Black Alumni Network

Nene Ogbechie serves as the programs and partnerships director in Mayor Karen Bass's Office of Strategic Partnerships, building and managing private and public sector partnerships to advance the mayor's strategic goals and initiatives. Previously, she served as the executive officer of housing in Mayor Bass's Office of Housing and Homelessness Solutions, where she oversaw the housing policy team's workflow under the guidance of the deputy mayor of housing and provided operational support to the deputy mayor.

Prior to her roles in the mayor's office, she worked as a policy analyst and supervisor in the government affairs department at the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), where she conducted research on issues relating to homelessness, housing, and service programming and provided guidance on policy issues to LAHSA's internal and external stakeholders. Nene previously worked as the public affairs and communications specialist for the College of Natural and Social Sciences at Cal State LA, overseeing the college's marketing, communications, and public affairs efforts.

Nene is passionate about serving the community, as seen in her two-year tenure as an AmeriCorps member—first as a Literacy AmeriCorps member and later as an AmeriCorps VISTA member. She is a member of the Junior League of Los Angeles, an international organization dedicated to training women to become leaders in the community through professional development and volunteer opportunities. 

Nene received a Master of Public Administration from the College of Natural and Social Sciences in 2021. In her spare time, she enjoys dancing, hiking, reading, and spending time with cherished family members and friends. 

 

J.T. Chestnut serves as the outreach and retention specialist for the Guardian Scholars Program at Cal State LA, where he connects with and supports former foster youth as they pursue their college degrees. Prior to this role, he worked in New Student and Family Engagement at Cal State LA, welcoming newly admitted first-year and transfer students to the university. He is known for being a beacon of welcoming energy on campus.

A double alumnus of Cal State LA, J.T. received a bachelor's degree in marketing from the College of Business and Economics in 2023 and a Master of Public Administration from the College of Natural and Social Sciences. In his free time, he pursues his passion for running, having completed over 20 marathons both domestically and internationally. J.T. enjoys connecting with people, singing Whitney Houston songs, and supporting the Liverpool Football Club, the Carolina Panthers, and the UNC Tarheels.

Connect with J.T.