Meet The AzizProject Team

AZIZ
Founder & Master Artist
AZIZ is a self-taught multimedia artist from Senegal and founder of Aziz Gallerie in Leimert Park Village, dedicated to underrepresented artists. In addition to watercolors and oils, Aziz produces collagraphs—multicolor prints produced from carved illustrations using a printing press of his own design. Aziz is most well-known for his dynamic mastery of Theissoise—a detailed and painstaking technique of reverse painting on glass. Through his dynamic talents, he has established himself as one of the premier contemporary glass painters.
Aziz has traveled extensively throughout Africa, Europe, and South America, absorbing the art and cultures of diverse environments. These experiences have greatly enhanced his limitless repertoire and creative energy. Rich in symbolism, Aziz's work captures the spirit and ambiance of the universal experience.

Yvonne Styles, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Yvonne Styles is a dedicated consultant, trained and experienced in helping construct models for underserved youth development. As a professional who has spent twenty years in the non-profit sector, Dr. Styles is an advocate for youth and works frequently in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging space specializing in training and capacity building for organizations, leaders and board members.
Dr. Styles advocates coaching and training as fundamental and transformational tools of empowerment for today’s leaders. Her lived experience has engendered a lifelong passion for social justice and equity which continually shapes and influences her work with non-profit leaders.

Loren M. Hill, Ph.D.
Chief Financial Officer
Dr. Loren M. Hill is a licensed clinical psychologist and successful entrepreneur. She is dedicated to helping others achieve their highest potential. Dr. Hill has spent more than two decades advising clients in executive coaching, psychoeducation, strategic planning, program management, and evaluation. Leadership is a priority for Dr. Hill. Her clinical, academic, and business experience working with individuals and organizations uniquely positions her to assess micro and macro needs and provide breadth and depth strength-based solutions. Her community service has included serving on nonprofit boards, think tanks, peer review committees, and commissionerships.

Samuel Herod
Board Chair
Samuel Herod concluded a remarkable 35-year career in the Entertainment Industry and Art museums in Los Angeles when he retired from the J. Paul Getty Trust in 2012. Notably, his journey took a meaningful turn in 2003, when he became a valued volunteer at CASA of Los Angeles. Through his dedicated service, Samuel garnered numerous accolades for his exceptional contributions to the welfare of youth in care communities.
In 2014, Samuel received the prestigious Carl and Roberta Deutsch Foundation HALO Award, recognizing his steadfast and enduring commitment to volunteerism. A year later, in 2015, he was honored with the National CASA Association G.F. Bettineski Child Advocate of the Year Award for his outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication. Notably, his impact extended beyond his role as an advocate, as evidenced by his receipt of the 2015 Los Angeles Business Journal Nonprofit Corporate Citizenship award. This award recognized his innovative efforts to engage the business community in supporting the aspirations of young individuals through job opportunities.
Samuel influence is perhaps most profoundly seen in the realm of education, where he addressed the sobering statistic of only 50 percent of young people graduating from high school. His involvement allowed him to witness the joy of 15 high school graduations and one college graduation among the youths in the CASA program, a testament to his transformative influence.
Beyond his philanthropic commitments, Samuel also served as a Board member of the RightWay foundation and Urban Scholars, further amplifying his impact on various fronts. In his leisure moments, he indulges his passion for coaching and playing tennis, enjoys the tranquility of fishing, and cherishes quality time spent with his granddaughter and great-grandson."