Community Advisory Board

Community Advisory Board

PBS SoCal’s community engagement efforts with its viewers and supporters would not be possible without the help of the Community Advisory Board (CAB). This active group of volunteer leaders is the station's eyes and ears of the community and plays an integral part of the planning and implementation of many of the stations’ outreach programs.

Their function, as mandated by Congress in 1979, is to advise the governing body of PBS SoCal with respect to whether the programming and other policies are meeting the educational and cultural needs of the various communities served by the station.

The Community Advisory Board members represent diverse constituencies that are engaged with a wide array of issues such as aging/senior citizens, cultural diversity, disabilities, culture and the arts, LGBTQ rights, economy, family, health/medical services, media services, substance abuse, science/technology, youth, and education/schools.

The CAB meets on a quarterly basis with an annual onboarding retreat for new members in August.

Community Advisory Board Mission

Be a Bridge to Our Local Communities

Brand ambassadors who 1) promote PBS SoCal in the community 2) become a critical channel to access and involve community experts, leaders and members through a well-developed community contact database 3) share open positions and encourage diversity of hiring of PBS SoCal staff and leadership.

Contribute to Content Strategy  

Serve as a strategic resource for PBS SoCal to ensure programming is both relevant and representative of the community by 1) providing thematic community level insights that support the programming strategy and 2) provide support to our production development process through stakeholder introductions and community connections.

Be Extenders of Content Impact  

Co-creators of community connections, partnerships, and local experiences connected to PBS SoCal programming and local content that result in measurable impact.

Four Strategic Pillars

The CAB has developed a multi-year strategic plan that involves four key strategic pillars: 

• Pillar 1: Extend the scope and impact of the Local Heroes program and new similar programs
• Pillar 2: Broaden and expand community input and insight into PBS SoCal programming
• Pillar 3: Extend and strengthen impact of programming beyond the program premiere
• Pillar 4: Optimize CAB impact through strengthened connection to PBS SoCal strategy and leadership

Community Advisory Board Members

Chair: Laarni Rosca Dacanay

Laarni Rosca Dacanay is an award-winning communications leader with 20 years of experience in media and entertainment. With a focus on Diversity, Equity + Inclusion (DEI), she is committed to representation in media, from interns to the C-suite. Her professional experience includes "The Bachelor" Franchise (NZK Productions/Warner Horizon Unscripted Television), NBCUniversal Corporate Diversity, Focus Features, NBC, and TIME Magazine. 

A community leader and DEI advocate, Laarni is Chair, PBS SoCal Community Advisory Board and she previously served as Chair, PBS SoCal Asian Pacific Islander Community Council. As a former PBS kid and the first-born of immigrant parents, she counts the early childhood education she received from public broadcasting as one of her first "teachers," which motivates her public media community leadership. Additionally, she serves on the FilAm ARTS Advisory Board; National Association of Black Journalists Los Angeles Chapter Advocacy Committee; Public Relations Society of America's National DEI Committee, is Co-Producer, Asian Pacific Filmmakers Experience at Sundance, SXSW, Tribeca and Toronto, and is active with the Television Academy.

Born and raised in Ohio, she holds a B.A., Communications from California State University, Fullerton, where she was the Keynote Speaker at CSUF's 10th Pilipino American Graduation. Laarni is based in Southern California.

Vice Chair: Dr. Wenli Jen

Dr. Wenli Jen is an educational consultant, motivational speaker, professor, and learning and development professional. She has served as a consultant for 20 years and is the CEO of the consulting firm, Integral Prudence Solutions. For over a decade, Dr. Jen directed programs in gang prevention, child abuse prevention, and substance abuse prevention. Her expertise in human development, psychology, and education is connected to her work in leadership, strategic planning, community relations, talent development, and program design.  

Dr. Jen's career in motivational speaking spans two decades and has culminated in her TEDx talks on repurposing negative energy and her TEDxCityofIndustry Youth talk "Dare to Be My Age." At the national level, she served as a National Advisory Council member for the U.S. Health and Human Services Center for Mental Health Services from 2016 to 2021. She serves as President for Chinese American Citizens Alliance – Los Angeles, co-chair for Harvard Graduate School of Education Los Angeles Region Alumni Ambassadors, and as a member of the Sierra Madre Playhouse Asian American Cultural Alliance.

Dr. Jen’s holds an Ed.D., Educational Leadership, Educational Psychology from USC and an Ed.M., Human Development and Psychology from Harvard University, Graduate School of Education.

