Experienced and Innovative Educator

Dr. Gabriel Buelna is a 27-year member of the faculty at the California State University at Northridge (CSUN) where he is an adjunct professor, lecturing in history and political science. He was a pioneer in the field of on-line instruction and was instrumental in mentoring new faculty members to develop and teach online courses.

Thousands of LACCD students transfer to the CSU system every year and Buelna is very familiar with the range of students graduating from the District. He knows first-hand their level of preparation, and the challenges they face at the university level.

Proven Leader in Non-profit Management

Buelna is currently a family and criminal law attorney with his own firm, The Buelna Law Firm, A. P.C. https://buelnalaw.com.

Before becoming an attorney, Buelna was the Executive Director of Plaza Community Services, one of Los Angeles’ oldest and most respected non-profit agencies. Plaza serves hundreds of families and children in East Los Angeles, Boyle Heights, and the downtown Los Angeles area. Founded in 1905, Plaza has grown to include four childcare sites, domestic violence counseling and the Fathers in the Classroom program. Under Dr. Buelna’s leadership, Plaza’s programs and funding have grown fivefold. Today he oversees an annual budget of $11.5 million and a staff of more than 100 employees.

Prior to taking the helm at Plaza, Buelna held a similar position at Dolores Mission in Los Angeles, where he was Executive Director of Proyecto Pastoral. He worked with Father Greg Boyle and others to provide a wide range of community programs – from after-school education to homeless services.

Dr. Buelna was also a Sr. Project Consultant with USC’s Doheny Eye Institute. He served for five years as director of outreach for two long-running federally-funded eye studies in Los Angeles and Riverside Counties.

Educational Role Model for Minority Students

Gabriel Buelna grew up in South Los Angeles, the son of Mexican immigrants. His parents worked hard, sent their kids to parochial schools, and studied English at West L.A. Community College – eventually becoming U.S. citizens.

Like many LACCD students today, Gabriel struggled academically in high school. So much so that when he wanted to go to college, his grades were a problem. Fortunately, he was able to take some classes through West L.A. Community College and improve his transcript enough to be accepted at CSU Northridge.

That was a turning point in Gabriel’s life. He thrived at CSUN where he graduated in 3 years, and met his future wife! After graduation, he went on to San Diego State University for his Masters Degree in Social work, and then to Claremont Graduate School where he earned his PhD in Political Science.

Long History of Civic and Community Leadership

In addition to his teaching and family law obligations, Dr. Buelna has volunteered his time to serve the Los Angeles community in many other ways. He was a co-founder of the Los Angeles County Child Welfare Coalition, served on the Human Relations Commission for the City of Los Angeles, and the Advisory Board for Sacred Heart High School, and The Miguel Contreras Foundation.

Devoted Husband and Father

Pilar and Gabriel Buelna met during their student days at CSUN. They married in 1993 and have three daughters: Paulina, Gema and Gabriela. Pilar is the Chief Operations Officer for Hollywood Food Coalitions, a non-profit that serves the unhoused and food insecure communities by redistributing rescued food and preparing a nightly dinner. She holds a Master’s degree in social work from San Diego State University, is a licensed therapist, and has served on the Cultural Heritage Commission for the City of Los Angeles since 2017.

In his spare time, Buelna loves to BBQ ribs, brisket and tri-tip for family, friends and nonprofit organizations. He is also a social media influencer. Check him out @Tacos and Law.