Board of Directors

Jimi Vaughn is an entertainment executive with a passion for diversity, access, and inclusion for all people. With TV credits that include The Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men, and Mike & Molly along with an M.A. in Human Resource Development; our current Board President spends much of his time ensuring that media programming represents all people, both on camera and behind the scenes. Jimi attributes his strong connection with the DSALA to the lasting impact that families and individuals with Down syndrome had on him while first volunteering at an event almost 5 years ago. Jimi says, “Serving this community was the most natural next step for me. When you let someone with Ds into your heart, you just know there’s no other option.”

Claudia Hernandez is an Early Start Service Coordinator at Westside Regional Center. She holds a B.S. Degree in Child Development from California State University, Dominguez Hills and a M.A. Degree in Child Development from California State University, Los Angeles. Claudia has a special connection with DSALA and is involved in many ways as she has a sister with Down syndrome. Claudia is currently serving as Vice President of the board of directors of DSALA. She is Programs Committee Chair and helps run the Teen/Young Adult Social Club. Claudia has helped lead parent support groups in the past and is a point of contact for volunteers. You may find Claudia at many of our events sharing her experiences with families or assisting with outreach and in-service presentations for different organizations.

Actress/Self Advocate
Andrea Fay Friedman portrayed Amanda, the girlfriend of the character Charles "Corky" Thacher, on the TV show Life Goes On for two seasons. Friedman also had main roles in various shows such as Law and Order, SVU and Family Guy. Andrea has been working at a law firm, in the accounting department, for 25 years. She also occasionally works as an assistant teacher for the Pathway program in UCLA, where she helps teach students how to live independently.