EXECUTIVE TEAM

Edgar Campos
Executive DirectorEdgar Campos is a 15-year veteran of Los Angeles’ political and civic arenas. He has held a senior staff positions in the nonprofit sector, on electoral campaigns, as well as served on elected official staff teams in government and on ad-hoc projects as a consultant. Beyond working for preeminent nonprofit organizations, and successfully running several […]
READ MOREEdgar Campos

Edgar Campos is a 15-year veteran of Los Angeles’ political and civic arenas. He has held a senior staff positions in the nonprofit sector, on electoral campaigns, as well as served on elected official staff teams in government and on ad-hoc projects as a consultant. Beyond working for preeminent nonprofit organizations, and successfully running several political and advocacy campaigns, he has served on several boards, and committees, including both the Mayor of Los Angeles’ GRYD (18’) and the California Board of Community Corrections Prop 47(19’) panels. Edgar began his early career working for college readiness programs and community organizing in South L.A. helping to distil complex policy issues impacting immigrant Latino and working-class African Americans for wide audiences in an effort to find community driven solutions that empower every day residents. Edgar is known for his holistic approach to community development. His history of work in immigration, education, criminal justice, and child welfare reform inform his understanding of the intersectionality of issues that factor into affordable housing, anti displacement initiatives and strategies that help families thrive in their home communities. Edgar holds a B.A. from UCLA and has an MBA with a focus in Non-Profit Executive Management.

Siris Barrios
Director of Social Impact and Community OrganizingSiris Barrios served as the Emergency Rent Assistance Program (ERAP) Manager. Ms. Barrios is an expert in developing and implementing social impact initiatives that centered around community organizing. In the last seven years, Ms. Barrios organized stakeholders around placemaking strategies that inform land entitlements that resulted in Community Benefits Agreement embedded into new zoning. Ms. […]
READ MORESiris Barrios

Siris Barrios served as the Emergency Rent Assistance Program (ERAP) Manager. Ms. Barrios is an expert in developing and implementing social impact initiatives that centered around community organizing. In the last seven years, Ms. Barrios organized stakeholders around placemaking strategies that inform land entitlements that resulted in Community Benefits Agreement embedded into new zoning. Ms. Barrios is a geographer and community action researcher with nearly 25 years of community organizing experience.
Previously Ms. Barrios served as Director of Youth Programs at Community Coalition; a prominent nonprofit organization based in South Los Angeles established by Congresswoman Karen Bass. Ms. Barrios had the opportunity to work on the “Communities Rising,” a community-organizing space-based redevelopment model focus on resident engagement.
She was born in El Salvador and raised in Los Angeles (Watts), California, and has explored fourteen countries. Ms. Barrios loves spending time with her two boys, her husband, and her family.

Arrens Castro
Finance DirectorArrens had fifteen plus years of progressive experience handling all aspects of daily accounting operations, financial reporting, month end closing, internal controls, financial planning and analysis, ERP management with Big 4 audit, large advertising and public cpa firm serving small to mid-size retail, non-profit organizations, petroleum, construction and manufacturing clients before she joined TRUST South […]
READ MOREArrens Castro

Arrens had fifteen plus years of progressive experience handling all aspects of daily accounting operations, financial reporting, month end closing, internal controls, financial planning and analysis, ERP management with Big 4 audit, large advertising and public cpa firm serving small to mid-size retail, non-profit organizations, petroleum, construction and manufacturing clients before she joined TRUST South LA on 2012. She is a graduate of Bachelor of Science major in Accountancy and a graduate of Master Executive MBA Program from Ateneo Regis University-Philippines. She is an active member of American Institute of Certified Public Accountant and California Certified Public Accountant. She is also a Certified Global Management Accountant and a Certified Tax Preparer.

Oscar Monge
Associate Director / Community Development DirectorOscar Monge is a native Angeleno that aspires to stabilize gentrifying neighborhoods through community building and community control. He joined T.R.U.S.T. South LA in 2017 as an Environmental Planner, was promoted to Community Development Manager in 2018, and recently stepped into his new role as Associate Director of Community Development to support T.R.U.S.T. South LA’s […]
READ MOREOscar Monge