Soraya Ahyaudin

Soraya Ahyaudin directs the American Muslim Civic Leadership Initiative at the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture (CRCC).

Before joining CRCC, Soraya worked in public diplomacy, educational exchanges, and capacity building. She was the program assistant at the USC Center on Public Diplomacy, where she managed the center’s event programming, professional training opportunities, and office management. Her work experience also includes assistant registrar at the international office of Universiti Sains Malaysia and assistant director with the Public Service Department of Malaysia. Her diverse work experience has cultivated her interest in the intersections of faith diplomacy with globalization and diaspora narratives and sentiments.

Soraya has an ijazah in the Forty Hadith of Imam an-Nawawi and another ijazah in the Forty Hadith of Palestine. She graduated from the Master of Public Diplomacy program at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism in 2015. Soraya also has a Master's degree in Science and Environmental Journalism from Universiti Sains Malaysia and a Bachelor's degree in Communication (Journalism) from MARA University of Technology, Malaysia.

Sarah Bernard

Sarah Bernard is a seasoned content strategist and operator specializing in building online audiences and stewarding ideas from concept to high-growth ventures.

During President Obama’s first term, Sarah was appointed Director of Online Engagement where she drove online communications work and led the White House’s digital properties and partner collaborations.

Most recently, as an independent consultant, Sarah advises executives and non-profits on growth-focused initiatives. Her clients include TED Conferences, TYT (The Young Turks) Network, TIME’S UP, Tribeca Film, Viacom, and the Biden administration-launched, Dignity.us.

Sarah previously co-founded a production company, BOBCAT Studios, backed by A+E Networks, whose projects ranged from branded content to feature documentary; built and scaled two, news-focused startups (The Huffington Post and 23/6 for IAC); ran AOL’s first line extension for small businesses; and, developed online products for The Washington Post.

Sarah is a founding member of the LA Women’s Collective PAC and serves as a trustee for the LA Chapter of the Awesome Foundation. A native of Los Angeles, Sarah received her BA in English from UCLA and her MBA from the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at NYU.

Becky Cheng

Becky Cheng is the Director of Government Affairs for Athens Services. She brings close to 15 years of federal and state-level public sector experience and has an extensive background in regional politics, intergovernmental relationships, and social justice. At Athens, she manages community outreach and civic activities in the cities of Monterey Park, San Gabriel, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, and Temple City.

Becky currently serves on the board of the San Gabriel Valley Public Affairs Network (SGVPAN), 211 LA County, and is a member of the San Marino Rotary Club. Previously, she also served as the Director of External Affairs for the Asian Pacific American Legislative Staffers (APALS). Becky was CA Senator Anthony Portantino’s Woman in Business awardee in 2023 and has earned her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of California, San Diego.

Nancy De Los Santos

Beginning her career in Chicago, Nancy De Los Santos was the producer of Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel’s PBS film review program “Sneak Previews” and the nationally syndicated Emmy-nominated “At The Movies with Siskel & Ebert." Having learned from these two giants of film journalism that “It all begins on the page,” Nancy returned to her first passion – writing. She moved to Los Angeles, joining like-minded Latino producers and writers committed to creating realistic Latino/a images for television and film.

She is the associate producer of Gregory Nava's "My Family, Mi Familia" and "Selena" starring Jennifer Lopez; writer on "Resurrection Blvd.," "American Family," and "East Los High;” as well as co-producer and co-writer of the HBO/Cinemax feature documentary, "The Bronze Screen: One Hundred Years of the Latino Image in Hollywood Cinema," supported by Latino Public Broadcasting. 

Today, Nancy is the producer and writer of the independent feature, "Say A Little Prayer," a romantic comedy invited to Equinox, the Sundance of Europe, and work-shopped with respected writer Delia Ephron.

She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Radio, TV, and Film from the UT Austin, and received her Master's in Communiations from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Rafaela Diaz

Rafaela Diaz, a proud first-generation college graduate from Kern County, holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from California State Polytechnic University at Pomona. With over 13 years' experience, Rafaela's career began at Transtech, where she played a key role in supporting Building, Safety, and Planning Departments across Southern California.

Her journey continued in 2014 at Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) as an engineer. Rafaela made notable public safety contributions through her involvement in a major capital project focused on the safety of SoCalGas' pipeline system.

Her expertise extended to regulatory affairs, where she managed corporate-wide teams' participation in proceedings before the California Public Utilities Commission as a Regulatory Case Manager. Rafaela has since returned to Transtech, now in Client relations, Governmental/Public Affairs and Business Development, where she uses her engineering experience to ensure success in project deliveries for client cities.

