Gabby Magaña is the Program Coordinator for El Monte’s Clean Mobility Nexus Program, where she leads community engagement, education, and outreach strategies to expand sustainable and affordable mobility options across the city. A lifelong San Gabriel Valley resident (shoutout Bridgetown!) and proud daughter of Salvadoran immigrants, her background includes community organizing, program implementation, and data analysis. While earning her Master of Public Policy and Master of Urban Planning degrees from USC, she continued to foster her passion for spatial equity and empowering residents to play an active role in shaping their communities. Now, she’s excited to bring that passion to the SGV by supporting community-based planning efforts in the region she’s called home her whole life. Learn more about Gabby in her own words. 

How did you get started working at ActiveSGV?

I first heard of ActiveSGV in 2022 while working as a Research Assistant at USC’s Neighborhood Data for Social Change. I was supporting the Regional Recovery Hubs initiative by developing a data story focused on community-led COVID-19 recovery efforts in L.A. County. ActiveSGV was leading the efforts in the San Gabriel Valley, which gave me the chance to dive into their projects. As someone who had mostly worked with nonprofits in the City of Los Angeles, I was really drawn to the impact they were making in my own region. Their focus on active transportation, green spaces, and community engagement aligned closely with what I studied and cared about, so I started following their work more closely. After grad school, I explored other career paths but kept coming back to community-centered work in the nonprofit space. So when I saw an opening at ActiveSGV in 2025 focused on environmental justice and active transportation, I knew I had to apply. Now I get to focus on community engagement and program implementation in the SGV, which has been really meaningful to me. 

What do you like most about working with ActiveSGV?

Definitely the people (both my colleagues and the community members). Most of my colleagues are also from the SGV, and you can really feel the care and intention they bring to their work. The community members we work with are usually open and welcoming, and I’ve been able to build a lot of genuine connections with them. What excites me most about working at ActiveSGV is being out in the field instead of being behind a desk. We get to work alongside residents, build trust, and stay connected to the community, which I truly believe makes our work more meaningful and impactful.

Favorite and memorable ActiveSGV experience:

One of my favorite moments was our first family-friendly community bike ride as part of the Nexus program this past March. Most ActiveSGV rides are usually 8+ miles, which can be tough for younger kids. After launching our Learn to Bike and Bike Rodeo classes we wanted to create something more accessible (4-5 miles) for new riders and families. Seeing the kids that we had taught to bike make it all the way to Peck Park was incredibly rewarding. They tackled hills and rode on streets, and you could just see the pride and excitement on their faces. Watching their confidence grow in real time made the whole experience really special. 

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

I’d most likely take them to The Huntington in San Marino. I love botanical gardens, and with so many different spaces to explore, there’s something for everyone. If they’re looking for food, I’d probably take them to Haven City Market in West Covina so we can each pick what we’re craving. And if it’s a Thursday night, I’m definitely bringing them along to Trivia Night at my local brewery, Feathered Serpent! 

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

Listening: Kehlani just released a new album, which I have been LOVING. I’m also seeing The Paper Kites in May and Olivia Dean in July, so I’ve been listening to their music a lot to prepare. 

Watching: I just binge-watched “Running Point” on Netflix, which I didn’t know was based on the Lakers’ owners! It gives romantic comedy vibes, so it’s an easy watch. They also just announced the new “Ted Lasso” season coming this summer so I’ve been rewatching all previous 3 seasons. 

Reading: The Hunger Games series is my favorite, and I finally got around to starting “Sunrise on the Reaping”… please send tissues!