Miguel Perla brings over 20 years of experience as an organizer and community engagement consultant, having worked with multiple non-profit organizations, foundations, and government clients. He began his career in the Bay Area, focusing on civic empowerment, immigrants' rights, and environmental justice issues.

 

With a strong foundation in community-based research and advocacy, Miguel draws inspiration from the rich history of the Black, Latino, and other ethnic power movements. He holds a degree in International Relations from San Francisco State University and studied at UCLA's Latin American Studies Program, where he obtained a Masters Degree. During his academic journey, Miguel delved into understanding the Salvadoran and broader Central American Diaspora and their relationship with their home countries. This academic pursuit ignited a lifelong mission to connect people with resources and opportunities, empowering communities through collective action. Miguel perceives Los Angeles as a dynamic environment, a living laboratory where individuals are catalysts for change, and communities are spaces that can be shaped and enhanced.

 

In 2018, Miguel founded Poder Consulting Group to collaborate with skilled and like-minded professionals to harness their combined knowledge and expertise. Over the years, there has been a growing need for top-notch, culturally responsive community engagement and communications services in California. Poder Consulting Group has met this demand by participating in efforts to foster a more inclusive economy, institutions that cater to all residents, and the creation of safe and vibrant cities and communities.

 

Poder Consulting Group holds a strong track record of collaboration with various foundations, organizations, and public entities. Notably, we have contributed to First 5 Los Angeles' Best Start communities as facilitators and capacity-builders in the Antelope Valley, South LA, and the San Gabriel Valley. Through this experience, we have gained a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics present in communities across Los Angeles County and have honed our ability to support residents in engaging with and cultivating their own power. Additionally, Poder Consulting played a pivotal role in the development of "Bridges to Fatherhood," an initiative aimed at involving more men of color and fathers in community organizing efforts and empowerment.

 

What sets our work apart is our unwavering dedication to placing individuals at the forefront of their own empowerment and transformative journeys. Our diverse teams serve as a model for collaboration between Black and Latino communities, as well as fostering partnerships between men and women to work together harmoniously.

 

Between January 2022 and June 2023, Miguel worked with the Office of Violence Prevention as the Regional Coordinator for the Trauma Prevention Initiative in the Antelope Valley, Norwalk, and Hawaiian Gardens. Through this work, Miguel helped to forge strong relationships with local city government, county agencies, non-profit organizations, and local school districts to set the project up for success. 

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