PBH Policy & Innovation
Challenge
Reimagining Southern California
Building a Sustainable, Equitable & Smart Future
As Southern California faces the ongoing impacts of climate change, economic inequality, and public health crises, Partners for Better Health (PBH) launched the Policy & Innovation Challenge to empower the next generation of leaders.
This wasn’t just a competition — it was a call to action. Participants were asked to propose bold, community-driven solutions to rebuild not only physical infrastructure, but also trust, opportunity, and long-term well-being.
The Focus
The PBH Policy & Innovation Challenge invited emerging leaders, fellows, and community changemakers from across Southern California to develop actionable, equity-centered policy solutions addressing:
Proposals were expected to reflect a holistic vision rooted in equity, meaning, civic engagement, and cultural belonging.
Coaching Circles:
Cross-Sector Support
Participants were guided by expert mentors through a series of Coaching Circles, receiving real-world insights to shape their proposals.
Mentors Included:
A Platform for Leadership, Vision, and Impact
The Policy and Innovation Challenge mobilized members of the Randall Lewis Health & Policy Fellows Network, a community of over 350 alumni across 18 universities in Southern California. Participants submitted their proposals for review and were invited to present at the Randall Lewis Health & Policy Fellowship Forum on May 15, 2025.
Why This Challenge Matters
This challenge wasn’t just a competition — it was a movement. As climate change and inequality threaten communities across California, PBH is investing in a new generation of changemakers to rebuild trust, strengthen systems, and imagine better futures for all.
Meet the Winners of the
2025 PBH Policy & Innovation Challenge
First Place: $25,000
PROJECT
Leveraging Smart, Equitable Policy to Meet the Health, Housing, and Economic Needs of Southern Californians in the Face of Climate Change and Disaster Recovery
The members of this team span several sectors and areas of work from Medi-Cal and public benefits to climate resilience and, collectively, bring over 10 years of policy, research, and community-based work.
We see disaster recovery not as a reset, but as a chance to repair what was broken long before the fire.
TEAM QUOTE
Second Place: $10,000
PROJECT
Reimagining Recovery: A Comprehensive Policy Blueprint for Los Angeles County’s Wildfire Resilience
Dr. Zachary Travis and Kevin Alvillar, both 2021 Fellows, are public health leaders focused on equity and innovation. Together, they bring expertise in health policy, education, and systems change to advance inclusive healthcare and strengthen community wellness.
Our vision is to meet the speed of destruction with the speed of recovery, transforming bureaucracy into a blueprint for resilience.
TEAM QUOTE
Third Place: $5,000
PROJECT
Equitable Solutions to Dire Fires in Southern California
Kriseira Lamas-Krauletz, Calleshia Gilliam, and Jaimie Le bring expertise in public health, medical education, and policy. United by a passion for health equity, they focus on climate resilience, behavioral health, and improving care for underserved communities.
We cannot prevent all disasters, but we can prevent the injustice that follows them.
TEAM QUOTE
Give to support our fellows
Help us form a network of solution-based leaders for the future.
Give to support our fellows’ development and projects. All contributions go directly to them so they can learn, grow and impact the well-being of society.