Oscar Monge is a native Angeleno that aspires to stabilize gentrifying neighborhoods through community building and community control. He joined T.R.U.S.T. South LA in 2017 as an Environmental Planner, was promoted to Community Development Manager in 2018, and recently stepped into his new role as Associate Director of Community Development to support T.R.U.S.T. South LA’s large scale and small multifamily housing projects, member & leadership development activities, as well as manage daily operations.
Oscar brings a broad range of experiences working with non-profit and public sector organizations focused on improving the quality of life of inner city residents. His passion for social and environmental justice started at an early age when he joined the LA Conservation Corps (LACC) and visualized how his own underserved community could be beautified with environmental work and youth economic empowerment. Inspired by these ideals, he returned to LACC and worked closely with LA’s inner-city youth to increase access to education and job training programs.
While completing his Master of Urban Planning (MPL) degree, Oscar worked with the USC Center for Urban Education analyzing Equity Plans for institutions of higher education and with the City of Los Angeles’ LA Promise Zone in their efforts to complete a comprehensive community needs assessment. He also had the privilege of mentoring and guiding 30+ (mostly Latinx and African American) high school students in surveying nearly 2,000+ community members in the LA Promise Zone while also providing them with financial literacy, job training, access to higher education opportunities, and most importantly, a safe space to unpack their community findings, neighborhoods’ histories + gentrification & intersectionality.
Oscar is an active Board Member of the California Community Land Trust Network and an avid participant in his local Cypress Park Neighborhood Council’s Land Use and Housing Committee. In his free time, he enjoys discussing big ideas & grassroots resilience strategies with friends, going on hikes, and camping.
TEAM MEMBERS

Arlon Tuazon
Office ManagerArlon joined T.R.U.S.T. South LA in 2019. She has 11 years experience as an Executive Assistant to the CIO in one of the largest banks in the Philippines. She has a degree in Business Management. She is part of the team that handles the day to day operation of T.R.U.S.T. office, providing clerical support, updating […]
Read moreArlon Tuazon

Arlon joined T.R.U.S.T. South LA in 2019. She has 11 years experience as an Executive Assistant to the CIO in one of the largest banks in the Philippines. She has a degree in Business Management. She is part of the team that handles the day to day operation of T.R.U.S.T. office, providing clerical support, updating member files, social media and website management.

Lillian Washington
Emergency Rent Assistance Program (ERAP) Outreach CoordinatorLillian Washington was born and raised in Watts/South Central Los Angeles. Lillian started to get involved with her community through Community Coalition as a freshman in high school; seeing the injustice and hardships of her peers, she decided to take a stand. Lillian interacted and articulated the demands of community and students to actors/actresses, government […]
Read moreLillian Washington

Lillian Washington was born and raised in Watts/South Central Los Angeles. Lillian started to get involved with her community through Community Coalition as a freshman in high school; seeing the injustice and hardships of her peers, she decided to take a stand. Lillian interacted and articulated the demands of community and students to actors/actresses, government officials that included: Rene Russo, Earl “ Magic” Johnson, Maxine Waters, Karen Bass, Bernard Parks, Mark Riley Thomas, Board of Education, and Arnie Duncan Superintendent of Education. Flash forward 11 years, Lillian, now a mother of one has felt being a consistent part of her community is the first step to making a change in the world and leaving an excellent path for the next generations to come. Ms. Washington is a Coordinator for the Emergency Rent Assitance Program and will be supporting outreach efforts.

Blanca Lucio
Office and Engagement AssociateSince coming to the organization in 2014, I’ve participated and supported TRUST’s events, programs, and staff. I think this work around land and housing is the most important work I could do as a Leader, and I am very happy to be an active member of TRUST South LA. I feel the most proud when […]
Read moreBlanca Lucio

Since coming to the organization in 2014, I’ve participated and supported TRUST’s events, programs, and staff. I think this work around land and housing is the most important work I could do as a Leader, and I am very happy to be an active member of TRUST South LA. I feel the most proud when I am inviting new community members to our organization, leading and helping facilitate our meetings and events, and giving input on our programs and work. I’m very proud to represent TRUST South LA in all spaces I am a part of.

Sandra McNeill
Development and Real Estate AdvisorMs. McNeill has been involved in community building work for over twenty years, working with community-based organizations and coalitions, which have each approached the problem of wealth and resource inequality through a range of strategies. As principal of Sandra McNeill Consulting, Ms. McNeill is committed to enhancing the capacity of non-profit organizations and community-based initiatives […]
Read moreSandra McNeill

Ms. McNeill has been involved in community building work for over twenty years, working with community-based organizations and coalitions, which have each approached the problem of wealth and resource inequality through a range of strategies.
As principal of Sandra McNeill Consulting, Ms. McNeill is committed to enhancing the capacity of non-profit organizations and community-based initiatives by offering her experience, skills and services in policy and program development, community education and technical capacity-building, and strategic planning for organizations and campaigns. From 2007 to 2017, Ms. McNeill served as the Executive Director of T.R.U.S.T. South LA (Tenemos que Reclamar y Unidos Salvar la Tierra-South LA). Her previous work also includes co-founding Strategic Actions for a Just Economy (SAJE), an economic justice organizing group, and coordinating the Figueroa Corridor Coalition for Economic Justice (predecessor to UNIDAD) and the Share the Wealth coalition
Ms. McNeill holds a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning, with a concentration in Community Economic Development, from University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA); and currently instructs the Community Collaborative program at UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs. She also holds a Bachelor of the Arts in Political Science, with a minor in Spanish Language and Literature, from Williams College in Massachusetts.

