George Zavala

George Zavala is a Regional Manager at Welcoming America. In this role, he supports and expands the Welcoming Network membership of local government and nonprofits in the western U.S., assisting them in local policy, programming, and systems change that advances inclusion.

Before joining Welcoming America, George was the Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Development for the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles. He oversaw the direction and scope of the Los Angeles Y’s Diversity and Inclusion efforts, including the Immigrant Services program offered through their New American Welcome Centers. As a Department of Justice Accredited Representative, George has extensive experience providing direct legal services to low-income newcomer community members.

A second-generation Mexican American, George received a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from California State University, Northridge. George was born and raised in southern California, and credits his large Mexican family as his inspiration for creating inclusive communities where newcomers can thrive. He is passionate about developing programs, policies, and services that promote equitable access to social, economic, and civic participation for newcomers and receiving communities.