Linda Lopez, PhD

CEO, Impact Strategies, Inc.

Dear John,

We are delighted to introduce our 2025 Women for a New Los Angeles Luncheon honoree, Dr. Linda Lopez.  With over two decades of executive experience across government, academia, and philanthropy, Dr. Lopez is a driving force in shaping the future of Los Angeles.

As Chief of the Office of Immigrant Affairs during Mayor Eric Garcetti’s tenure, Dr. Lopez spearheaded initiatives for economic inclusion and established a $10 million fund for legal services for underserved groups. As the Associate Dean for Diversity and Strategic Initiatives at the University of Southern California, she championed the recruitment of first-generation college students and designed programs to engage and empower local communities. On a federal level, Dr. Lopez served as Senior Program Director at the National Science Foundation, where she created pathways for underrepresented populations to thrive in STEM fields. 

Now, as the CEO and founder at Impact Strategies, Inc., Dr. Lopez continues her mission to drive lasting social change by advising clients in government, philanthropy, and non-profits on grant-making strategies, while also working with local government on digital inclusion and broadband initiatives to increase digital access in underserved communities.

Stella T. Maloyan

Women for a New Los Angeles Founder

Principal, Stellar Strategies Group

Ada Briceño

Co-President, UNITE HERE! Local 11

Ana Guerrero

Principal, Guerrero Strategies

Angelica Salas

Executive Director, CHIRLA

Stephanie Von Slomski

Assistant Political Director, IUPAT, DC 36

Kathy Finn

President, UFCW 770

Julie Gutman Dickinson

Union Labor Lawyer/Partner, Bush Gottlieb

Martha Saucedo

Chief External Affairs Officer, AEG

Yvonne Wheeler

President, LA County Federation of Labor