Meet The Founder
Mark Ridley-Thomas (MRT), a lifelong Los Angeles resident, has long been recognized as a leading voice for progressive change in the city. Elected to the Los Angeles City Council’s 10th District in 2020, his public service career spans over three decades, beginning in 1991 with previous roles on the City Council, in the California State Assembly, and State Senate, where he chaired key committees and led the California Legislative Black Caucus.
MRT has championed healthcare access, housing, criminal justice reform, and economic opportunity. He was instrumental in passing Measure H, generating $3.5 billion over 10 years to combat homelessness, and co-chaired the state’s homelessness task force under Gov. Gavin Newsom.
As L.A. County Supervisor, he secured over $1 billion for transit, housing, parks, and community projects. He led environmental initiatives like banning single-use plastic bags and developing green public spaces, and spearheaded the development of the acclaimed Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital.
Founder of the Empowerment Congress, MRT has advanced civic engagement and neighborhood participation. Before elected office, he led the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater L.A.
He lives in Leimert Park with his wife Avis, and they share a family that includes two sons and two grandchildren.
