Charlyn Bender is currently an attorney with an expertise in criminal law, prosecuting serious and violent felonies as a Deputy District Attorney in Orange County. She practiced law in with the OCDA from 2004-2008. In 2008, she joined forces with her mother, and took the reins of her family business Madison Paving Inc., becoming a general contractor and serving as the Vice President and General Counsel for the company. She oversaw the daily operations of the company as they completed paving projects throughout Los Angeles County, including work on the Metro Gold Line, paving for the Gas Company. During her tenure at Madison, she earned certificate in Construction Management from CSU Dominguez Hills.
Charlyn got involved in real estate in 2009 with the purchase her first home. She served as the general contractor on that project, overseeing a full renovation over 4 months. This home became her first rental property. She now manages a real estate portfolio of 4 residential rentals, 1 industrial office property and holds numerous parcels of land for future development.
Having long harbored a desire to increase her engagement in the process of public policy decision making, in particular as it related to development in urban areas, Charlyn completed the Los Angeles African American Women’s Public Policy Institute in 2011. Not long after the completion of the program, Charlyn was appointed to the Medical Marijuana Task Force for the City of Long Beach. In this role, she served as the chair of the committee responsible for advising the City Council about proposed legislation for the development and regulation of cannabis farms and dispensaries in the City.
Charlyn is a graduate of Loyola Law School, where she earned her JD in 2003. She also holds a M.A. in Multi Cultural Education from CSU Dominguez Hills, and a B.A. in History with a Minor in Biology from the University of California, San Diego. Charlyn lives in the Los Angeles area. She hopes to use the knowledge gained from the Ross program to create a lasting family legacy while making a positive impact on the community.
E-Mail: charlynb@gmail.com