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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 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.
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.
Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, Jose Richard Aviles blends artistry and urban planning expertise to advance equity and pedestrian safety. At the Othering and Belonging Institute, they lead Transportation Justice initiatives, moderate the Reimagining Urban Planning series, and serve as the Arts and Cultural Strategy Lead, focusing on Radical Imagination research. Aviles collaborated with Los Angeles Walks and LADOT to develop a bilingual Glossary of Terms,promoting inclusivity in transportation planning. Their work has been featured by the American Planning Association, and they have taught at UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs. As an artist, Aviles has toured internationally with their acclaimed Noche Con Nalgona, blending “standup poetry.” Their creative voice was showcased in Spotify’s Latinx Heritage Month campaign and their popular podcast, Fruta Fresca. Currently, they are working on their second book of poetry, inspired by their time in Mexico City.
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.
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1000. Calle Alameda Norte
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Los Ángeles, CA 90012
Los Angeles Walks es un proyecto de Community Partners.
