Project summary

AI Safety Los Angeles (AISLA) aims to launch the city’s first open, action oriented AI safety community. Our mission is to connect technical professionals, researchers, policymakers, and those curious about AI to raise awareness of AI safety risks, collaboration opportunities, and support local talent. This initial funding will lay the foundation for a large, vibrant community that will partner with universities, host guest speakers and seminars, and build a strong online and in person presence.

What are this project's goals? How will you achieve them?

• Establish a flagship AI safety community in Los Angeles, open to all backgrounds and disciplines.

• Raise awareness and understanding of AI safety risks, best practices, and governance.

• Foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, mentorship, and support for those interested in AI safety and alignment.

• Build sustainable partnerships with local universities, research groups, and industry leaders.

  How we'll achieve them:

  • Host monthly or bimonthly meetups, workshops, and panel discussions featuring local and visiting experts.

  • Launch and grow an active online community (Slack/Discord, Twitter/X) for ongoing resource sharing, networking, and event coordination.

  • Partner with universities (UCLA, USC, Caltech, etc.) for joint events, research seminars, and talent development.

  • Organize guest speaker series and seminars to bring in leading voices from the AI safety field.

  • Encourage members to propose and lead their own projects, study groups, or public awareness campaigns.
    

How will this funding be used?

• Venue rental and refreshments for regular meetups and workshops.

• Speaker honorariums and travel support for guest experts.

• Online community platform costs (Slack, Discord, Circle, Twitter/X).

• Marketing and outreach (social media ads, event listings).

• Materials and supplies for workshops and collaborative projects.

• Stipends for organizers (currently only me, but will source another person fit for the role).

• Seed funding for member-led mini projects or public awareness initiatives.

• University partnership activities (joint events, campus outreach).

Who is on your team? What's your track record on similar projects?

Kristina Vaia: Connector, networker, and passionate advocate for AI safety. Excited to build a community around what I care about more than anything: connecting people and making AI safety accessible and actionable in Los Angeles.

Advisors/Collaborators

Currently, there are no formal advisors or collaborators. I am actively seeking to connect with local AI professionals, researchers, and group leaders as the community launches and grows.

Track Record

• I regularly connect AI professionals and enthusiasts for collaboration and knowledge sharing. I've become to go-to person for starting a career in this space for Carnegie Mellon policy students.

• I'm an active, heavy user of AI tools and stay up to date with global AI safety communities.

• I'm committed to growing AISLA into a large, impactful hub through partnerships, high-quality programming, and ongoing engagement.

• While I haven't yet built or managed professional networks or online communities, I'm really eager to learn and leverage my strengths in networking and community building to make AISLA a success.

What are the most likely causes and outcomes if this project fails?
Most Likely Causes:

• Insufficient member engagement or event attendance.

• Difficulty securing venues, speakers, or university partnerships.

• Overlap or lack of coordination with existing LA tech/AI groups.

Possible Outcomes:

• The group remains small or inactive, with limited impact.

• Valuable lessons learned about community building in LA; documentation and resources shared for future organizers.

• Connections made during initial events may still spark collaborations or future groups, even if the main project pauses.

How much money have you raised in the last 12 months, and from where?

Amount Raised: $0 (This is a new initiative; no prior funding received.) Note: All work to date has been volunteer driven. This application is for seed funding to launch and grow the group.

some additional notes: this funding is just the beginning. My vision is to scale AISLA into a large, inclusive, and sustainable community that serves as a model for other cities. We plan to grow membership, expand partnerships, and increase programming as the group gains traction. Commitment to Impact: we'll track engagement, gather feedback, and transparently report on outcomes to ensure the community delivers real value to LA’s AI ecosystem.

If I Receive the Minimum

With $2,500, I'll

• Host 2–3 in-person or hybrid meetups at accessible venues, including refreshments.

• Launch a basic online community (Slack or Discord) for ongoing engagement.

• Cover essential marketing and outreach (social media, event listings).

• Lay the groundwork for university partnerships and future growth.

• Prioritize low-cost, high-impact activities to maximize reach and engagement.

If I Receive the Maximum

With $15,000, I'll

• Host monthly or bimonthly meetups and workshops, including guest speakers and panel discussions.

• Build a robust online presence (Slack/Discord, Twitter/X), with regular content and resource sharing.

• Offer speaker honorariums and travel support to attract high-quality guests.

• Develop partnerships with local universities for joint events and seminars.

• Support member-led mini projects and public awareness campaigns.

• Invest in sustained marketing and community growth.