Leny Chavez
Leny Chavez is a fervent advocate for the built environment and for economic development. As the daughter of a civil engineer and a junior high teacher in a developing country, from a young age, Leny understood the opportunities this could afford disadvantaged communities. Today, Leny Chavez represents Carollo Engineers–a premier design firm specializing in water projects, and handles the community engagement and government relation initiatives for Carollo in the Los Angeles region.
At the age of 16, Leny moved to Los Angeles from Honduras, Central America. Like many recent immigrants in the Latino Community who start from humble beginnings, she lived in the garage of her extended family’s home while finishing up high school. She became a mother at a young age but remained committed to her education and earned a B.A. in Political Science and an M.A. in Urban Planning both from UCLA. Leny is the mother to three young men: Eduardo (25), Benjamin (14), and Marcus (11).
Leny is an avid supporter of corporate social responsibility and has worked with Pacoima Beautiful for the last 6 years. She is experienced in contract management and economic development professional. She has participated in a multitude of community engagement efforts including education and outreach, non-profit management, government relations, and ordinance compliance. Today, she is Pacoima Beautiful’s functioning Chair supporting the organization in its mission as a grassroots environmental justice organization providing education, impacting local policy, and supporting the Arts to promote a healthy San Fernando Valley. She is committed to environmental justice and to promoting collaboration among strategic partners to develop a sustainable future for Los Angeles. Leny is committed to environmental justice and to promoting collaboration among strategic partners to develop a sustainable future for Los Angeles.