Meet the Community Advisory Board

Patty, aka Alma, Archuleta is a daughter of Mexican immigrants, a mother and grandmother, a street vendor, and a leader. Her business, Patty's Closet, started as a secondhand store and grew to include new merchandise. In 2022, she was awarded, Women of the Year by Senator Sydney Kamlager-Dove and Small Business Champ by IAC and Wells Fargo. Patty enjoys sharing ideas and making a difference in people's lives.

Amelia Gallegos is a street vendor on Saturdays and Sundays. She sell general merchandise, a little bit of everything. She happy to participate in the committee of the Open Air Advisory Board so she can help people like herself, who have lost their business. Thus offering the support that is given in this institution. Amelia’s favorite hobby is listening to music!

Caridad Vasquez is a street vendor and owner of Karina's Catering, selling delicious Mexican food such as quesadillas, red and white pozole, pambazos, enchiladas, and tacos. She operates her business in Boyle Heights on weekends and is available for special events. Having worked for 15 years and advocating for street vendor rights, she is passionate about legalizing street vending for food vendors. Caridad enjoys spending time with other vendors and fellowshipping the campaign to legalize street vending.

Diana Diaz is a single mother from East LA who created The Goddess Mercado. She also founded Mexichic Crafts and The Queer Mercado Nonprofit Collectives to create safe spaces for underrepresented youth to express themselves and learn entrepreneurship. Diana is a school counselor and sits on the board of East LA Artwalk and In The Making. Her leadership has been recognized by councilwomen, Hilda Solis and Monica Rodriguez. Diana was appointed 2023 Commissioner for the Commission on Women by Councilwoman Solis and “Woman of the Year” representing District 1.

Jamella Brown is a St. Louis native, cosmetologist and owner of Mella B's Potcorn LLC. After noticing a void in the blend of the beauty and food industries in the salon experience, she started her popcorn business. Now a street vendor in Leimert Park, she hopes to advocate for vendors and catalyze change in providing resources and support to vendors who nourish communities with delicious food.

Loni Ro is the owner of Kalypso Sweet Ice, which offers nostalgia in a cup. As a Guyanese Afro-American, she created her business to reflect her culture and tradition. The name Kalypso is inspired by the music and sweet ice for childhood treats. She decided to join the Open Air Advisory Board due to constantly changing jobs caused by relocating or company down sizing. Despite not smiling a lot, Loni Ro is a kid at heart.

Marcel Douglas is the owner of Island Spice Tingz, Jamaican Cuisine. She began her business after friends kept asking her to cater parties. She vends in Leimert Park on Wednesday nights and other events, and has grown the business to participate in 3-day music festivals. Marcel lobbied for SB972 to pass in the capitol, believing that it can educate small businesses to grow and create jobs. She considers herself a stand-up comedian.

Sabrena Whigham is the President of the African Village Vendors Association at Leimert Park. The association focuses on cultivating, developing and empowering Black-owned vendors to compete in society on a level playing field. Sabrena served as former VP and Guidance Body Member for First Five LA Best Start and State program. She serves as a program coordinator for Enhancing Forward Action for 14+ years. She is also Director, producer, songwriter and motivational speaker of EQUIP Community Glee Club, creating and coaching performances to empower, inspire and heal societal ills. Sabrena says that “Empowering, servicing, motivating ,uplifting and healing people is the ministry and purpose for her life.”

Santa Huerta is from Peru, she owns and operates La Aquinita. She sells clothes and toys as a street vendor in the Fashion District of San Pedro and La Pico in LA. She is an advocate for street vendors’ rights, helping others to know their rights and to keep learning. She likes selling toys that remind her of her own childhood and seeing people happy with their purchases.

Stephanie Johnson is a chef and owner of Edible Blessings of Love Catering and Sweet Blessings Bakery. She attended Le Cordon Bleu culinary school and has been catering and baking since 2013. Stephanie became a street vendor in 2020 and faces challenges as an African-American woman. Stephanie was a cosmetologist before becoming a chef and enjoys making crochet blankets in her downtime.

Teresa Hermenegildo Silverio is a street vendor and owns a merchandise stand in the San Pedro corridor in Los Angeles. She sells with her family on Saturdays and Sundays from 8am-4pm. Teresa started her business in 2015 due to difficult financial situations. As a street worker, she is pleased to offer her lived experience, gain support, and learn from others on the advisory board. During the week, she enjoys spending time with her family.