Staff 2.0

Zoe Melczer is the Vice President of Development at the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles.

Gloria is Director of Communications at the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles. An Emmy Award-winning and Edward R. Murrow recipient, Gloria has over two decades of experience crafting compelling, story-driven content. As a storyteller and journalist, Gloria helped drive meaningful conversations around some of the most important issues facing our communities today — from social and environmental challenges to economic issues.  Most recently at CNN, Gloria was key in helping produce nationally televised town hall events and serving as a liaison between CNN and presidential campaigns during the 2016, 2020, and 2024 election cycles. She was instrumental in helping produce everything from [...]

As a seasoned Executive Assistant with extensive experience, Jacqueline brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to effectively support and enhance the productivity of executives and teams. Her career journey has been marked by a dedication to streamlining operations, managing complex schedules, and ensuring seamless communication within fast-paced environments. Jacqueline holds a strong educational foundation, having attended Antelope Valley College, which has provided her with a well-rounded understanding of various aspects of business and administration. Throughout her career, Jacqueline has honed her ability to coordinate and execute tasks with precision, making her adept at managing intricate production schedules, coordinating travel [...]

Monica Tafoya is the Development & Operations Manager at the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles. She brings over five years of experience in nonprofit program management, event coordination, and administrative support. Dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and achieving team goals, she has a proven track record of leading initiatives that support community development and enhance organizational impact. Before joining the Mayor’s Fund, Monica led programs at the i.am Angel Foundation, the nonprofit founded by will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas. She managed cross-functional teams, coordinated communications, and drove key initiatives that supported the foundation's mission. She also holds a Bachelor [...]

Anthony Pico is Program Manager at the Mayor's Fund for Los Angeles and a nationally recognized child welfare advocate and expert. His career began at age 16 with an appointment to the California Blue Ribbon Commission on Children in Foster Care under California Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald George. Across two decades, his work has taken him through the California Youth Connection — one of the most influential youth-led advocacy organizations in the country. He also served as a Legislative Aide and District Representative in the California State Assembly, working across committees helping shape policy on everything from foster care [...]

Diego Alvarez serves as the We Are LA Coordinator for Legal Services at the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles. Embedded at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles, he works closely with attorneys from We Are LA’s legal partner, the Eviction Defense Network, to support tenants navigating the legal system. From assisting with landlord negotiations in one of the city’s busiest courthouses to helping prepare tenants for their defense, Diego is a steady presence at every critical stage. His work ensures that some of Los Angeles’ most vulnerable residents have the guidance and advocacy they need when it matters [...]