Katynja McCory
Development ConsultantKatynja McCory is a community and nonprofit development professional who grew up in South Los Angeles and was a student leader at UCLA. Her career has spanned from the Community Coalition which she helped build to the campaigns of President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Her work is rooted in the belief […]
Read moreKatynja McCory

Katynja McCory is a community and nonprofit development
professional who grew up in South Los Angeles and was a
student leader at UCLA. Her career has spanned from the
Community Coalition which she helped build to the campaigns
of President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary
Clinton. Her work is rooted in the belief that social and
economic justice is a critical part of the American dream.
Katynja has implemented new data, development, and
organizing processes locally for Cedars Sinai, the Democratic
Party, and Airbnb. Katynja’s work has been featured in the
Associated Press, People Magazine, and on Oprah. She has
been honored by President Bill Clinton for her efforts as well.

Gabriela Nunez
Community Development CoordinatorGabriela Nunez was born and raised in South Los Angeles. She has been volunteering weekly at T.R.U.S.T. South LA since summer 2017. At T.R.U.S.T. South LA, Gabriela has been involved in projects like the “Welcome to Our Neighborhood Dream” Slauson & Wall community event and their resident-led Sustainable and Stable Slauson plan. In addition, she […]
Read moreGabriela Nunez

Gabriela Nunez was born and raised in South Los Angeles. She has been volunteering weekly at T.R.U.S.T. South LA since summer 2017. At T.R.U.S.T. South LA, Gabriela has been involved in projects like the “Welcome to Our Neighborhood Dream” Slauson & Wall community event and their resident-led Sustainable and Stable Slauson plan. In addition, she has worked in T.R.U.S.T.’s office; organizing files, drafting and publishing bilingual social media posts, drafting letters, and assisting with many other clerical needs. She is earning her Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Los Ángeles, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Chicana/o Latina/o Studies.

Shakeara Mingo
Fund Development Grant ManagerShakeara Mingo is a Grant and Fund development professional who grew up in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Shakeara has been writing and managing Grants for 3 years and has secured 2 million dollars for BIPOC led nonprofits, For-profits, and grassroots organizations. Shakeara has been servicing low-income and minority communities for over 11 years. Shakeara began […]
Read moreShakeara Mingo

Shakeara Mingo is a Grant and Fund development professional who grew up in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Shakeara has been writing and managing Grants for 3 years and has secured 2 million dollars for BIPOC led nonprofits, For-profits, and grassroots organizations. Shakeara has been servicing low-income and minority communities for over 11 years. Shakeara began her early career working as a Case Manager. She helped families who were experiencing homelessness obtain permanent supportive housing. She also helped people on government assistance obtain employment. Shakeara is known for her Community Organizing. She has organized numerous direct actions around canceling rent for people who have lost wages due to COVID-19. Shakeara currently holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland College Park. Shakeara also completed graduate coursework in Urban Planning at Georgetown University.

Neyda Quintanilla
Emergency Rent Assistance Program (ERAP) ManagerNeyda Quintanilla was born and raised in South Los Angeles, having experienced racial and social injustice growing up influenced her decision to follow a career in politics and law. The housing crisis of 2010 personally impacted her life, which led to her volunteering with the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE), where she learned […]
Read moreNeyda Quintanilla

Neyda Quintanilla was born and raised in South Los Angeles, having experienced racial and social injustice growing up influenced her decision to follow a career in politics and law. The housing crisis of 2010 personally impacted her life, which led to her volunteering with the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE), where she learned about the speculative housing market, and the effects of predatory lending and banking. During her time at ACCE, she participated in direct action organizing strategies that helped bring attention to the housing crisis and inequality experienced by South Los Angeles residents. Ms. Quintanilla has professional experience as an Immigration Paralegal and retail manager.
In 2012, Ms.Quintanilla earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from California State University, Northridge. Ultimately in 2016, her focus on law led her to obtain a Paralegal Studies Certificate. She brings a diverse background and experience that led her to become an Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Manager at T.R.U.S.T South LA. Ms.Quintanilla and her ERAP teammates have helped award 2.5 million dollars to South LA tenants impacted by Covid-19. In addition, she has helped community members access and navigate legal resources to address illegal evictions. Ms. Quintanilla is invested in seeing South Los Angeles residents thrive to reach self-determination.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her loved ones at concerts, amusement parks and exploring new places that Los Angeles offers.

Karely De La Cruz
Emergency Rent Assistance Program (ERAP) Outreach CoordinatorKarely De La Cruz pronouns (She/Her/Ella) born in Gardena, and raised transnationally in Tijuana, South Los Angeles and Compton. She has been involved in the community since her early childhood. She continues to engage in her community through mutual aid efforts that are with and for unhoused folks and housing unsecured families. Karely is earning […]
Read moreKarely De La Cruz
