Staff

Randi Aho

INTERIM ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

Randi Aho serves as the Interim Associate Director at the Institute. In this role, she oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of Institute programs. Before joining the Institute, Randi worked at the Columbia Law School Human Rights Institute and the Institute for the Study of Human Rights at Columbia University, where she managed the Bringing Human Rights Home Network, a Human Rights Paper Symposium, the Alliance for Historical Dialogue and Accountability program, and an annual international indigenous leaders’ seminar. Randi has researched conflict policy in the Democratic Republic of Congo and human rights in Senegal, India, and the United States. Her interest in public affairs and policy began when she organized a grassroots anti-torture campaign in Iowa that led to President Obama’s Executive Order Ensuring Lawful Interrogations. Randi received a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University and a B.A. from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.

Email: [email protected]

Heidi Guerrero

SENIOR ADMINISTRATOR & CLERY DIRECTOR

Heidy Guerrero has been with Cal State LA since 2016, advancing from administrative analyst to Financial Operations Manager, Assistant Director for Budget and Compliance, and now Senior Administrator and Clery Director. In her current role, she leads administrative operations for the VPAF team and oversees campus compliance with the Clery Act, coordinating across the university to implement federal, state, CSU, and campus policies. She is committed to fostering a safe, secure environment grounded in collaboration and trust. Heidy Guerrero holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University, a master’s in Business Administration from Argosy University, and a certificate in Advanced Professional Development for Assistive Technology Applications from CSU Northridge.

Email: [email protected]

Lorraine Sturdevant

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

Lorraine Sturdevant serves as a Research Associate at the Institute. She has over five years of experience conducting mixed-methods research and program evaluation spanning youth development, workforce development, and economic security, with additional project experience in early education, health and aging policy, and guaranteed income evaluations across local, state, and national contexts, and with government, nonprofit, and philanthropic clients. Lorraine has also served as a Policy Consultant for the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, where she conducted research on public sector effectiveness in advancing the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. She holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of California, Merced.

Julie Hernandez

ASSISTANT

Julie is an  assistant at the Institute and is currently pursuing a B.A. in Political Science with a concentration in Public Administration. She is passionate about community organizing and advocacy, particularly within her home community of South Central. In her free time, Julie enjoys exploring global politics and political theory, and she’s especially interested in applying theoretical frameworks to real-world challenges. Her passion for politics was sparked at a young age through personal experiences, a deep appreciation for history, and a strong drive to create meaningful change. In her free time, she enjoys listening to a wide variety of music, spending time with loved ones, and exploring different cuisines.

Chris Mapps

STUDENT ASSISTANT

Chris is a student assistant at the Institute and is currently pursuing his B.A. in Political Science with aspirations of becoming a criminal defense attorney. He is dedicated to advocating for justice, supporting underserved communities, and expanding access to legal resources for those who need it most. His commitment to law and public service began early, shaped by a deep interest in fairness, community, and meaningful change

In his free time, Chris likes unwinding with video games, getting lost in good books, and discovering new music. He’s big on trying different foods, whether it’s grabbing something new with friends or finding a spot that becomes a regular. He also loves to travel whenever he gets the chance, always looking for new places, new people, and new experiences.

Lizette Roman

Communications Consultant

Lizette Roman serves as a Communications Consultant for the Institute, where she leads projects that strengthen the organization’s public presence and deepen community engagement. Her work includes capturing content at community events, producing and editing educational videos, developing social media strategies that make civic information more accessible, and contributing to the Institute’s website redesign. One of her favorite projects has been producing the LA Mayor’s Race 101 video series with Executive Director Mike Bonin, along with supporting the Institute’s On the Record event series.

Lizette is a proud Cal State LA alumna, Class of 2025, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications and Public Relations. During her time at the university, she worked as a student assistant for the Institute and developed a strong commitment to helping communities, especially young people, understand how government works and how they can get involved.

Lizette is now pursuing a Master of Public Administration at the University of Southern California, where she serves as the Executive Director of Public Relations for the USC Price Latinx Student Association.