In addition to her professional engagements, Rafaela was named the first Miss Latina Global, proudly representing Mexico in 2011. She made use of her title to serve and inspire Latino communities. She is an active member of the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership, Bell Chamber of Commerce, the non-profit Embracing Latina Leadership Alliances (ELLAS), and the Alhambra Educational Foundation (AEF).

Daniel Fernandez

Daniel Fernandez is a dedicated advocate for equitable access to capital and economic empowerment, particularly within communities of color. Raised in the Bay Area, Daniel's formative years were shaped by his community, where informal and entrepreneurial endeavors played pivotal roles in sustaining livelihoods.

Drawing upon his cultural roots and financial career, Daniel sought to bridge the gap in financial resources for underserved populations. Committed to social impact, he has spearheaded innovative programs and products aimed at democratizing access to responsible capital. Through his efforts, Daniel has facilitated the deployment of over $100 million in alternative micro-capital, collaborating with various banks and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).

Now serving as CEO of TMC Community Capital, Daniel leads the organization in its mission to revolutionize the community lending industry, navigating towards a transformative framework that fosters systemic change and economic mobility. Daniel's vision transcends traditional lending models, championing inclusivity and equity.

Daniel envisions a future where every individual, regardless of background or circumstance, can realize their version of success. Grounded in this ethos, Daniel is dedicated to dismantling barriers, amplifying voices, and fostering an ecosystem where prosperity is within reach for all.

Sharon Glancz

Sharon J. Glancz serves as Senior Director, Business and Legal Affairs at NBCUniversal Syndication Studios, where, in addition to her legal career, she co-led the Veterans Network as well as led many events for the Women’s Network.

Sharon credits her upbringing for instilling the belief that giving back is essential, and communities are made better by education, understanding, and listening to all voices. This inspires her advocacy as a military-connected community leader. A VA-accredited attorney, she also serves on the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes marketing/communications team, United States Veterans Artists Alliance advisory board, USO Entertainment Advisory Council, and the Los Angeles County Bar Association’s Armed Forces Committee.

Active in the community, Sharon volunteers with the Black Entertainment Museum Foundation advisory board; California Lawyers Association’s Diversity, Inclusion and Outreach Committee; and Editorial Board of Los Angeles Lawyer magazine. She is a member of the Television Academy, Holocaust Museum LA, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, National Museum of the American Indian and the Autry Museum of the American West.

A graduate of Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, Sharon holds a B.A. in History from UCLA and is a member of both the California and Nevada State Bars.

Jorge Herrera

Jorge Herrera Avila is a beacon of leadership and community empowerment in the San Gabriel Valley. With over 15 years at SoCalGas, as well as experience as a municipal sales manager at Republic Services, the second largest waste recycling services in the US, Jorge exemplifies a passion for uplifting others. 

His commitment to community engagement is evident through his past involvement as a commissioner in the City of San Gabriel's Commission, where he focused on promoting humanity, access, and inclusion. Additionally, Jorge serves as an honorary field representative for State Treasurer Fiona Ma, furthering his impact in advocating for change. 

Jorge's dedication extends beyond his professional roles. As the founder of San Gabriel for Change (SG4C), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth and the community through leadership and service opportunities, he has sparked a movement of inspiration and transformation. Through SG4C, Jorge has created platforms for young leaders to thrive and the community to unite in purposeful action. 

His leadership shines in every endeavor, from uniting PBS SoCal and SoCalGas for an empowering segment on Cesar Chavez, to advocating for critical issues that resonate with the community, Jorge's unwavering dedication serves as a guiding light for others to follow. 

Charmaine Jefferson

Charmaine Jefferson’s company, Kélan Resources, delivers customized consulting services to meet strategic planning, management, board relations, budgeting, cultural competency, and mission delivery goals of institutions nationwide, across multiple disciplines. She is dedicated to integrating the arts, history, culture, business and philanthropy throughout public and private collaborations.

Her previous leadership roles include:  Executive Director, California African American Museum; Show Development Director, Disney Entertainment Productions; VP Business Affairs, de Passe Entertainment; Deputy/Acting Commissioner, NYC Dept. of Cultural Affairs; Executive Director, Dance Theatre of Harlem; Associate Attorney, law firm of Holland & Knight; and, Sr. Dance Program Specialist, National Endowment for the Arts.  

Charmaine’s current charitable commitments include Chairman of the Board of Trustees, California Institute of the Arts; Advisory Council Member, LA Chamber Orchestra; and, Member, Our Author’s Study Club. Some of her prior volunteer roles include the Boards of Arts for LA and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival; Commissioner, Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs; and, Member of the California and Florida State Arts Councils, respectively.

