Public Advocates Inc. is a nonprofit law firm and advocacy organization that challenges the systemic causes of poverty and racial discrimination by strengthening community voices in public policy and achieving tangible legal victories advancing education, housing and transit equity. We spur change through collaboration with grassroots groups representing low-income communities, people of color and immigrants, combined with strategic policy reform, media advocacy and litigation, “making rights real” across California since 1971.

Legal

Non Profit

Public Advocates

Public Advocates' headquarters in San Francisco, CA, United States

Guillermo Mayer

John T. Affeldt

Michelle Pariset

Elisabeth Voigt

Liz Ryan Murray

Sbeydeh Viveros-Walton

John Affeldt

Isabel Alegria

Carmen Fernando

Sumi Paik

Sumeet Bal

Sheila Bapat

Sbeydeh Viveros - Walton

The Legal Team at Public Advocates Inc. spearheads litigation and legal advocacy efforts to combat systemic poverty and racial discrimination. Collaborating with grassroots groups and community leaders, this team engages in strategic policy reform, legal representation, and media advocacy to secure equitable access to education, housing, and transit for low-income communities, people of color, and immigrants across California.

Legal Team

The Communications Team at Public Advocates Inc. is responsible for amplifying the organization's advocacy efforts and legal victories through strategic media outreach, digital campaigns, and public relations. They craft compelling narratives to support policy reform, engage the community, and raise awareness on issues of poverty and racial discrimination. This team leverages various communications platforms to ensure that the voices of low-income communities, people of color, and immigrants are heard and influence public policy across California.

Communications Team

The Program and Student Engagement team at Public Advocates plays a crucial role in empowering students and fostering their active participation in advocacy efforts. This team collaborates with grassroots organizations to support education, housing, and transit equity initiatives, focusing on elevating student voices and driving strategic policy reforms. Through engagement activities, policy advocacy, and project management, they work to dismantle systemic barriers and achieve impactful legal and social equity outcomes.

Program and Student Engagement

The Administrative and Executive Support team at Public Advocates provides essential organizational and logistical support to ensure the seamless operation of the nonprofit. This team coordinates schedules, manages communications, and handles administrative tasks for key executives, including the President & CEO and Managing Director. By facilitating efficient workflows and assisting various teams, they enable the organization to focus on its mission of advancing equity in education, housing, and transit for vulnerable communities.

Administrative and Executive Support

The Policy and Advocacy Team at Public Advocates Inc. spearheads efforts to influence and reform public policies that affect low-income communities, people of color, and immigrants. They collaborate closely with grassroots organizations and community groups to amplify their voices in legislative processes, focusing on issues such as education, housing, and transit equity. Through strategic campaigns, policy advocacy, and legislative affairs, the team works to dismantle systemic inequities and achieve tangible legal outcomes that promote social justice across California.

Public Advocates

Org chart

Teams

Legal Team

Communications Team

Program and Student Engagement

Administrative and Executive Support

Policy and Advocacy Team

Offices

Public Advocates

Org chart

Teams

Legal Team

Communications Team

Program and Student Engagement

Administrative and Executive Support

Policy and Advocacy Team

Offices

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