Our Team

Jacqui Medina

Jacqui Medina

Jacqui is the Founder & CEO of Lotus Rising LA, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families in Los Angeles rebuild after disaster. As the Founder & Principal Designer of Studio Aki, she has spent years shaping spaces that feel personal, intentional, and reflective of the people who live in them. But after witnessing the devastation of the 2025 wildfires, the meaning of “home” took on a deeper urgency.

At the core of her work—both in design and disaster recovery—is the belief that home is more than four walls. It’s stability, history, and belonging. But rebuilding takes more than funding—it takes people. As a natural connector, Jacqui brings together experts, creatives, and changemakers who share a vision for a stronger Los Angeles. Whether it’s collaborating with industry leaders, engaging the creative community, or forging key partnerships in construction and design, she understands that meaningful impact happens when the right people come together.

Through Lotus Rising LA, Jacqui is ensuring that families aren’t forced to start over somewhere else. They can rebuild, reclaim what was lost, and stay in the communities they’ve called home for generations.

Founder & CEO

Board of Directors & Advisors

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    Dr. Christina Holtz, MD

    Board Member

    Dr. Christina Holtz, MD is an emergency medicine specialist dedicated to serving communities in crisis. As a Board Member of Lotus Rising LA, she brings her frontline medical expertise, deep understanding of disaster response, and unwavering compassion to help families rebuild after devastation.

    A practicing physician at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center and Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Dr. Holtz has spent years navigating high-stakes, high-pressure environments, treating those affected by trauma, displacement, and disaster-related emergencies. Her work goes beyond the ER—she understands that recovery is not just about survival but about restoring stability, dignity, and a future.

    Christina’s commitment to her community runs deep. She has witnessed firsthand the challenges families face in the aftermath of disaster and is dedicated to helping them rebuild. Alongside her husband, Don, she also runs Valley Hot Yoga in Woodland Hills, a space dedicated to healing, resilience, and well-being.

    Her ability to balance medical expertise, community-driven advocacy, and a deep sense of care makes her an indispensable force in Lotus Rising LA’s mission—ensuring that rebuilding goes beyond structures, creating a foundation for long-term well-being and support.

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    Victor Corona, AIA

    Lead Architect Advisor

    Victor Corona, AIA, is a seasoned architect and the Principal of VMC Architecture, bringing over 30 years of experience in designing and leading transformative projects across Los Angeles. As an Architect Consultant for Lotus Rising LA, Victor provides strategic guidance in rebuilding, sustainable design, and planning solutions to help families return home after disaster.

    Throughout his career, Victor has worked on high-profile projects that define the city’s landscape, including:

    • Los Angeles Convention Center Expansion
    • MTA North Hollywood Redline Subway Station
    • Habitat for Humanity’s first multi-family project in LA
    • Urth Caffé locations
    • American Golf renovations
    • The Jeffrey Foundation school expansion

    In addition to his architectural practice, Victor is a dedicated educator, teaching at College of the Canyons and UCLA Extension, where he mentors the next generation of architects and designers. His expertise in urban planning, community-driven projects, and sustainable construction makes him a key partner in Lotus Rising LA’s mission to rebuild stronger.

Volunteer Team & Key Contributors

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    Sharon Bushy

    Business Consultant

    Sharon Bushy is a business strategist, brand marketing expert, and leadership coach with a career built on empowering businesses to scale, thrive, and create meaningful impact. As a Business Consultant for Lotus Rising LA, she provides strategic guidance, operational insights, and brand positioning expertise, helping to shape the nonprofit’s long-term growth and sustainability.

    With over two decades of experience in business development, brand storytelling, and marketing leadership, Sharon is the founder of Business Building Blocks, a consultancy dedicated to helping businesses refine their messaging, optimize their operations, and unlock their full potential. She has worked with entrepreneurs, startups, and established brands to create clarity, build strong foundations, and execute high-impact strategies.

    Beyond her work in business, Sharon is deeply engaged in her community and self-defense advocacy. She teaches Krav Maga in the evenings, helping others build confidence, resilience, and personal safety, and volunteers at her temple, where she offers self-defense training as a way to empower others.

    With a sharp eye for strategy, a heart for mentorship, and a no-nonsense approach to business growth, Sharon is an invaluable guide in helping Lotus Rising LA scale its impact and make a lasting difference.

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    Van Mendoza

    Designer, Marketing, and Media Consultant

    Van Mendoza is a former FAANG+ Staff-level Product Designer and successful startup leader with a track record of driving growth, strategy, and execution across tech, media, and entertainment. As a Designer, Marketing, and Media Consultant for Lotus Rising LA, he is building a high-impact digital presence, UX strategy, and brand storytelling that fuels engagement, fundraising, and community action.

    Van has designed for Apple, Google, Sony, and TikTok, helping shape products used by billions while leading teams in UX, product strategy, and high-performance marketing. He played a key role in Google’s Search UX for 4B+ users, drove 50M+ new user acquisitions at TikTok and CapCut, and helped scale multiple startups to $70M+ exits.

    Beyond design, Van has been an Executive Creative Director for Jason Derulo, Creative Director at TikTok, and a professional videographer, video editor, photographer, and photo editor. His expertise in visual storytelling, content strategy, and digital marketing has powered brands, artists, and businesses to global success.

    For Lotus Rising LA, he ensures the website, visuals, and messaging are not just polished but built to drive real-world action, helping communities rebuild stronger and inspiring people to get involved.