‘Frankenstein of Fellowships’ Gives the Old College Try

0

As the new executive director of the L.A. City College Foundation, David Ambroz plans to facilitate institutional giving, reach out to the disenfranchised community and increase job and internship opportunities for students.


“I was asked to serve as a member of the foundation’s bond oversight committee,” he said, “It’s a great match of my past and professional goals to be employed in an activity that gives back in proportion to all that I was afforded as a disadvantaged youth.”


He grew up on the streets of New York and entered the foster care system when he was 11. Despite those hardships, he made it to Vassar College and graduated with honors, earning a political science degree. He moved to Los Angeles in 2001 and attended UCLA School of Law. Despite his scholarships, he had to find outside means to provide for books, living and networking.


“In getting to where I am today, I’m a Frankenstein of fellowships,” he said. “Education is not just one cost where you get a scholarship that pays for everything. I found support through community organizations, the church, and caring individuals. But only because I was savvy enough to find them.”


After receiving his law degree, Ambroz worked for the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce as director of public policy. He transferred to EPG Inc., a land use consultant agency, where he worked on the redevelopment of Hollywood and downtown and assisted with the creation of the Holly Trolly a public transportation alternative to alleviate parking problems.


A co-founder of Build LA, founding member of the National Foster Youth Advisory Council, and member of the Child Welfare League of America, Foster Care Work Group and the LA Youth Network, Ambroz stays connected to his background by combining the professional and personal.


“We have to invest in education for everyone at any demographic,” he said. “LACC is the gateway institution for many in the community. People can contribute by contacting www.laccfoundation.org. It’s amazing what so little can mean in the life of a student. One hundred bucks can support a student’s semester. I want to keep education economical accessibly to all, as I was so lucky.”


Ambroz lives in Hollywood. He enjoys running, hiking, coffee of any sort and bad films.

No posts to display