Join us for the second event in our Politics and Pizza (and wine) Salon Series! We will be continuing our discussion of public policy and civic engagement that began in May, with a focus on developing personalized action plans. You did not need to attend Part I to attend this event! We welcome those who are interested in civic engagement.

This nonpartisan event will begin with a Q&A panel of community leaders who have experience engaging in civil and governmental sectors, moderated by Seyron Foo, Southern California Grantmakers’ Director of Public Policy and Government Relations, followed by personally-informed action planning in small, issue-oriented groups. We endeavor to be interactive, and seek to minimize “talk at you” time.

As we observe what is happening locally, statewide, and nationally, we may be wondering how we can be more civically engaged. Some may wish to be active in local organizations and others may seek a more individual plan of action. From issues such as the environment to immigration, healthcare to housing, this event will explore how attendees can participate in civic life. 

Attendees will leave the event equipped with a plan to advance their personal civic-political agenda, as well as satiated by engaging conversation and leftover Halloween candy.

Seyron Foo, Director of Public Policy and Government Relations at Southern California Grantmakers

Seyron Foo develops, organizes, and implements efforts to create a well-connected network of grantmakers and public officials in order to strengthen communities and advance the public policy goals of SCG’s member organizations and Philanthropy California. In this capacity, he provides public policy analysis to issues affecting the sector and key policy areas relevant to grantmakers. Additionally, he is responsible for educating and informing government officials about philanthropic efforts, and identifies opportunities to convene grantmakers and government to tackle the state’s most pressing social issues.

Seyron has experience in various government sectors, beginning his career as a legislative aide to the California State Senate Majority Leader, where he managed a diverse policy portfolio that included civil rights, transportation, and housing. His work led the successful passage of legislation in health, tenants’ rights, and banking reforms. Prior to SCG, he served in the City of Long Beach as the Senior Policy Analyst to the Director of Public Works, where he oversaw and managed citywide projects and led the Department’s press and community relations efforts. Seyron earned his Master in Public Affairs from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School and his B.A. in Rhetoric and Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley.

Colleen Oinuma, Deputy District Director to Rep. Adam Schiff

Colleen Oinuma is the Deputy District Director for Congressman Adam B. Schiff representing California’s 28th Congressional District. She covers various issue areas but is most interested in environmental conservation and remediation. As the office’s internship coordinator, Colleen enjoys teaching and empowering young adults to be active and engaged community advocates. Previously, she worked in nonprofit administration and grant writing at a medical research institute. Colleen is a graduate of UC Berkeley where she was led the Nikkei Student Union and served as campaign manager for Cal Students for Equal Rights and a Valid Education (CALSERVE) – GO BEARS!

Aram Nadjarian, Founder and CEO of Mozaic Media and Communications

Aram Nadjarian is an environmental policy and sustainability influencer, an award-winning producer and a media/public affairs strategist with more than a decade of experience with local, national, and international organizations. He is the Founder & CEO of Mozaic Media & Communications, a Los Angeles based Public Relations/Public Affairs agency. He is also a Partner at Vectis Strategies LLC serving as their Community/Corporate/Environmental Issues Team Lead. Prior to this he served as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Schwarzenegger Administration for six years. 

Aram is an active member of Rotary International. He serves on the board of directors of the environmental advocacy organization Climate Action Resolve, is the Chairman of the Board of NextLA (formerly the LA Junior Chamber of Commerce) serves on the Young Presidential Associates Council at Loyola Marymount University, is a Trustee of the Donald A. Strauss Scholarship Foundation and is the US Alumni Ambassador for the University of Sussex. 

Aram holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Urban Studies from Loyola Marymount University, a Master’s Degree in International Relations and Environmental Policy from the University of Sussex in England, and an Executive Session Certificate in Situational Awareness & Intergovernmental Communication from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. www.mozaicmc.com

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Nonmembers: $10 fee (register below)