Meet Alexandra Lopez (Alex), Outreach Associate at ActiveSGV. Alex supports the Active Streets program and a range of local mobility initiatives aimed at creating safer streets and more inclusive public spaces throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Although relatively new to the field, Alex has been with ActiveSGV for just over two years and is driven by a strong commitment to equity and access to green spaces. She believes every community deserves safe, welcoming places to walk, bike, and gather. Alex helps coordinate Active Streets events and leads volunteer engagement efforts that bring people together to reimagine public spaces. She is currently focused on volunteer recruitment and engagement for our upcoming event, Active Streets: Mission at Twilight, on June 22. If you're interested in volunteering, sign up here: https://x.gldn.io/e/Active_San_Gabriel_Valley.

Alex is excited to continue growing in her role and supporting programs that prioritize community voices and needs. Outside of work, she loves hiking, camping, biking, picnicking at parks, going to concerts, and diving into all kinds of creative projects. Learn more about Alex in her own words below.

How did you get started working at ActiveSGV?

I first learned about ActiveSGV while working at the San Gabriel Valley Conservation Corps (SGVCC) with my friend Alina—who now also works at ActiveSGV! At the time, both of our offices were located at the Jeff Seymour Family Center. One day, we spotted the ActiveSGV e-van covered in the cutest decals of animals riding bikes and thought, “Oh my gosh, how cute!” I eventually got the chance to chat with someone coming out of the van and asked about the organization. After learning more, I looked up ActiveSGV on Instagram and became really interested in their work. So, when I saw an internship opportunity open up, I jumped at the chance to apply!

What do you like most about working with ActiveSGV?

What I love most about working with ActiveSGV is how aligned I feel with our mission. I’m really passionate about the projects I get to work on, especially knowing that the goal is to create positive change in our local communities. I also appreciate how much I’m constantly learning and growing—and I’m truly grateful for the supportive space and opportunity to do so.

Favorite and memorable ActiveSGV experience: 

ArroyoFest! I actually teared up while riding my bike on the 110 freeway. This project took much longer to come together than the time I personally spent working on it, but seeing the freeway transformed like that—and witnessing the joy it brought to so many people—made me feel incredibly grateful to have played even a small part in that moment.

If a friend from out of town were to visit, which place in the SGV would you take them to and why?

Okay, let me think of my dream SGV day. Right now, I’m on a matcha kick and have been loving the double matcha from Three Fields in Alhambra, so we’d definitely start there.

Next, we’d head to the Vineland Swap Meet in City of Industry, one of my absolute favorite places in the world, lol. It’s like a giant yard sale where I never know exactly what I’m looking for, but I always leave with something cool!

Then we’d swing by Ostionería Colima in La Puente to pick up some aguachiles and ceviche, and take it up to our next stop: the San Gabriel River off Highway 39. We’d hike part of the Bridge to Nowhere trail, find a nice deep spot in the river to chill, eat our mariscos, and soak up the sun.

What are you currently listening to, reading, watching, or digging?

I’m always listening to a mix of things, seriously, but lately I’ve been revisiting a lot of Joan Sebastian (he reminds me of my childhood), listening to the new PinkPantheress album, and the latest Brainstory album. I’ve also been working on a little needle felting project, and watching way too many TikToks, lol.