People inspire us. Their stories and ideas drive us to build a better world, together. Meet Jacob Toups.

What’s your favorite thing about where you work or about Los Angeles? I love Los Angeles. I moved here over 9 years ago thinking it would be a quick year or two, but I found myself falling in love with the people and communities that enrich our city. I also fell in love too (Hi my Husband Todd)! I believe the work from community leaders, grassroots organizers, and nonprofits is extremely intentional — with no ego involved.

Tell us who you are — what drives you, what you’re working on, and why you’re inspired to make the world a better place. Out of the three P’s to approaching work (People, Process, Product), I’m first a process and then a people person. Product? I love it but can’t think straight unless I’ve got a process going around an amazing group of people. My worst nightmare? Sticking me in a room with creatives brainstorming the next name for a hip Vegas hotel. In my spare time, I’m the Executive Director of a nonprofit Merging Vets And Players which provides peer support in civilian transition to combat veterans and former athletes. I’m a huge supporter of mental health through relationships and exercise — it’s healing! The innovative work around mental health from Brene Brown and Nadine Burke inspire me each day.

If income weren’t a consideration and you could do anything, what would you do — and why…