Staff
Steven Chavez, Executive Director
NAMLA Founder and Executive Director Steven Chavez was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California. He is a licensed landscape architect and Founder of TOPOGRAM, a Los Angeles-based landscape architecture practice. Steven currently teaches landscape architecture at UCLA Extension.
Steven’s core values include creating experientially rich and enduring public spaces, especially in underserved communities. His observations of racial inequity within the landscape architecture profession prompted him to found NAMLA. The lack of people of color in decision-making roles that shape how American landscapes are planned, utilized, designed, and taught continues to fuel his commitment to the organization.
Steven holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Washington and a Master of Fine Art in Photography, with an emphasis on urban landscape photography, from the University of Ulster.
An avid photographer of interstitial public spaces, Steven uses photography to hybridize art, architecture, and landscape while exploring new types of affordable, small-scale urban prototypes.
Brenda Rodriguez, Secretary
NAMLA Secretary and Treasurer Brenda L. Rodriguez was born and raised on the Texas-Mexico border — in Brownsville, TX. She’s been a journalist for 25 years, covering news in Texas and currently producing entertainment news stories in Los Angeles. Additionally, she has managed news websites for MSN and AOL.
Brenda holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
While her career has spanned print, digital and television, one thing has remained constant: she is passionate about contributing to her community and helping minorities succeed in the workplace. She believes in the work NAMLA is doing and wants to see students and professionals benefit from the resources NAMLA has to offer.
During her spare time, Brenda volunteers with Hang Out, Do Good (HODG) and the Los Angeles Community Fridges (LACF) group. For Hang Out, Do Good, she makes lunches for the Hollywood Food Coalition to feed people in need; in addition, to contributing other resources.