Akib Rahman is a passionate public policy professional committed to driving equitable,
community-centered solutions for underserved populations. As a Policy Associate at Arts for LA,
Akib combines his expertise in policy analysis with a deep-seated passion for arts advocacy to
promote a vibrant, inclusive Los Angeles region.

With a Master of Public Policy from UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs and dual Bachelor’s
degrees in International Studies and Political Science from UC Irvine, Akib’s academic and
professional journey is deeply rooted in his commitment to underserved communities. His lived
experience as a first-generation student from a working-class immigrant family fuels his drive to
break down barriers and build a more inclusive society.

Akib’s career demonstrates his dedication to driving positive change through policy, research,
and education. Prior to his current role, he served as a Research Associate at Daley Strategies,
where he collaborated with government offices, nonprofits, and community groups to secure
funding for initiatives enhancing community well-being, including converting underutilized county
land into campsites for foster youth. His partnerships with organizations like LA Skyrail Express,
BYD, and Via have furthered transportation equity and clean mobility solutions across Los
Angeles.

While a Graduate Student Researcher for the LA County Office of Education, Akib led a
capstone project exploring Esports in K-12 education, delivering impactful policy
recommendations that supported the integration and development of Esports programs within
LA County schools.

Beyond work, Akib can be found rooting for his favorite sports team (Hala Madrid!), playing Call
of Duty with his friends, or exploring what is new to watch on Netflix.

Joanna is an economic development and small business specialist with expertise in program development, strategy and partnerships. Throughout her career, Joanna has supported small businesses and entrepreneurs with an equity driven and community-based approach.

Prior to Arts for LA, Joanna was at Startup UCLA managing the entrepreneurship hub for UCLA’s diverse and dynamic community. Joanna has also worked at the Pratt Center for Community Development managing Made in NYC, where she played a key role in the expansion of its programs, partnerships, brand and community building for NYC’s manufacturing and maker businesses. She also worked at Zipcar where she built strategic local marketing partnerships and for many years she managed the artist and food markets for the AFROPUNK Festival. Joanna has a Master of Urban Planning from NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainable Urban Development and Studio Arts from University of Rochester.

In her downtime, Joanna can be found riding her bicycle, doing yoga, going to museums, exploring local makers markets and watching (a lot) of baseball and basketball.

Talin has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 18 years, with an emphasis on housing, education and humanitarian projects both locally and abroad. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from California State University, Northridge, focusing on Nonprofit Management. Her primary interests in the nonprofit sector include financial and operations management, strategic planning and program oversight. 

In her downtime, Talin enjoys reading about different cultures and lived experiences. Born and raised in Lebanon, she is happy to join the Arts for LA team and develop her appreciation for the arts. 

Finnley is a dedicated administrative professional currently serving as an executive assistant at Arts for LA. Her journey combines a rich blend of experiences in the arts, diverse non-profit sectors, and a strong drive to build up communities.

Graduating with degrees in theatre and psychology, Finnley honed a unique skill set that bridges creative insight with psychological understanding. Her love for the arts has been lifelong, and this foundation makes Finnley proud to be at Arts for LA and to help advocate for the arts.

Finnley is currently pursuing her MLIS from Syracuse University, focusing on children and youth services. She is engaged by the role libraries can play in serving and bolstering their unique communities, and expanding the critical role of access to information services. She can generally be found speed reading before her book club meets and looking for the best cup of coffee in LA.

Steve has been in development for more than 20 years, most recently serving as Associate Director of Development at Braille Institute. Previously, he was Senior Manager, Individual Giving at the American Film Institute. His areas of focus are digital strategy, foundations, individual giving, and membership. A Louisiana native, he is a playwright who began as a participant in the 5^th Annual Young Playwrights Festival and went on to study dramatic writing at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. He’s an award-winning writer with productions in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and more. Steve is proud to be part of the ARTS for LA team.

Mehra is an undergraduate student at the University of California, Los Angeles studying Public Affairs.

Her experiences as a working actor quickly opened her eyes to the social potential of art and entertainment to shape cultural empathy and public opinion in real life. For over two years now, she has made it her mission to serve in youth- and minority-led organizations focused on creating equitable solutions through policy changes, education, and storytelling.

Mehra hopes to pursue a career in law and public-serving institutions to continue to make positive changes in the world. In her free time, she loves collaging, reading plays she can’t seem to truly understand, and learning new languages. She’s excited to join the Arts for LA team as the Policy and Advocacy intern to meet other civically engaged advocates and solidify the importance of representation and diverse narratives in the arts.