Genaro Ventura is a born and raised Angeleno. Genaro received his B.A. in Sociology at the University of California Los Angeles with a focus on studying toxic hyper-masculinity and its effects on minority youth from poor socioeconomic backgrounds. 

Shortly after graduating, Genaro began working as a Case Manager, helping populations such as undocumented immigrants, the formerly incarcerated, and other Medi-Cal members from his community navigate their healthcare. In doing so, he discovered a passion for creating and bringing awareness of opportunities to those most impacted. In 2023, Genaro began working at Homeboy Industries, helping formerly incarcerated ex-gang members obtain employment. The work he coordinated here inspired Genaro to pursue a Master of Social Work, and he was accepted to UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs for Fall 2023.

Genaro now seeks to work in tandem with all organizations necessary to help those who have been disenfranchised by individuals, systems, and infrastructures, believing that promoting public safety and well-being comes from creating a plethora of opportunities for members of impoverished communities.

This is why Genaro is ardent about working with the Mayor’s Office and sees the Bohnett Fellowship as an exceptional opportunity to observe and contribute to municipal-level efforts and initiatives. He hopes his experiences in helping historically marginalized populations, along with his intersectionality as a Latinx individual from South LA with an MSW lens, will allow him to compassionately critique and contribute to the Mayor’s Office as a Fellow, with the ultimate goal of creating a prosperous future for this city and its denizens.