Wajenda Chambeshi
Director of International Relations, Policy & Protocol
Office of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass

Wajenda Chambeshi serves as the Director of International Relations, Policy, and Protocol for the City of Los Angeles under Mayor Karen Bass. In this role, he leads global engagement strategies with over 90 foreign missions, oversees all consular relations, manages sister city partnerships, and supports high-level diplomatic visits that position Los Angeles as a global city. He has played a central role in establishing subnational diplomatic frameworks, securing new consular offices, and developing international partnerships aligned with Los Angeles’ policy goals, including climate resilience, infrastructure development, and sports diplomacy.

Wajenda’s career spans over 15 years in international relations, public policy, and community development. His previous roles include Supervising Transportation Planner for the Los Angeles Department of Transportation and Program Manager for Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Great Streets Initiative. He has held leadership positions in nonprofit and civic organizations where he led major infrastructure, housing, and transportation initiatives advancing racial equity and sustainability.

He holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy and African Studies from UCLA and a Bachelor’s in International Development Studies, also from UCLA. Wajenda currently serves as a Commissioner on the Los Angeles County Highway Safety Commission and as a board member of International Citizens Diplomacy Los Angeles.