About CivitasLA

Civitas [ siv-i-tas; Latin kee-wi-tahs ]​
noun, plural civ·i·ta·tes[siv-i-tey-teez; Latin kee-wi-tah-teys] ​
the body of citizens who constitute a state, especially a city-state, commonwealth, or the like; citizenship, especially as imparting shared responsibility, a common purpose, and sense of community.

Launched July 1, 2020, CivitasLA features diverse and emerging civic entrepreneurs who make up this dynamic region and are working to build community every day. In these conversations, we hear from, learn from, and are inspired by a new generation of civic leaders who are forging a path forward in making the greater Los Angeles region a stronger, more resilient, and connected group of citizens.

Our purpose is simple: we aim to elevate civic discourse, foster community connections, and promote civic knowledge and engagement across the greater LA region while elevating diverse and emerging voices in the civic conversation.

About the Host

Dwayne A. Gathers
Creator/Host

Conceived by Dwayne A. Gathers, CivitasLA reflects his own experiences and deep civic engagement in the Los Angeles region for nearly two decades. Gathers has served on any number of boards and commissions including on the board of the Community Redevelopment Agency for the City of LA (CRA/LA); the city’s Workforce Investment Board; the city’s Small Business Advisory Committee; the city’s Business Tax Advisory Committee; and the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation. Additionally, Gathers has served on the board of The Broad Stage at Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center; chaired the board of the International Visitors Council of Los Angeles; and more recently served as President of the Board of Trustees of Hollywood United Methodist Church and chaired the board of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. A graduate of the Leadership Southern California Class of 2007, Gathers is originally from New York City and attended Dartmouth College, where he graduated with a degree in Economics. When not engaged in his civic work, Gathers manages his own strategic government relations firm, Gathers Strategies, founded in 2008, and finds time to pursue voice over opportunities.