LOS ANGELES – The Center for Popular Democracy (CPD) is pleased to announce that Aura Vasquez, Director for Climate Justice, has been appointed to the Board of Commissioners for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). Commissioners on the five-member Board of Water and Power establish policy for the LADWP. The Board members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council for five-year terms.

Vasquez is a Colombia native with over 10 years of public affairs and intergovernmental relations experience in New York, Washington D.C, and California. She has been a strategic partner in helping bring energy efficiency programs and community solar programs to Los Angeles residents. She recently worked alongside the city of Los Angeles and the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign, whose aim is to make L.A. coal free by 2025. In addition, she helped establish the Feed & Tariff Initiative, the largest rooftop solar program in the country.

“I am honored to join the LADWP Board of Commissioners and help carry out Mayor Garcetti’s vision to advance our environment, economy and equity,” said Vasquez. “The decisions we make on water and energy in the next years will impact generations to come, and I look forward to using my voice to promote smarter, more sustainable policies that do right by our people and communities.”

“LADWP needs leaders who are committed to making Los Angeles both more sustainable and equitable,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Aura Vasquez has dedicated her career to environmental justice -- and preserving our most precious resources. I can’t think of a more fitting leader to join the DWP Board of Commissioners to help bring our utility into the next generation.”

“Congratulations to CPD’s own Aura Vasquez on this incredible honor. Throughout her career Aura has been committed to environmental justice and social change. She is an incredible advocate for vulnerable communities and her influence on this board will greatly benefit the Los Angeles community. I know she will bring the same passion and commitment for environmental and climate justice to her role at LADWP” said Jennifer Epps-Addison, CPD’s Co-Executive Director and Network President.

At CPD, Vasquez coordinates the organization’s national climate justice efforts and represents CPD on national committees such as the Ready for 100% campaign, the People's Climate March, and the US Climate Action Network, among others.  Vasquez currently serves as a board member at the Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Lehman College.

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The Center for Popular Democracy promotes equity, opportunity, and a dynamic democracy in partnership with innovative base-building organizations, organizing networks and alliances, and progressive unions across the country. CPD builds the strength and capacity of democratic organizations to envision and advance a pro-worker, pro-immigrant, racial justice agenda.