The Kennedy Commission Team
Cesar directs the advocacy, education and outreach activities that develop solutions to housing needs and unite communities across Orange County to support affordable housing development. Prior to his current position, Cesar coordinated the Commission's efforts to develop and implement affordable housing public policies and strategies in local governments. Cesar also has worked for the Fair Housing Council of Orange County as a case manager for housing discrimination cases and assisted clients with landlord-tenant issues. Cesar holds a law degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law and bachelor’s degree in Political Science from California State University, Fullerton.
Contact Cesar at cesarc@kennedycommission.org
Meet Rudy, a community-driven planning expert with a passion for creating equitable and accessible communities. With expertise in community engagement, participatory design, and inclusive public spaces, Rudy fosters equity and participation among historically marginalized communities. He manages efforts to advance affordable housing policies in Orange County, leveraging research, community engagement, and strategic advocacy to drive change. Through GIS mapping tools, land-use policy analysis, and stakeholder collaboration, Rudy promotes equitable housing opportunities and works towards a more just and inclusive community.
Rudy received his bachelor’s degree in Social Ecology with a focus in Urban Studies from the University of California, Irvine. Rudy is currently working on completing a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of California, Irvine. Rudy’s academic research focuses on how land use decisions, housing availability, and neighborhood design influence health equity and community outcomes.
He is particularly interested in how zoning laws, entitlement processes, and public–private–nonprofit development partnerships can be leveraged to create healthier, more affordable, and inclusive communities. Rudy believes that equitable land use policy is one of the most powerful tools for reducing displacement, expanding opportunity, and improving long-term community well-being.
Contact Rudy at rudibeb@uci.edu
Cithlalli was born and raised in Santa Ana and started out at the Kennedy Commission as an Intern and then she came on full time as a Community Organizer, prior to her current title of Programs Manager and Outreach Coordinator. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Irvine in Urban Studies with a Geographic Information System (GIS). Cithlalli oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs that support the organization's mission. She also coordinates resources, supports staff and volunteers, ensures programs meet goals, and works closely with stakeholders to ensure effective delivery and community impact.
Contact Cithlalli at cithlallir@kennedycommission.org
Cynthia Marquez develops advocacy strategies and leadership development opportunities to mobilize, engage, and build the capacity of community members through coalition initiatives. As a graduate from the U.C. Irvine Cynthia earned a double degree in Urban Studies, as well as in Social Policy and Public Service with a focus in Geographic Information System (GIS) after transferring from Irvine Valley Community College. They curated their undergraduate experience through immersion by living and working in different cities to gain a broad perspective in how policy implementation affects a wide variety of underserved communities, including Santa Ana, California; Orlando, Florida; and Washington, D.C.
Contact Cynthia at cynthiam@kennedycommission.org
Jacki holds a B.A in Urban Studies and B.A in Social Ecology from the University of California,Irvine. She is returning to UCI in the fall of 2025 for her Masters in Urban Planning and Policy. She first started as a Summer Intern which has transitioned now to her role as Assistant Projects Manager, where she supports the Project Manager via city council tracking,writing public comment letters, and collects/organizes data for advocacy project purposes. She creates essential material for community members and community events on behalf of the Commission’s initiatives. She has an interest in research of Additional Dwelling Units(ADUs) in hopes to educate the public and policy-makers that ADUs do not directly add to the affordable housing stock. Her lived experiences and education background allows Jacki to lead with compassion and understanding of urban planning and local policies' depth impact on underserved communities.
Contact Jacki at jackiv@kennedycommission.org
Alejandra holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning with a minor in Regenerative Studies from Cal Poly Pomona. Her academic focus centered on the relationship between the natural and built environment, with an emphasis on sustainability and community resilience.
After graduating, Alejandra spent eight months in El Salvador reconnecting with her roots and engaging in personal and community-based projects. She volunteered with Shelter, a Canadian nonprofit that builds free homes for families living in extreme poverty in El Salvador. As a translator and community liaison, she supported volunteer teams and helped build trust with local families.
Today, Alejandra serves as a Project Manager at The Kennedy Commission, where she leads initiatives to advance affordable housing across Orange County. Her work includes city tracking, GIS mapping, policy research, and drafting public comment letters. She plays a key role in organizing local advocacy efforts—particularly in South County—around housing element implementation and major development proposals. Alejandra also creates data-driven tools and community profiles to support public education and resident-led engagement.
She first joined the Commission as an Assistant Project Manager and has since stepped into a broader leadership role, bringing a strong blend of technical expertise, lived experience, and community-centered values to her work.
Contact Alejandra at alejandrap@kennedycommission.org
Michelle is currently in her second-year for her undergrad in Urban Studies at the University of California, Irvine. She first started as a Volunteer which has transitioned now to her role as Community Organizer. Where she coordinates strategic communication across digital platforms, develops and implements digital engagement strategies. Collaborate with team members to carry out key components, such as coordinating digital outreach and organizing high-visibility programs. Michelle's lived experiences, combined with her educational background, empower her to lead with empathy and a deep understanding of how local policies profoundly affect underserved communities.
Contact Michelle at michellea@kennedycommission.org
Matt has a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Southern California. He holds experience advocating on behalf of the commercial real estate industry in Southern California, working on public affairs strategies for the City of Long Beach, and now pushing for the development of affordable housing in Orange County. In his role, Matt researches and analyzes housing policy on a local, state, and federal level, and collaborates with elected officials and other stakeholders to prioritize the enactment of housing-first policy.
Contact Matthew at matthewk@kennedycommission.org
