Arlene Rios

Salutations! My name is Arlene Rios (she/her), and I am running for reelection as Atheists United’s Vice President. From the beginning of my involvement in this organization, I created a group dedicated to the secular Latino population in the San Gabriel Valley. I have also collaborated with our secular leaders within Atheists United for new programs and ideas for our latest annual events and parties like Atheist Adventures, the Hollywood Rooftop Halloween party, and the Atheists Street Pirate party.

My goal is to create space for those who have not felt comfortable coming out as atheists. My focus is on community and on inviting and sustaining it in a post-COVID hybrid community of online and safe in-person meetings.

Serving as your Veep (Vice President) for the past four years has been an honor. I hope you continue holding me accountable as a Los Angeles Atheist Community leader. That’s why I’m asking you to VOTE Arlene Rios for Vice President of Atheists United.

Kollyn Kanz

I am a seasoned finance professional with over 25 years of banking experience and a Master's of International Management degree. I have happily and successfully served on other non profit boards (Women in International Trade and our HOA) as Treasurer and other roles. I enthusiastically support the mission of Atheists United and would like to be of service to the organization.

Jessica Kemper-Lytle

Jessica is an ex-Catholic who started deconstructing in early adulthood and is now an agnostic atheist and humanist. She has served on the Atheists United Board of Directors for two years and currently serves as chair of the Governance and Advocacy committees. She also serves as the American Atheists California Secular Advocacy Team co-chair and represents the atheist perspective in the California Coalition for Reproductive Freedom as well as other coalition and interfaith efforts. She was the recipient of the American Atheists Rising Star Award in 2023. Jessica is an abortion storyteller and a reproductive cancer survivor.

Megan Gerseny

I am a geologist, life coach, and lifelong explorer. My pursuit of the perfect balance between career, adventure, and personal fulfillment has led me to live in seven different states and several Latin American countries. A year ago, I relocated to Los Angeles to embark on a new chapter, launching my life coaching business. This transition—from a traditional 9-to-5 role to entrepreneurship in a new industry and city—ignited a deep desire to find community.

While exploring local opportunities, I discovered Atheists United, where I found a unique and fulfilling way to volunteer outside the framework of faith-based organizations. From food distribution to highway cleanups, the chance to give back while connecting with like-minded individuals has been incredibly rewarding. Participating in my first Science Sunday at the La Brea Tar Pits, especially the behind-the-scenes tour, highlighted how much more meaningful these experiences are when shared with others.

I also attended a Recovering from Religion meeting, which provided a space for reflection and connection with others who have moved on from challenging religious experiences—a resource I wish I had during my own journey.
Atheists United offers an inclusive community and a variety of ways to engage, which I deeply value. As a Board Member, I am committed to ensuring that these opportunities continue to thrive and that we foster deeper connections, growth, and support for our community’s needs.

David Valles

Born and raised in Chicago, I realized at 11 years of age that not only did I not believe in god, but that I had never believed in god.

Despite having attended Catholic grammar school (and later Catholic high school), it was very clear that the Bible, along with all the other religious texts of all the religions, were nothing more than a collection of stories.

Largely, I kept my lack of belief to myself, although I was open with family and friends. Over the last twenty years I been a much more open and active atheist.
Also, my former industry that I worked for twenty years was in the printing industry, and a union member of Local 404 (now part the Teamsters). The last three years with the Local I was elected as an officer and worked as a union rep. I worked closely with our board members and was on the board of our Health and Welfare, as well as our pension fund, so I am quite familiar with how they operate.

I would welcome the chance to become more involved as a representative of our community and promoting a positive image of us going forward.

Andrew Blocher

I am a student studying in Video Game Art & Design and have been an atheist for as long as I can remember. I’ve also been serving as a camp counselor/LT director for 6 years at a secular camp where we cultivate an environment of learning and free thought amongst campers, giving children the tools to ask questions and understand the natural world. I’d be delighted and honored to serve as a youth representative to push this goal while also sparking curiosity and wonderment amongst people of youth.