Amber Acosta is a proud Puerto Rican and Mexican first-generation student. After many years in the workforce, she returned to school at age 30 to earn her master’s degree in public policy from USC Price.

Acosta, a 2024-25 Lambda Scholar and the inaugural recipient of the Donald L. Gabard Scholarship for Advancing the LGBTQ+ Community, also serves as a strategic development specialist for the Housing Authority for the City of Los Angeles, where she enhances both community engagement and support services. She is deeply motivated by care for others and making a real impact on their lives, whether though policy, digital equity or community work. In her free time, Amber enjoys hosting a Saturday coffee shop, running and finding new ways to grow.