“Joan has an extraordinary ability to bring clarity and forward movement to complex work, even in the midst of the competing priorities and constant demands of City Hall. Over multiple years working with the Mayor’s Office, I’ve seen her listen deeply, quickly get to the heart of what needs to be solved, and help leaders turn ambiguity into a clear path forward. Her approach is strategic, collaborative, and highly practical—and she has a remarkable ability to quietly facilitate progress when the stakes are high and the way forward isn’t obvious.”
— Carolyn Webb de Macias, Chief of Staff, Office of Mayor Karen Bass, City of Los Angeles
“Ama has that rare ability to be a strategic thinker and at the same time a leader who pays attention to tactics, operations, and details. I appreciate the big picture vision she holds as well as her focus and discipline to carry out the work in clear and measurable ways. She’s also just a pleasure to be around.”
— Anthony Thigpenn, Founder and President, California Calls
“I cannot say enough how brilliant, insightful, and helpful Joan is. Her experience, focus, curiosity, guidance, care, and wisdom have been essential for me as a leader, for my senior team, and for our organization as a whole. This is a moment of exciting and challenging growth for us, at a time when the stakes for our democracy are high. I can’t think of a better coach and strategist than Joan to have by my side.”
— Rachel Levin, President, Fundamental
“Joan was an invaluable partner during a pivotal time for Green Dot. She helped us bring our development work in-house while supporting the team, establishing strong processes, and helping our new Vice President of Development step into the role with clarity and confidence. Joan understands how to guide organizations through change while keeping people, purpose, and long-term vision at the center.”
— Cristina de Jesus, President & CEO, Green Dot Public Schools California
“Joan helped us transform how we approach fundraising and donor partnerships. She brought strategic clarity to our pitch, helped us position the organization for new opportunities, and strengthened our team’s capacity to pursue them. Just as importantly, Joan’s supportive and collaborative approach gave us greater confidence in telling our story and building the partnerships our work requires.”
— Elmer Roldan, Executive Director, Communities In Schools of Los Angeles
“Ama is great at context setting, creating a container for our staff and board to step into was really powerful and a function of her facilitative skill. She never lets pebbles feel like big rocks, holds us accountable in loving and firm ways, and pushes people and conversations forward.”
— Alicia Lara, CEO, Community Partners
“Joan has a rare ability to listen deeply, understand what we’re really trying to solve, and get to the root of a challenge. She asks the right questions, helps us make sense of complexity, and co-creates solutions that are authentic to our organization. She has helped us build a comprehensive fundraising strategy, strengthen our systems and accountability, and make the most of our team’s capacity. Joan brings rigor and clarity to the work while being deeply supportive and caring. She is also brilliant and kind.”
— Dr. Ana Ponce, President & CEO, GPSN
“Good Influence has played a major role in guiding United Way’s evolution and transformation. Ama is an intersectional leader with an amazing team who brings strategic thinking, meaningful engagement of stakeholders, and synthesis of input to guide planning and implementation. She is able to push an organization and its leadership, while also meeting leaders where they are. Ama’s commitment to racial justice is unparalleled and Good Influence brings inspiration, innovation, and possibility to organizations who strive to be a good influence on the world.”
— Elise Buik, CEO, United Way of Greater Los Angeles
