Application for Appointment to
BITY CLERK
City Board or Commission
2026 AUG - 3 PM 2: 03
Please provide the following information and return this application to the Office of the City Clerk by:
• EMAIL to the Office of the City Clerk at [email protected]; • MAIL MAIL to Office of the City Clerk, E. Broadway Suite 110, Glendale, CA 91206-4308; or • FAX to (818) 241-5386
Applicant must be a Glendale resident and registered to vote in the city.
Your application details must match your voter registration information.
PRINT LEGIBLY OR TYPE
Name of Board or Commission:Commission on the Status of Women Date:8/2/2026 Are you currently serving on this Board or Commission and applying for reappointment? • Yes a No I. Personal
Legal Name:Lerna Shirinian Date of Birth
Home Address:
street address suite / unit # cly zin code
Home Phone Number: ( Cell Phone Number:
Email Address
Number of years lived in Glendale:18
Are you a registered voter in the City of Glendale? (required) * Yes • No Have you previously served on a Board or Commission? • Yes No If Yes, what Commission(s) and years did you serve?
II. Education
College: University of Southern California Degree:BA in Political Science College: California State University Northridge Degree:MA in Political Science III. Business / Professional Experience
Position:Deputy Organizing Director Company Name: Xavier Becerra for Governor 2026 Address:
street address city zip code
Telephone Number: (_ Email:_
Job Description: Senior Organizing Lead, overseeing campaign organizing efforts across the state, managing field organizers and building relationships with coalition partners to strengthen grassroots organizing capacity.
Design Review Board Candidates Only
Are you a registered architect? • Yes • No Registration Number:
K-506 (1/25) (over)
IV. Organizations / Civic Activities
List Affiliations: Volunteered on local, state, and federal political campaigns.
V. Qualifications / Experience
ist relevant experience and skills: More than 17 years of experience in public service, government community engagement, and strategic communications, with a proven record of building partnerships among elected officials, community organizations, advocacy groups, and diverse
stakeholders to advance equitable public policy
Experience working on legislative and community issues
VI. Other Information
(A) Attach a current resume.
(B) Include a brief written statement outlining your views on the roles and responsibilities of this Board or Commission, its key issues, and your goals if appointed. (attach an additional sheet if necessary) (C) If applicable, include the commissions) on which you have served previously and include the time frame. (B) The Commission on the Status of Women plays a critical role in ensuring that the voices and experiences of women and girls are reflected in local government and community decision-making. By serving as a bridge between the City, community organizations, and residents, the Commission helps identify needs, raise awareness, and recommend policies and programs that advance equity, opportunity, and inclusion.
If appointed, my goal would be to help strengthen partnerships with community organizations, increase outreach to Glendale's diverse communities, ensure women and girls are aware of the resources, services, and opportunities available to them, and recommend local policies and programming. I believe the Commission should continue to a commitment to listening, building consensus, and helping ensure women and girls in NOTE: THIS FORM BECOMES PUBLIC INFORMATION. INFORM THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK IF THERE IS ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN THIS DOCUMENT THAT YOU DO NOT WANT AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC.
Signature of Applicant
K-506 (1/25)
Lerna Kayserian Shirinian
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Xavier Becerra for Governor 2026, Deputy Organizing Director May 2026-current
• Senior organizing lead, overseeing campaign organizing efforts throughout Los Angeles, Central Valley and Bay Area regions.
• Managing relationships with elected officials, endorsing organizations, coalition partners, and key stakeholders to strengthen regional organizing efforts. • Coordinating and providing day-to-day direction to field organizers to ensure consistent execution of campaign activities across the region.
• Provide support for campaign events, overseeing advance work and volunteer recruitment • Cultivating and maintaining relationships with super volunteers to expand organizing capacity and deepen grassroots engagement.
Eric Swalwell for Governor 2026, Senior Communications Advisor March 2026-April 2026
• Supported Communications Director in executing integrated statewide press strategy for a high-profile gubernatorial campaign.
• Drafted and edited press releases and rapid-response communications in a fast-paced, high-volume media environment.
• Led surrogate communications efforts, including drafting talking points and setting up earned media opportunities for elected officials and campaign validators. • Assisted with on-the-ground press operations at events, ensuring logistical execution and seamless media coordination.
• Contributed to op-ed development and placement strategy in coordination with campaign surrogates. • Supported press monitoring and response efforts across local, statewide, and national media coverage.
Ian Calderon for Governor 2026, Press Secretary
October 2026 March 2026
)
• Directed and executed comprehensive statewide press strategy for a high-profile California gubernatorial campaign.
• Managed daily press operations, including media relations, rapid response communications, and earned media strategy across statewide and national outlets.
• Maintained message discipline and consistency across all campaign communications, press materials, and public-facing messaging.
• Coordinated and staffed all candidate media engagements including interviews, forums, town halls, and editorial board meetings.
• Prepared briefing materials, talking points, policy memos for candidate engagements and endorsement interviews and provided staffing support.
Communications Director, Senator Anthony Portantino
February 2021-November 2024
• Drafted and disseminated press releases and authored op-eds communicating policy positions, legislative priorities, and key achievements.
• Managed all media relations, including press conferences, media inquiries, and ongoing engagement with local and national press.
• Secured earned media coverage across statewide and national outlets. • Produced social media content, graphics, and digital communications highlighting community updates and legislative activity.
• Drafted constituent e-blasts and mailers to inform and engage the district on legislation, events, and policy developments.
• Prepared detailed talking points, briefing materials, and messaging guidance for press conferences, interviews, and stakeholder meetings.
• Managed and maintained website content to ensure timely and accurate public-facing information.
Communications Director, Assembly Majority Leader Ian C. Calderon December 2012-November 2020
Drafted bill and amendment language for member's legislation. • Staffed member on Accountability and Administrative Review Committee. • Served as consultant to the Select Committee on Youth and California's Future. • Staffed member on issues relating to arts, entertainment, women's issues, and the Armenian American community.
• Staffed member on Legislative Technology and Innovation Caucus; managed social media accounts for the Caucus.
• Created and managed member's social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. • Prepared talking points and briefings for member's press conferences, meetings, and interviews. • Drafted and distributed monthly e-newsletters highlighting member's legislation and district activities. • Drafted press releases and responded to press inquiries to optimize public perception and outreach. • Identified opportunities to highlight member's legislation and events to promote legislative priorities.
EDUCATION
University of Southern California
Bachelor of Science: Political Science
California State University, Northridge
Master of Arts: Political Science