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Commissioner Lilliana Perez
Liliana Pérez has been a long time community activist in the Latino and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community
for over 10 years. In her career, she has successfully bridged three communities: the Latino community, the LGBT
community and the mainstream political environment
Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, Liliana immigrated to Los Angeles in 1971. She was raised in the Pico-Union District of Los Angeles and attended California State University, Northridge.
Liliana began her career in public service as a community outreach worker for El Centro de Amistad (The Center
Friendship) where she coordinated mental health services for victims of the 1994 Northridge Earthquake and provided
outreach to schools, community groups and agencies.
She went on to become a community organizer for the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials
(NALEO) Educational Fund where she coordinated workshops for applicants of U.S. citizenship and established networks
involving institutions, corporations, media and local elected officials for event support.
In 1995, Liliana served as assistant to Assembly Speaker Emeritus, Antonio Villaraigosa for five years. She developed,
coordinated and implemented special projects including an annual literacy fair for over 3,000 participants; staffed
Villaraigosa for Trade and Cultural Missions to Mexico; a reception of former Mexican President, Ernesto Zedillo; the
annual Gay and Lesbian Roundtable on legislative affairs and constituent town hall meetings.
Liliana served as a representative for the Northeast area of Los Angeles and worked on issues affecting Latinos, the
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender communities, Children and K-12 Education. During her tenure with the Speaker, Liliana
established and maintained cooperative relationships with local governments and private interest groups.
Following her service with Villaraigosa, Liliana became a Community Investment Officer for the United Way of Greater Los
Angeles. She researched the needs of the populations served by United Way's projects, facilitated and nurtured creative
partnerships focusing on Latino communities' needs and provided project support for "Bridging the Gap: Self-Sufficiency
Strategy" by identifying volunteers from various backgrounds to work with United Way to promote their efforts. She also
assisted in the identification of donor funds.
In 2001, a chance to work on a historic campaign, Liliana became Director of Volunteer Outreach and Special Projects for
Villaraigosa for Mayor, Los Angeles. Liliana coordinated a volunteer base of 1,200 for five field offices. She
established "Friends of Antonio - LGBT Committee" that raised funds for the primary and general elections, created and
coordinated promotional and media opportunities among LGBT publications.
Liliana also provided key support in securing Spanish-language media, including articles, radio and television
interviews. She also provided important staff policy support for Villaraigosa.
Shortly, she was appointed as the Special Assistant & Spanish Language Media Liaison for Governor Gray Davis. She was his press representative to the Spanish-language media and the Latino Community Liaison to promote civic participation and
encourage involvement among all constituencies in accessing government for the promotion of equity in education, health
and economic development.
Proudly, served as the District Director for the Speaker of the Assembly Fabian Núñez for the 46th Assembly District, the second most powerful elected official in the State of California. She is also privileged to have volunteered for the
historic and successful 2005 election of Antonio R. Villaraigosa as Mayor of the City of Los Angeles.
Recently appointed by Mayor Villaraigosa to serve as a Commissioner for the Commission on the Status of Women for the
City of Los Angeles. Additionally, serves as a Boardmember for Bienestar and the Heart Project.
Liliana has the honor to represent Speaker Núñez as the Statewide Liaison to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
communities. A role she highly values to continue her work to further the civil rights for all LGBT Californians.
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