Ray Cabrera Email & Phone Number

Los Angeles, Ca, Us

Los Angeles, California, United States

At HR&A, I lead inclusive planning and economic development projects that seek to create more equitable outcomes for historically marginalized communities by disrupting the structures that maintain an unjust status quo. I ground my work in empathy to understand stakeholder and residents experiences and deliver project outcomes grounded in community need. I am based in the Los Angeles Office.

Tempe, Arizona

At The Design School in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University, I served as the school’s strategic connector—building and managing partnerships and facilitating the comprehensive ReDesign.School initiative. This strategic planning exercise was aimed at fundamentally reimagining design education and strengthening community engagement with academic programs. This included managing stakeholder roundtables across multiple cities, coordinating with a diverse array of participants including alumni, professional associations, and thought leaders from the design and academic communities. This effort culminated in an internal reflection process involving over 60 faculty and staff, which led to a significant restructuring plan presented to the Dean and University Provost. Through this initiative, I was able to build and manage strategic partnerships and effectively lead a full redesign process, enhancing the school's and institute’s mission to develop a collaborative, innovative, and accessible educational environment.

Phoenix, Arizona Area

While at Downtown Phoenix Inc., I developed and oversaw programs that enhanced the walkability and street-level vitality of Phoenix’s urban core. I facilitated partnerships with local construction companies to fund and execute the salvaging of over 120 mature shade trees and replanting within the district’s primary pedestrian corridors. I also championed the design and development of the Space Between – a half-acre vacant lot activation project adjacent to ASU’s Downtown Campus. The planning of this project included extensive community engagement and governance agreements with several municipal, university, and local business stakeholders. The resulting pocket park included a full calendar of activation events and served as a model project for Mayor Greg Stanton’s vacant lot activation initiatives.Additionally, I developed and managed the organization’s first public art initiative, resulting in street pole banner exhibitions and large-scale mural commissions on several of Downtown’s landmark buildings.

Phoenix, Arizona Area

Develop and execute programs and projects related to the enhancement of the urban environment of Downtown Phoenix. I focus on projects and partnerships that help create a a stronger sense of place via streetscape improvements like shade tree planting, public art components and vacant lot reactivation.

Phoenix, Arizona Area

-- Provided direct project support to Vice President of Planning and Economic Development and Community Development Corporation Director.-- Collaborated with City of Phoenix staff and other government, non-profit, and private groups to promote policy changes that enhance Downtown’s economic environment. Acted as liaison to stakeholders and maintained partnerships to further DPP’s mission.-- Participated in strategic planning and recommendation of goals for business attraction, retention, and assistance efforts for Downtown. -- Analyzed priority metrics to identify trends and implemented development strategies based on research. Prepared reports and presentations explaining analyses to neighborhood groups, business stakeholders, and elected officials to influence economic development decision-makers and achieve organizational goals.-- Developed new and supported existing business retention and expansion initiatives for Downtown commercial and retail space. Assembled input from various community stakeholders to identify resources and leverage those for the benefit of Downtown economic and community development efforts, with heavy focus on gaining new residents. -- Promoted Downtown’s economic development progress at various industry trade shows, expos, etc., and oversaw design and implementation of marketing collateral, interactive display and web efforts on www.downtownphoenix.com

-- Assisted developer in various capacities with start-up infill developments.-- Introduced to trade work; demolition, flooring, finishes, site clean-up, basic carpentry. -- Assisted in project scheduling; maintenance of subcontractor database.

--Front-end receptionist and clerical support for Office of the Senior Vice President. Calendar coordination and correspondence for executive staff.--Conducted research support tasks related to higher education policy and peer institution comparisons.--Communication and graphic design support; proofreading, translation, and copy generation.

Master Of Urban And Environmental Planning

Bachelor Of Science In Design, Housing & Urban Development

Activities and Societies: Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Diploma, General Studies