Under Development!
Los Angeles
The Gateway to the Pacific Rim
Where the Pacific Meets Policy
Established in 2025 as a vital hub on the West Coast, YPFP Los Angeles connects a diverse network of young professionals across all of Southern California. Los Angeles occupies a unique position on the global stage. As one of the world’s most internationally connected cities, it is home to one of the largest diplomatic and consular communities in the United States, representing dozens of countries and facilitating international cooperation across the Pacific and beyond. The region also serves as a gateway for global trade, technology, entertainment, and cultural exchange, making it a critical hub for conversations about international policy and global engagement.
Policy in the Land of Stories
In a city that exports culture to every corner of the globe, your perspective is a powerful tool. We help you move beyond the standard networking event to engage in high-impact programming that reflects the unique spirit of Los Angeles.
Join our branch to participate in our Pacific Rim Dialogue, engage with Consular Corps representatives, or join our Innovation Roundtables. We provide the Southern California stage; you provide the global vision.
Proof that we do much more than just swap business cards.
Our Programs
The Consular Series
Los Angeles is home to one of the largest consular corps in the world. Our goal with this series is to provide direct access to Diplomats and Consuls General, offering members an inside look at how bilateral relations are managed from a major global city.
Pacific Rim Insights
Our goal is to focus on LA’s position as a premier maritime and trade gateway. These sessions explore the geopolitical and economic trends shaping the Indo-Pacific region and their direct impact on the California economy.
Soft Power & Media
Our goal is to examine the intersection of the entertainment industry and international relations, discussing how film, technology, and digital media serve as instruments of "soft power" on the world stage.
Our Focus
Our Partners
YPFP: Los Angeles connects corporations, nonprofits, think tanks, and universities with the next generation of foreign policy leaders across the West Coast. Partnering with us means visibility among an engaged community of young professionals, access to a curated network spanning the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, and opportunities to co-host events and programming that position your organization as a thought leader in the LA foreign policy space.
Who We've Worked With
A Look Back to Lead Forward
Our Team
Managing Director, Los Angeles Branch
Grace is the Managing Director of the new YPFP Los Angeles branch. During her day job, she works as a Research Analyst for the CFHK Foundation. Previously, she was a China Research Associate at Strategy Risks. She has also spent time at the Project 2049 Institute and the United States Department of State.
Director of Human Rights, Los Angeles Branch
Kareena serves as the Director of Human Rights & Social Impact at YPFP Los Angeles. She is a public policy professional who brings experience working with think tanks around the world. Kareena currently works as an Associate at the Milken Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing collaborative solutions to global challenges. As a passionate advocate for civic engagement, she mentors young women and sits on the Board of her local United Nations Association chapter.
Director of Communications, Los Angeles Branch
Maelee is the Director of Communications at YPFP Los Angeles and an Immigration Analyst at Fragomen advising on U.S. immigration matters in the entertainment industry and working at the intersection of global business, immigration policy, and the creative economy. Formerly at the U.S. Department of State, she shaped social media strategy for American Spaces, advised leadership on rebranding the 2nd largest public diplomacy program, and authored a policy later adopted by the Secretary’s Policy Planning Staff.
Director of Operations, Los Angeles Branch
Rachel is the Director of Operations at YPFP Los Angeles. She is an international development and security professional who previously served as a Program Analyst with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs, focusing on advancing democracy, human rights, and good governance programming across sub-Saharan Africa. Formerly, Rachel managed international development programs focusing on conflict prevention in West and Central Africa.
Leadership Volunteer, Los Angeles Branch
Mark is a leadership volunteer for YPFP Los Angeles with expertise in space technology as it relates to national security. He serves as Head of Business Development and Strategy at Reditus Space, a venture-backed technology firm developing space-based defense assets. Mark has worked across the space startup ecosystem supporting national security priorities as both a defense technology operator and on the venture capital side.