Councilwoman Nithya Raman has advocated for a variety of changes within Los Angeles. In the past, she has initiated the SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition as well as served as the first executive director of Time’s Up Entertainment. Her work is deeply inspired by the need for justice and equity within her community. In this episode of Asian Voices Radio, Councilwoman Raman shares her personal thoughts on her work and what continues to motivate her as an urban planner and activist.

Today, Councilwoman Nithya serves as the Los Angeles City Councilmember for the 4th District since 2020. Both of her experiences at SELAH and Time’s Up have provided her the experience and insight needed to present opportunities of growth to the community.

With SELAH, Councilwoman Nithya helped organize weekly outreach programs, and providing access centers serving hot meals, case management, showers, clothes, and other services to a region of the city severely lacking in resources for people who are homeless. Time’s Up was focused on equity and safety for women in the entertainment industry. Under her leadership, the team launched a mentorship program for the executive and producer pipeline, published comprehensive Know your Rights resources related to sexual misconduct in the workplace, built a critics database, and created regular opportunities to build community among women in Hollywood.

Do you enjoy learning more about community activists? Listen to Episode 7 with Connie Chung, CEO of Advancing Justice Los Angeles.