A native of Los Angeles, CA, and former KCET SoCal “Local Hero”, Charmaine holds a B.A. in Dance from UCLA; M.A. in Dance Education from New York University; and, a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center.

Alexander C. Kim

Alexander Kim is the Founder and Principal of Three Kings Public Affairs, a government, business, and community affairs consulting company helping clients access the government and providing outreach to community leaders in Southern California. Over his 20 years of  experience, Alexander served in the positions of Central Area Director  for City of Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn, Deputy Director-Greater L.A. Region to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Senior Advisor to City of Los Angeles Councilmember  David Ryu (4th District), Public Affairs/Community Manager of SoCalGas , and  most recently, District Director to State of California Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (73rd District). 

Alexander has been appointed to several domestic and international government commissions, including the Board of Optometry and Board of Naturopathic Medicine Committee, & Board of Behavioral Sciences. He currently serves on the committees for the Orange County District Attorney Korean American Advisory Board and the Orange County  Transportation Agency Diverse Community Leaders Committee. Recently, he was appointed by the Republic of Korea Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Energy as one of eight Honorary Ambassadors to help connect American businesses with Korean industry. 

Alexander graduated with an MBA from Pepperdine University and obtained his B.S. in Biology/Minor in Political Science at the UC Irvine.

Michael A. Mata

Michael A. Mata is the Director of Network Engagement & Leadership Development for TogetherLA. 

An admitted city lover, he has conducted workshops, seminars, and courses across the globe on the role of the faith community in bringing positive community transformation in marginal neighborhoods.  His experience in nonprofit work, background in higher education, training in urban planning, and extensive engagement in community building makes him a sought-after instructor, speaker, and consultant. 

Most recently, he was the director of the graduate program in Transformational Urban Leadership at Azusa Pacific University.  His prior assignments have included the Tools for Transformation Director for World Vision U.S. Programs, the Mildred M. Hutchinson Assistant Professor of Urban Ministry and Director of the Urban Leadership Institute at the Claremont School of Theology.

Melanie Mathis

Melanie Mathis has over 30 years of experience working with communities through her employment with the Social Services Agency. She was part of the team that developed the Families and Communities Together (FaCT) contracts, supporting families through community-based collaboratives operating family resource centers across Orange County. Melanie also developed contracts in partnership with non-profits, cities, and faith-based organizations that provided basic needs, after school programs, counseling and 24-hour crisis response for families.

For 5 years, Melanie was responsible for all the Emancipation and Independent Living Program contracts in Orange County, with the goal of assisting youth exiting the foster care system.

Melanie also coordinated the collection and distribution of clothing, food, and toiletries for the homeless in the city of Orange. Each of these experiences gave her insight into how important it is to stay connected with the needs of families, and she looks forward to bringing their voices to the Community Advisory Board. 

She also owned a clothing store in Fullerton, obtained a pharmacy technician license, and did commercial work for television and cable for 8 years.

Melanie graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies.

Denise L. McIver, MAAM,MLS

Denise L. McIver has served as the Research Librarian at the California African American Museum since 2012. Prior to becoming a librarian, Denise had a long career in the entertainment industry – first, in Programming for CBS Entertainment developing projects for the network, and later in production during the second season of NBC’s “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.” But it was her love of hip hop and R&B music that led her to carve out a successful career in music and venue media relations. She has applied her writing and media marketing skills to Warner Bros. Records, Hidden Beach Recordings, Universal Music Group/Perspective Records, and the House of Blues in Chicago and Los Angeles.

As a published author, she developed the proposal and marketing plan for “Droppin’ Science: Straight Up Talk from Hip Hop’s Greatest Voices,” which was sold to and published by Random House. Her written work has appeared in Vibe, Right On, Upscale, and Odyssey Couleur.

She is a native New Yorker who holds degrees from Fordham University, St. John's University and more recently, Claremont Graduate University with a concentration in Arts Management.  

Sarah Muñoz

Sarah Muñoz is an award-winning storyteller with more than 20 years of experience in brand communications. She creates and implements strategies that heighten brand awareness, increase engagement, and drive philanthropic support.

Currently the Executive Director of Brand Initiatives at Cal State Long Beach, Sarah oversees major marketing-communications projects impacting philanthropy, advocacy, and other university priorities.

Previously, she was senior director of marketing and communications for Mental Health America of Los Angeles, where she redirected the communications strategy for one of the country’s largest mental health nonprofits. 

