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About the Episode

This episode highlights the vital role nonprofits play in addressing youth homelessness in Los Angeles. We’re joined by Christian Quijano, Associate Director of Program Innovation and Impact at My Friend’s Place, and Chino Quinlan, a former participant of the organization and now a Coordinator at the LA LGBT Center. Together, they share powerful personal stories and insightful research that reveal the heart of what makes nonprofit work so impactful.

About the Guests

Christian Quijano

Christian Quijano is a visionary leader currently serving as the Associate Director of Program Innovation and Impact at My Friend's Place. With a distinctive background, Christian holds an MBA from Pepperdine University's Graziadio Business School and a Sociology degree from Cal State Northridge. His role blends his business acumen and understanding of human attachment to drive meaningful, sustainable change. With a history of driving impact, Christian has led projects ranging from designing social-emotional learning solutions to managing high-profile philanthropic portfolios to fostering cultures informed by data, leveraging Ai tools in the process. His entrepreneurial mindset, coupled with a commitment to innovation and relationship-building, positions him as a trusted partner for fostering positive transformation and unlocking the potential of young people and teams at My Friend's Place.

Chino Quinlan

Harnessing the powerful lived experience of a past marked by incarceration and an abusive adoptive family, Matthew "Chino" Quinlan, 24, is a remarkable voice for positive change. Now an advocate for youth at the Los Angeles LGBT center and a member of SPA 4's Young Adult Steering Council (YASC), Chino is fueled by a passion for reforming the justice system and redefining rehabilitation. Chino boldly advocates for alternatives to youth incarceration and a more humane adult prison system. His lived experience as a former foster youth also fuels his fight for solutions to youth homelessness and mental health awareness. Though new to the world of non-profit advocacy and legislative change, Chino's local impact is undeniable. He spearheaded the creation of two peer staff positions in his service area and even attended the inaugural White House Youth Policy Summit, where he joined over 100 young leaders in advocating for policy changes directly with lawmakers.

About My Friend's Place

Get involved and donate: https://www.myfriendsplace.org/get-involved

About LA LGBT Center

Get involved: https://thecenterlv.org/

Donate: https://thecenterlv.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate

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About Me

Dr. Zayda Sorrell-Medina is a professor, social scientist, educator, and author. She is also a member and advocate of the foster, adoption, and homeless youth community and a first generation college student.

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https://www.zaydasorrellmedina.com/consultation.html

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