Playa Vista’s HOA director celebrates 20 years of building community By Bridgette M. Redman / Photo by Chris Mortenson Dawn Suskin didn’t really plan to be where she is—the executive director for the homeowner’s association of Playa Vista Parks and Landscape—a woman sometimes called “the mayor of Playa Vista” because she knows everyone and everyone […]
Women in Business: Local Market Expert
Tami Humphrey helps clients find their dream homes in Playa Vista By Sara Edwards / Photo by Chris Mortenson Real estate has been a big part of Tami Humphrey’s life since she was a child. Her parents were real estate partners who owned a brokerage, and family conversations at the dinner table were […]
Women in Business: Dynamic Duo
Rudi Behdad and Sam Araghi are a successful mother and son real estate team By Srianthi Perera / Photo credit: Sina Araghi Rudi Behdad’s real estate career has grown in tandem with Playa Vista. She bought a condominium there in 2003, when the planned community established itself in the land formerly owned by […]
Women in Business: Memorial Project
Sisters open European Wax Center in honor of mother By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski / Photo by Chris Mortenson The Velasco family sought to open a European Wax franchise as a family project. When their matriarch, Dr. Lisa Velasco, passed away of pancreatic cancer at age 52, the mission took on a greater cause. “We […]
Women in Business: Style and Function
Nicole Longo of NEAT Method Los Angeles South Bay offers luxury home organizing services By Kamala Kirk / Photo by Chris Mortenson Growing up in a military family, Nicole Longo developed a passion for organizing at a young age. Due to her father’s career in the Air Force, they moved frequently so she […]
Women in Business: Real Estate Pro
Kelly Myers is a top agent with a deep knowledge of LA By Playa Vista Direct Staff / Photo Courtesy of Kelly Myers A native Angeleno, Kelly Myers knows Los Angeles like the back of her hand. She grew up in the Miracle Mile and Beverly Center area, then lived in the Valley, […]
Women in Business: Leader of the Pack
Wallis Annenberg PetSpace director Gabrielle Amster is committed to the welfare of animals By Kamala Kirk / Photo credit: Samantha Gonzalez, Wallis Annenberg PetSpace Throughout her life and career, Gabrielle Amster has been dedicated to animal welfare. Prior to joining Wallis Annenberg PetSpace as director in 2021, she was the executive director of […]
Women in Business: A Story of Success
Michelle Martino’s finesse brings real estate success By Playa Vista Direct Staff / Photo courtesy of Michelle Martino Michelle Martino is a superstar. In her first career in the creative arts, she amassed numerous awards for her work as a writer, radio and TV commercial producer and as a creative director. As a […]
Women in Business: A Lawyer Who Loves to Serve Her Community
Kumar Law fulfills its vision five years on By Marin Heinritz / Photo courtesy of Rittu Kumar When Rittu Kumar founded Kumar Law in October 2017, she visualized where she hoped the firm would be after her first five years. Though she couldn’t have anticipated the global pandemic or other major shifts and changes […]
Living the Glam Life
Style and beauty expert Jennifer Chan covers the latest trends By Kamala Kirk / Photos by Chris Mortenson Born in Las Vegas and raised in Houston, Jennifer Chan moved to California in 2002 to attend Pepperdine University, where she double majored in journalism and public relations with a minor in art. “I started winning writing contests […]