Janet Lipson was born and raised in Long Beach. She graduated from Millikan High School, earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of California, Santa Cruz and a master’s in education from California State University, Long Beach. Janet is a retired educator who spent 26 years teaching in the Long Beach Unified School District. Before teaching, she worked nearly 15 years in construction as a parts expeditor, office manager, laborer, journey plumber and co-owner of a mechanical contracting company in Fairbanks, Alaska. 

Since retiring, Janet has been active in local volunteer organizations. She is a member of the National Council of Jewish Women and serves on its Advocacy Committee. She completed the Boards and Commissions Leadership Institute sponsored by Long Beach Forward in 2023. At the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, she volunteered in the office and classroom, served on the Governance Committee and is now a member at large on the OLLI Governing Council. She lives in Belmont Heights with her husband, Bruce. 

Steve Askin has more than 30 years of experience in research and strategic planning for nonprofit organizations, including groups focused on workers’ rights, climate action and housing justice. He holds an MBA in accounting from Columbia University’s School of Business. Steve is founder and president of Small World Strategy, a Long Beach-based consulting firm serving public interest organizations.

Steve has decades of experience as a small-scale landlord and short-term rental operator committed to providing fair treatment and quality housing for tenants and guests. His past local volunteer work includes service on the Long Beach Unified School District's Special Education Community Advisory Committee and the Long Beach Homeless Services Advisory Committee. Steve lives with his family in the Rose Park neighborhood of Long Beach. 

He is a past board member and chair of the West Coast Section of the Air & Waste Management Association, past chairman of FuturePorts and a past member of the CleanTech Orange County Board of Directors. Joseph currently serves as treasurer on the board of EXP Future, which helps schools deliver innovative, STEM career-based curricula. He lives in Los Cerritos in Long Beach. 

Erin Hoops is a software engineer with a degree in engineering and applied science. Through multiple local organizations, including Car-Lite Long Beach, she is active in improving the city for people with disabilities, especially those who cannot drive. 

Erin and several family members have spinocerebellar ataxia, a rare disease that gradually affects balance and coordination. Growing up looking for accessible entrances for her father inspired her to help make Long Beach as accessible as possible for all who need it, including herself in the future. 

Ismar Enriquez, AIA, LFA, LEED AP, works at the intersection of sustainability, equity, housing and education. With nearly two decades of experience, he is committed to addressing the housing and climate crises by advancing socially inclusive and sustainable communities. Ismar has supported academic initiatives that have secured more than $250,000 in scholarships while also advocating for affordable housing through collaborations with organizations at the local, state and national levels. 

As a member of the boards of directors for AIA Los Angeles, AIA California and the William J. Worthen Foundation, Ismar contributes to shaping policies and advancing efforts in carbon neutrality, resiliency, climate justice and equity. Outside of his professional and civic work, he enjoys time with his senior basset hound, Mochi. 

Ethel Powers has 35 years of experience curating art exhibitions and teaching art to students in kindergarten through sixth grade, as well as 25 years as a public relations officer. They hold an Associate of Science degree from Long Beach City College. Ethel is passionate about cultural histories, promoting arts for underserved communities, Long Beach history and exploring food and cooking techniques from planting to preservation. They have been involved with the Long Beach Central Area Association, Long Beach Arts Council, the LACollective arts organization and the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. 

Ethel is currently retired from most other activities except gardening and winemaking. In recent years, they have served on community activity boards and organized meal events for people experiencing homelessness. Ethel has a special fondness for photography that captures people engaged in everyday activities. They have participated in the annual Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration sponsored by the Long Beach Central Area Association. Outside of their professional work, Ethel is committed to supporting local and global youth in developing creative expression in all forms. They live in the Central Area of Long Beach with their son and a stray cat named Fluffenstine.