Our staff is the heartbeat of the organization

Ghecemy Lopez
Dr. Ghecemy Lopez (She/Her)
Kid City Hope Place
Executive Director
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Anne Hawthorne
Anne Hawthorne (She/Her)
Urban Foundation
Executive Director
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Leidy Vasquez
Leidy Vasquez (She/Her)
Development
Manager
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Matthew Proft
Matthew Proft (He/Him)
Music Program
Coordinator
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Alvaro Cuellar
Alvaro J. Cuellar (He/Him)
Music
Coordinator
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Cynthia Escalante
Cyntia Escalante (She/Her)
Post Secondary
Program Coordinator
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Daisy Carbajal
Daisy Carbajal (She/Her)
College Access
Specialist
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"As Executive Director, I am determined to maintain Kid City as a safe haven for Los Angeles youth, ensuring they feel welcomed, heard, valued, empowered, and supported through the programs and resources available."
- Ghecemy Lopez, DSW, MAEd

“I support Kid City because its programs give young people the tools and confidence to thrive. I believe in the mission of helping every child discover and reach their full potential. By empowering youth today, Kid City strengthens our entire community for the future.”

- Jimmy Alvarado, Board Chair

Kid City believes that staff, like anyone working with youth or in education, should have access to regular professional development, including training that helps to keep participants safe. In addition to regular in-service training, role-specific professional development, and participating in professional networks, all staff are required to complete the following trainings:

 – Mandated Reporter Training for Child Abuse & Neglect

 – Workplace Harassment for California Employees & Supervisors

 – Youth Mental Health First Aid

 – Suicide Prevention

 – Trauma Awareness Training for Educators & Youth-Serving Professionals

 – First Aid & CPR