Davenport Discussion/Ask-An-Alum w/ Amber Aviles
March 5, 2025 - On March 5, the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership and the School of Public Policy Career Services office welcomed Amber Aviles (MPP ‘11), Legislative Representative for the Port of Los Angeles, for a discussion on her career in public policy. Aviles, an experienced policy professional in the areas of healthcare and infrastructure, provided valuable insights to the students at Pepperdine’s School of Public Policy.
Aviles’ career began with receiving a Master of Public Policy degree from Pepperdine University’s School of Public Policy, since then she has successfully navigated the complex world of government structures. Amber connected with students by reflecting on her own uncertainties early in her career post graduate school. She shared candidly that, like many of them, she was unsure where her journey would lead when she took her first Legislative Assistant position in the U.S. House of Representatives after earning her MPP. Her openness and honesty made it clear that career paths are rarely linear and that is okay. During her stint in the House, she became very familiar with health care policy due to her member’s legislative focus. This in turn led her to take a position managing all policy and advocacy activities for LA Best Babies Network, a Los Angeles-based Non-Profit which focuses on bringing together hospitals and community organizations to improve home visiting programs.
Amber also spoke about how she landed a job with The Port of Los Angeles, sharing that she received a call to interview two years after applying, encouraging students to not be discouraged by bureaucracy. She emphasized the importance of consistently putting yourself out there, as you never know what opportunities may open.
As the busiest Port in the nation, she highlighted the vital role the Port plays in both the golden state's economy and the nation, she shared that in 2024 alone the port moved 10.3 million containers, marking the trade hub's second-busiest year. Being one of three Legislative Representatives for the Port of Los Angeles (The Port), Amber’s expertise has been critical in advancing and advocating for policies concerning infrastructure, sustainability, and economic development benefiting both the City and the Port. She shared that another crucial part of her role is maintaining relationships between the Port and government stakeholders from all levels. Lastly, she shared that in her position, you need the power of persistence to engage in difficult challenges when navigating bureaucratic hurdles.
Amber’s insights offered a valuable perspective on navigating a career in public policy. Her journey served as an inspiring reminder for students that success in public service doesn’t necessarily follow a straight path and encouraged them to remain open to new opportunities.
The Davenport Institute is grateful to Amber for sharing her expertise and inspiring students to pursue a career with persistence and an open mind. Our next event will be our annual Mayor in Residence with Kevin Faulconer, former Mayor of San Diego, taking place on Monday March 24.