Sarah spent more than a decade as a travel writer and editorial director for tourism publications. She has received awards from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, the University of Arizona School of Journalism, and the Florida Magazine Association.

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Sarah has a B.A. in Literature and an M.A. in International Relations.

Hope Pham

Hope Pham, a proud Vietnamese American, currently works at a women-owned law firm, where she is involved in initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion within the legal profession.

Hope’s passion for community engagement and amplifying underrepresented voices began during her time at UCLA, where she was involved in the Vietnamese Student Union and student association. After graduating, she entered marketing and remains dedicated to supporting women's empowerment and gender equity.

Representing the voices of Asian American and young adult communities, Hope is committed to ensuring diverse perspectives are reflected in PBS SoCal's programming.

David Radcliff

David Radcliff is the co-chair of the Disabled Writers Committee at the Writers Guild of America, West and has written for popular television series including "The Rookie," "Tracker," "Pupstruction," and "Waffles & Mochi," the last of which earned him an Emmy nomination in children and family content. He has advised on projects from the Oscar-nominated documentary "Crip Camp" to the Emmy-nominated animated series "Ada Twist, Scientist."

David also works in content development, speechwriting, and public speaking, and has served clients including Southern California Grantmakers, Belong Health, Cause Communications, WeAreGiants, and Innovation Protocol.

Born with cerebral palsy, David uses a wheelchair or crutches and advocates for the advancement and elevation of disabled talent in all facets of professional life. He is an alumnus, and former institute co-director, of the Los Angeles chapter of the New Leaders Council, where he introduced curriculum concerning disability equity and visibility.

You may also have seen David soaring over concrete when his wheelchair unexpectedly tipping over was captured in a front-page photo of the Los Angeles Times.

Darick J. Simpson

Darick J. Simpson is the president of the Earl B. and Loraine H. Miller Foundation. Under his leadership, The Miller Foundation transitioned from an invitation-only grantor to a more equitable open grant process. He has worked to form collaborations among local nonprofits and regional funders to share information and strategies that serve the greater community.

Before joining the Miller Foundation, Darick served as Executive Director of the Long Beach Community Action Partnership (LBCAP) and the Region IX Representative on the National Community Action Partnership Board. During this tenure, he helped create the Public Access Digital Network (PADNET.tv), which trains community members, teens, and college interns in video production.

Darick’s reputation as a community leader has garnered myriad awards for leadership and service including prestigious regional and national recognition. In addition to corporate and community accomplishments, Darick is a motivational speaker, national CliftonStrengths Facilitator, and a creative writer with four published books.

From 2008-2014, Darick served as a member of the Recording Academy and a voting member of the Grammy Awards. In 2020, he was selected as the CSU Long Beach Leader in Residence. Darick is a proud father of twins, grandfather of five and alumni of the University of Alabama.

Loren Simpson

A Southern California native, Loren Alex Simpson is currently the Director of Communications for the mayor of Long Beach. Previously, she was the celebrity stylist and Director of Digital Communications for the Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, where she oversaw the digital strategy for Visit Long Beach, including content marketing, social media, public relations and eCommunications.

Additionally, she has worked under a top celebrity stylist assisting on both cover shoots and red carpet looks for celebrities including Blake Lively, Ashlee Simpson, Molly Sims, and has styled Gwyneth Paltrow’s cookbook, “My Father’s Daughter.” Simpson began her fashion career as a Fashion Assistant for both Marie Claire and Domino Magazine.

Loren is a mother of four children ranging 4 – 16. Since childhood, her father instilled the importance of being an active member of her community. From planting gardens and community cleanups in her neighborhood as an adolescent to mentoring teens as a young single mom, she now encourages her children to be active community members.

As part of the PBS SoCal Community Advisory Board, Loren stands as a representative of families raising children check-to-check, striving to provide the best lives they can for their families and improve their communities.

Nadia Stanley 

Nadia R. Stanley is a veteran global television producer with credits on networks including FOX, Bravo, BET, NBC!Universal, VH1Soul, TVJ, RE TV and OWN.

After a 15-year career in television that had her working in the US but also internationally in UK, Uganda & Jamaica,Nadia pivoted from the TV Industry to running a wealth management, financial services, and insurance solutions practice partnered with New York Life, serving the entertainment community and beyond.

She currently sits on the board of the National Association of Black Journalists Los Angeles Chapter as the Secretary & Treasurer.

Nadia received her BSBA from The American University and honed her journalistic skills at Santa Monica College, studying sports broadcasting.