Meet our Executive Director

Ninochka McTaggart Ph.D.

Long hours, multiple stakeholders, evening meetings and weekend events. Why would anyone want to be Executive Director of LWVGLA? We asked Dr. McTaggart why she wanted to be the League's ED.

I wanted to join the League as ED because as a person who grew up in LA, I think it is important to participate in social causes that empower the people of the city, including surrounding areas, and specifically underrepresented groups. I think my drive comes from being the daughter of Jamaican immigrants and a BIPOC woman. I believe representation matters; voting should be accessible, inclusive and equitable. Voting is a right, not a privilege, and it is important to ensure voting rights for all. Finally, advocacy, education and social justice have been driving forces throughout my life.

I grew up in Northeast Los Angeles, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants and a first generation college student. I earned a Bachelor's Degree at USC, a Master's Degree at CSU Los Angeles, and a doctorate at UC Riverside. My lifelong interest in social justice led me to study sociology with an emphasis on race, gender, and inequality.

Working in roles that promote education, advocacy and community involvement have always been my priorities. Previously, I have worked as a college instructor, guest curator for an exhibit based on my dissertation research, a diversity and inclusion consultant for a network of community medical clinics, an author, and the Director of Research and Outreach at the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media.

In my spare time, which I may not have much of for awhile, I enjoy listening to live music, going to modern art museums, traveling, reading about LA history, studying popular culture and engaging with my friends on social media.
I am eager to begin my role as Executive Director, and I'm looking forward to meeting and working with members and potential members of LWVGLA.