“Sharing a birthday with Martin Luther King Jr., I learned, at an early age, about social justice issues and advocacy. It was this foundation that led me to a career grounded in the values of social change and equality.”
Clari Montes, who was born in Los Angeles, came to Community Coalition as an intern from USC’s Masters in Social Work and Masters in Public Administration programs. In 2013, she officially joined the Community Coalition family as the Lead Grant Writer, which allows her to draw from her social justice values to support the organization in improving South LA’s social and economic conditions. Clari is particularly passionate about dismantling the pipeline to prison through public safety and criminal justice reform. Her time at Community Coalition has enabled her to grow as a community leader and advocate, and solidified her commitment to fighting for progressive change.