Romel Pascual – Executive Director
Romel (he/him) has been a key figure at CicLAvia from the start. As Deputy Mayor for Energy and Environment during the administration of former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, his leadership at the city helped the organization and the event gain traction within the city in CicLAvia’s fledgling years. Romel successfully merged the mayor’s vision and CicLAvia’s mission to help create what is now a city institution that transforms communities throughout the region.
Prior to being named executive director in 2015, Romel served on the CicLAvia board and was actively involved in the expansion of the organization.
Romel has a master’s degree in urban planning and has a long history championing environmental causes, energy, sustainability, and social justice issues in both the non-profit and public sector. He was the first Assistant Secretary of Environmental Justice under former California Governor Gray Davis. He led the environmental justice program at the US Environmental Protection Agency Region 9 (Pacific Southwest). Find Romel on Twitter @romelpascual_la.
Meisha Rainman – Chief Impact Officer
Meisha (she/her) is a proud Angeleno, deeply committed to strengthening local communities in both her professional and personal life. She has over a decade of experience in the non-profit sector, including most recently as Development Director for The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company and as a key leader in the evolution of the Silverlake Independent JCC to a thriving community center for arts, education and culture on LA’s east side. Meisha is a graduate of the Olin School of Business at Washington University and currently lives in Silver Lake with her husband and two children. Meisha is honored to support the incredible team at CicLAvia overseeing Strategic Partnerships, Organizational Development, Communications, and Institutional & Individual Giving.
Alex Merlino – Chief Financial Officer
Alex (she/her) oversees all financial aspects of the organization and leads development of branded merchandise. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Alex is an entrepreneur and nonprofit executive with more than 15 years of experience growing small businesses and nonprofit enterprises. She has launched and managed organizations and businesses focused on sustainability, economic development, consumer products, and community.
Rachel Burke – Chief Program Officer
Rachel (she/her) has spent over a decade activating public space with cultural programming and events throughout Los Angeles County. In her previous job with Community Arts Resources, she produced multiple festivals and pop-ups including GLOW for the City of Santa Monica, Little Tokyo Design Week, Chinatown Summer Nights, Friday Night Concerts at the J. Paul Getty Museum, and Family Weekends at The Broad. As CicLAvia's Chief Program Officer, Rachel leads all event planning, programming and logistics from start to finish. She works closely with the city, partners and the local community to ensure that each CicLAvia is fun, safe, and successful. A native Angeleno and UC Berkeley graduate, Rachel is always happy to share her tips on the best spots to dine and drink around LA.
Tafarai Bayne – Chief Strategist
Tafarai (he/him) is a Los Angeles native with extensive experience in the following areas: strategic planning and communications, promotion and outreach, constituency building, stakeholder education, project management, program development, marketing, and event production. He has worked on urban development and planning issues for 20 years with an emphasis on the dynamics impacting working class communities. He currently serves as Chief Strategist for CicLAvia. He also consults as a Strategic Advisor with Destination Crenshaw and as an Event Producer for Community Coalition. In 2020 he was appointed to the City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Commission, following a long stint on the City’s Transportation Commission.
Aerienne Russell – Production Manager, Outreach and Engagement
Aerienne (she/her) first joined CicLAvia in April 2018 as the new Outreach Lead. She is responsible for mitigation and community relation efforts leading up to an event. With a background in environmental science, outdoor equity, and community events, Aerienne is very happy to help shape the landscape of Los Angeles with CicLAvia!
Alissandra Valdez – Event Producer
Alissandra (she/her) works as an Event Producer to create CicLAvia events that are memorable for all. A UCLA graduate with 4 years of Programming experience at AMPAS, Alissandra is excited to produce events that promote open, safe streets and are beneficial to the environment. Outside of CicLAvia, Alissandra also serves on the Sustainable Burbank Commission. She enjoys walking, roller skating, and biking around her neighborhood!
Rio Mateo – Event and Outreach Coordinator
Rio (they/she) is passionate about cultivating inclusive and transformative spaces through event planning and community building. With a background in Urban Studies, they are excited to continue advancing the field of active transportation in Los Angeles by supporting CicLAvia's Production team. Rio enjoys exploring the city with their pup, cycling, gardening, and supporting mutual aid efforts in their community.
Gigi Martinez – Production Assistant (Outreach + Engagement)
Gigi (she/her) was born and raised in Los Angeles and attended California State University, Northridge. She has worked with several nonprofits including AmeriCorps and the Boys and Girls Club of America, and most recently with the Peace Corps. She returned from serving in the Dominican Republic in 2022 and is now ecstatic to be working with CicLAvia on our Outreach team!
Carmen Khan – Volunteer Coordinator and Outreach Assistant
Carmen (she/her) got her start with CicLAvia as part of the outreach team and now also coordinates the volunteer program. Previously, she worked with nonprofits including Movember and Girls on the Run of Los Angeles County. Carmen enjoys big cities, having previously called Chicago and New York City home. In Los Angeles she’s found a love for hiking, camping, and running marathons. These experiences have brought her so much joy and she hopes to encourage others to take up space outdoors.
Josué L. Hervey – Communications Associate
Josué (he/him) assists with all things related to digital engagement, website content, and social media support for the organization. He is a graduate from UC Irvine with a passion for public transportation and community engagement. In his day-to-day life, he promotes cleaner mobility options and strives to spread the knowledge and benefits of living car-free. His hobbies include biking, traveling, and hiking.
Liv Francis – Development Associate
Jennifer Woon – Office Manager and Accounting Assistant
Jennifer (she/her) assists on all financial duties with the organization. She’s a graduate of UC Riverside where she studied biology and is passionate about public health issues. She’s an explorer of the city, where she enjoys walking and discovering LA’s urban landscape. Her favorite places to bike and walk in LA are Koreatown and DTLA.
Cris Escalante – Accountant Assistant
Cristian Escalante serves as an Accountant Assistant, taking care of the day-to-day bookkeeping functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and banking. He leverages his extensive background in accounting and taxes honed over seven years while working in his family’s trucking business. His early experience in the industry allowed him to self-teach and streamline accounting processes, significantly aiding Escalante Trucking. Cristian is passionate about investing, drawing inspiration from Warren Buffet and Charlie Munger, with the ultimate goal of building his own version of Berkshire Hathaway. In his free time, he enjoys reading biographies of important historical figures and learning from their successes and failures. He is also an avid student of Stoic philosophy.
Maegen Rzasa – Graphic Designer
Maegen is driven by building community and using her skillset to help folks who do the same. She comes to CicLAvia with extensive graphic design experience including 15+ years of freelance work with clients such as TIME, Ovation TV, and The Cheech. She has also worked in-house with Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt and Seltzer Design. In addition to her design work, Maegen spent five years managing the Hollywood Farmers’ Market as well as supporting the operations of the farmers’ market program at its nonprofit operator, SEE-LA (now Food Access LA). She is also a Registered Yoga Teacher since 2012 and has taught a variety of class styles for yoga studios in Los Angeles as well as nutrition clinics, private residences, corporate and public events.