CRC works closely with our members and allies to build an inclusive and fair economy that meets the needs of communities of color and low-income communities throughout California. At possibly no time in recent history, has there been a greater need for our coalition to work together to ensure that banks and other corporations invest equitably in our communities.

To meet this need, we are thrilled to welcome three new staff members to the CRC team. We hope you will all get the opportunity to meet with our new team members and welcome them aboard.

Kỳ-Nam Miller
Program Director

Kỳ-Nam Miller is a California-licensed attorney dedicated to breaking down inequitable barriers to opportunity. He is an advisor to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission as well as the California Secretary of State’s Langauge Access Commission. Most recently he served as the Economic Equity Director for the Greenlining Institute, where he led the organization’s efforts to build wealth in communities of color. He has also worked at PolicyLink, the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, and as an aide to Congresswoman Barbara Lee.

Kỳ-Nam received his Masters from the London School of Economics, and graduated with honors from UC Berkeley, where he competed on national champion rugby and heavyweight rowing varsity teams. He and his partner Bonnie are raising their two kids in Oakland, California.

Patricia M. Villasenor
Program Associate, Southern California

Patricia M. Villasenor grew up in Southern California, and was previously the Executive Director of the Human Relations Commission for the City of Los Angeles. She later became the Director of the Commissions and Community Engagement Division for the City of Los Angeles. At the Human Relations Commission, her work included the creation of the Office of Immigrant Affairs, Transgender Advisory Board, Anti-Bullying Coalition, Youth Ambassadors Program and embRaceLA. Patty also produced the “We Are LA!” television segments, where she received the Spirit of LA Award from Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. She has served on numerous panels as a subject matter expert on diversity and inclusion, immigration, and conflict management. Additionally, she was responsible for developing multiple workshops and trainings on cultural competency, civic engagement, and police-community relations.

At the Commissions and Community Engagement Division, Patty oversaw and directed the various initiatives of the Commission on the Status of Women, Affordable Housing Commission, Communities and Family Services, and the Community Action Board. The charge of each commission was to serve as advocates on behalf of the most marginalized communities throughout the Los Angeles region. Some of these initiatives included The Report on the Status of Women and Girls, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and the Pioneer Women’s Award.

Patty graduated with honors and Magna Cum Laude from the University of Southern California, where she studied Cultural Anthropology and Environmental Studies.

Vijay Das
National Policy and Communications Director

Vijay Das comes to the California Reinvestment Coalition after leading progressive campaigns and movement strategy for Demos in Washington D.C. Vijay hails from the East Bay and is proud to return home and fight for everyday Californians. Vijay has previously worked as a policy advocate for Public Citizen’s Congress Watch and was a policy fellow in the California Attorney General’s Office and in the United States Senate. Prior to graduate school, Vijay worked on public health and public safety reforms for the mayors of Los Angeles and New York City.

Vijay’s writing has appeared in CNN, USA Today, The Nation, Al Jazeera America, Al Jazeera English, Salon, Univision News, The Guardian, The San Francisco Chronicle, among other outlets. His analysis and views have been quoted in The Intercept, Politico, Pro Publica, Vice News, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, The New Republic, The American Prospect, The Boston Globe and the Hartford Courant. Vijay’s media appearances include national and state syndicated broadcast television and radio.

Vijay is a graduate of Vassar College and UC Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy.