Shakari Byerly, a
UCLA Luskin
School graduate in Public Policy, was honored last year as “One of the Trailblazers” of 2011 by the Los Angeles African
American Women Political
Action Committee (LAAAWPAC). The group’s annual Empowerment Banquet serves to
acknowledge inspiring women who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in
Politics, Community Advocacy, Entertainment, the Arts and Next Generation
Leadership.

“It
was an honor to share the podium with others who have a strong track record of
working on behalf of those of color,” Byerly said. “Personally, I strive not
only to do work that ameliorates social and economic inequality, but to be a
voice for women.”

In 2005, Byerly
received her master’s degree in Public Policy from the Luskin School of Public Affairs, with
a concentration in Regional
Economic Development and Education Policy. Upon graduation, Byerly served as Policy Analyst at the Center
for Governmental Studies in Los Angeles, a research institute focused on
political and electoral reform. To that end, she then became Regional Field
Director for the California Democratic Party during the 2004 Presidential
campaign. Byerly has advocated for numerous candidates across the nation who
seek local and statewide office, including President Barack Obama in his 2008
campaign.

Byerly
possesses more than 13 years of experience in policy-making and political
strategy.

Currently,
she is Vice President of the firm of Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates,
from where she continues to make an impact on public policy-oriented research.
She focuses on issues such as healthcare and political reform; public finance
and education finance measures; community and consumer satisfaction; and land,
water and wildlife conservation. 

“One
of challenges of our time is learning how to bridge ideological and political
divides,” Byerly said. “We need to identify people’s core values in public
decision-making and then we can enhance civic engagement.”

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