Ivan Javi Rueda
Colton,CA
Summary
Community centered nonprofit professional and program manager with more than 15 years of experience leading community initiatives, managing events, coordinating volunteers, facilitating educational programs, and building meaningful partnerships across southern California. Dedicated to creating welcoming, culturally responsive spaces where people feel valued, supported, and connected. Experienced in nonprofit operations, youth development, public health education, event management, food justice, and indigenous community leadership, thoughtful problem solving and a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and community well being.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Cook
Creating Justice LA
01.2023 - Current
- Prepare and serve 50-80 meals for skidrow residents during weekly open mic.
- Coordinate event set up, kitchen operations, food preparations, cleanup and facility operations.
- Collaborate with staff and volunteers to create welcoming, respectful and organized community spaced.
- Maintain efficient weekly operations while ensuring participants experience dignity and belonging.
Cultural event producer
Independent community organizer & LA-LBC-IE
01.2018 - Current
- Produce culturally grounded community events including mexica new year in LA, indigenous art exhibits, educational workshops, and community gatherings.
- Coordinating vendors, artists, volunteers, facilitators and performers while overseeing logistics from planning through connections.
- Create inclusive, family friendly environments centered on indigenous knowledge, accessibility, healing and community connections.
Event Program Coordinator
Plant Based Aztlan
06.2021 - 11.2024
- Managed a monthly indigenous centered community marketplace featuring 20-30 local vendors.
- Directed annual indigenous peoples day celebration featuring over 50 vendors, artists, educators, musicians, and community organizations with attendance in the hundreds.
- Managed vendor requirements, contracts, scheduling, event logistics, volunteer coordination, and community partnerships.
- Coordinated performers, visual artist, workshops facilitators, MC’s, and cultural event.
- Built trusted relationships with vendors and artists from throughout southern California, creating a collaborative community grounded in mutual respect and shared values.
- East Aztlan
Peer Educator
LA LGBT Center
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Facilitated HIV prevention and sexual health education workshop for youth.
- Led peer based discussions that strengthened communication skills, healthy relationships, and confidence in navigating conversations about HIV status.
- Conducted outreach at community events and nightlife venues by distributing safer sex supplies and educational materials.
- Supported youth leadership initiatives and grant funded programming developed with young people.
- I've created a Pokemon themed outreach campaign using educational materials, condoms and lubricant to increase engagement with H prevention resources.
- Helped foster affirming spaces where LGBTQ+ youth felt seen, informed and empowered.
Intern
580 cafe
01.2013 - 01.2017
- Supported a welcoming community space serving UCLA students and neighborhood residents.
- Assisted with food service, hospitality, event coordinating and daily operations.
- Helped facilitate wellness programming, supported groups and educational community events contributed to creating a safe and inclusive environment focused on connection, wellness and belonging.
- Gained valuable experience working within a specific industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
- Collaborating with multiple organizations on campus and out.
Studio Manager
Tattoo studio
01.2006 - 01.2012
- Advanced from studio apprentice to manager while completing high school.
- Oversaw day to day business operations, scheduling, customer service, inventory, and studio organization.
- Managed client relationships and helped maintain a welcoming professional environment.
- Supervised workflow while developing strong leadership, communication, and problem solving skills.
Community Organizer
Immigrant right orgs
- Supported immigrant rights campaigns through community outreach, civic engagement, and educational initiatives.
- Assisted with voter engagement efforts and community phone banking.
- Participated in advocacy campaigns addressing issues impacting immigrant communities.
- Facilitate community art workshops using creative expressions as a tool for civic engagement and social justice.
Education
High school degree -
East Valley High School #2
North Hollywood05.2009
Skills
Program management
Multitasking and organization
Vendor & artist management
Public speaking ad workshop facilitating
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Cook
Creating Justice LA
01.2023 - Current
Event Program Coordinator
Plant Based Aztlan
06.2021 - 11.2024
Cultural event producer
Independent community organizer & LA-LBC-IE
01.2018 - Current
Peer Educator
LA LGBT Center
01.2015 - 01.2018
Intern
580 cafe
01.2013 - 01.2017
Studio Manager
Tattoo studio
01.2006 - 01.2012
Community Organizer
Immigrant right orgs
High school degree -
East Valley High School #2
Indigenous Community Leadership
For the past several years, my community work has centered on indigenous ceremony, cultural education, and creating spaces grounded in respect, accountability, and healing. As a fire keeper for Temazcal and a danza azteca practitioner, I help coordinate year round community programming, family centered gathering, ceremonial opening, seasonal exhibitions, fundraisers and community events honoring indigenous traditions while welcoming people from diverse backgrounds. Through this work I have strengthened my leadership, program coordination, community partnership, building cultural humility and commitment to fostering safe, inclusive environments where community can thrive.
Selected Strengths
- Collaborative leadership community centered decision making
- Program development
- Inclusive team building
- Volunteer supervision
- Event operations
- Community partnership
- Public speaking
- Cultural competency
- Strategic planning
- Adaptability
- Relationship building
Professional History Summary
Community centered nonprofit professional and program manager with more than 15 years of experience leading community initiatives, managing events, coordinating volunteers, facilitating educational programs, and building meaningful partnerships across southern California. Dedicated to creating welcoming, culturally responsive spaces where people feel valued, supported, and connected. Experienced in nonprofit operations, youth development, public health education, event management, food justice, and indigenous community leadership, thoughtful problem solving and a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and community well being.