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Guillermo CespedesDirector of Gang Reduction and YouthDevelopment, Office of the Mayor of Los AngelesSenior Fellow, UCLA Luskin School of Public AffairsLunch will be providedAs the architect of Los Angeles’ successful gang reduction program, Summer Night Lights, Guillermo Cespedes helped to record the City’s safest summer in more than 30 years.  Charged with overseeing and advancing all aspects of the City’s efforts to reduce gang violence through enhanced opportunities for youth, he has developed an expertise in establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships between law enforcement, gang interventionist and the community that are crucial to addressing the root causes of gang crime. In 1972, Mr. Cespedes began a career in community service that has spanned over three decades, serving a variety of roles in social services targeting low-income families and disenfranchised youth.  He has worked with low income families through the CALWORKS program and played pivotal roles in the development of programs and curriculums several community colleges. Mr. Cespedes holds a Bachelors of Arts degree from Sacred Heart University and Master’s degree in Social Work from Columbia University. He received post-graduate training from the Nathan Ackerman Family Institute, Bronx State Hospital Family Studies Unit and Bristol Hospital Family Unit. An RSVP isappreciated, but not required.(310) 206-8034