Alba Velasquez serves as the Executive Director of the Los Angeles Food Policy Council (LAFPC), where she leads efforts to create an equitable and sustainable food system across the LA region. Since joining LAFPC in 2017, Alba has played a pivotal role in expanding the Healthy Neighborhood Market Network program and strengthening strategic partnerships. She also guided the organization through a critical leadership transition as Interim Executive Director in 2020.
Before LAFPC, Alba managed key initiatives at the National Health Foundation and contributed to urban agriculture research at UCLA. She holds a BA in Sociology from UC Santa Barbara and a Master’s in Urban Regional Planning from UCLA.
As a Salvadoran refugee and lifelong community advocate, Alba’s personal experiences deeply inform her dedication to advancing food justice.
HEAL Food Alliance
2025 School of Political Leadership
LAFPC - Good Food Zones
Alba Velasquez

(she/her)
Executive Director,
LAFPC - Good Food Zones
In Los Angeles, persistent food insecurity, environmental challenges, and economic disparities highlight the urgent need for bold leadership and collaborative solutions. Through initiatives like the Good Food Zones, we aim to address these challenges by increasing access to healthy, affordable food in historically underserved communities. Being part of this cohort offers an opportunity to learn, share strategies, and work collectively to ensure BIPOC voices are centered in shaping policies and systems that create lasting change. In this critical political moment, SoPL provides a space to build collective power, deepen our understanding of systemic barriers, and drive meaningful change in our food systems.