems more equitable and effective.

Growing up in a multi-generational immigrant household in suburban Los Angeles, Nina saw the challenges her grandparents faced navigating limited transportation options. Inspired by her college years in the Bay Area, she is committed to creating more walkable and accessible communities. Outside of work, Nina is a fiber crafter, bicyclist, and taiko drummer with the JTown Taiko Club, often exploring DTLA on foot.

Jorge Cáñez

Board Member

Jorge Cáñez is a dedicated pedestrian advocate with a passion for creating community-driven solutions that empower underserved communities to design safe and vibrant streets. As a walker, cyclist, and public transit enthusiast, Jorge believes in the power of public spaces to promote equity and dignity.

Currently a Senior Planning Coordinator at Kounkuey Design Initiative (KDI), Jorge co-authored Urban Planning in Mexico and previously worked with ITDP in Mexico City to develop road safety policies and lead the city’s first participatory road safety program. He holds a Master’s in Urban Planning from UCLA and a Bachelor’s in Political Science from ITAM.

Consejo de Administración

Jose Richard Aviles

Board Chair

Lea la biografía

Jeri Lynch

Board Member

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John Thomas Benson

Board Member

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Nina Kim

Board Member

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Jorge Cáñez

Board Member

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Creamos PODER para cambiar la CULTURA.

Los Angeles Walks crea poder en las comunidades para transformar nuestras calles en entornos seguros, accesibles y vibrantes para los millones de personas que caminan en Los Ángeles.

Nuestra teoría del cambio

CONSTRUYA PODER mediante la organización y la movilización de un amplio electorado para que las personas caminen por condiciones seguras y accesibles para caminar en Los Ángeles, particularmente en los barrios históricamente desinvertidos.
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CAMBIE LA CULTURA amplificando las voces de las comunidades más afectadas por las colisiones de tráfico y el peligroso diseño de calles, y colaborando con los miembros de la comunidad para recuperar el espacio público para las personas.
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CREE EL CAMBIO ejerciendo el poder colectivo para abogar por cambios inmediatos y seguros en las calles, así como para garantizar los nombramientos de los comités ciudadanos y los cargos electos para dar forma directamente a las políticas y las narrativas públicas.

DEVELOP Los Ángeles se convierte en una organización representativa, sólida y estable que incorpora una diversidad de partes interesadas a nuestro equipo de liderazgo, personal y junta directiva.

Participe en Los Angeles Walks.

Voluntario

Únase a Los Angeles Walks y a sus vecinos para activar calles seguras y realizar caminatas comunitarias.

Soporte

Apoye el trabajo de Los Angeles Walks hacia nuestra visión a largo plazo convirtiéndose en un miembro sostenible.

Colabore

Contrate a los promotores de Los Angeles Walks para que realicen auditorías de caminatas en su área.