Hosted by County of Ventura Behavior Health Logrando Bienestar in Partnership with the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The event will stream on Facebook at Facebook.com/VCLograndoBienestar. Community members can also register to attend by zoom here. Spanish and Mixteco interpretation will be available via zoom.
VENTURA COUNTY — In honor of Latinx Heritage Month, the County of Ventura Behavioral Health Logrando Bienestar program, in partnership with the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion presents “Celebrando a Nuestra Gente – In Conversation with Graciela Casillas” a virtual event on October 13, 2021 at 6 pm.Graciela Casillas, of Oxnard, a Black Belt Hall of Fame inductee, “Women of the Year,” has earned international acclaim as one of the world’s top martial artist, and as a teacher of the art of self-defense. Casillas’s 45 years as student, instructor, and professional competitor has given her an eclectic approach to the martial arts which she shares with students at home and abroad. As an international martial artist Graciela identifies as a Chicana first and her dedication to her community goes beyond martial Arts. For example, during the pandemic Graciela Casillas volunteered her time to create exercise videos in English and Spanish that were inclusive of all fitness levels and ages.
“This event marks many firsts for the County of Ventura, and as the first Mexican-Chicana Ventura County Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council Chair it is an honor to highlight Graciela Casillas in our first Celebrando Nuestra Gente Community Event. Graciela Casillas is among many Chicana leaders in Ventura County, and we invite you to celebrate her and the contributions to our community,” said Cynthia Salas, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Council Chair.
Latinx Heritage Month is celebrated nationally every year from September 15 to October 15 to honor the culture and contributions of Latinx individuals and communities in the United States. The celebration began in 1968 as a week-long national celebration starting on September 15 which coincides with the national Independence Day of many Latin American countries. In 1988 it was extended to a month-long celebration. This celebration is sometimes referred to as Hispanic, Latino, or Latinx Heritage month. Latinx being the youngest of these terms is gender-inclusive term that refers to people of Latin American cultural or ethnic identity and descent.
“We look forward to future celebrations as part of the ongoing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts, including future celebrations of the many cultures, ethnicities, and life experiences we have reflected in our County workforce and community,” said Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Phin Xaypangna.
For questions, please call the Office of Health Equity and Cultural Diversity at (805) 981-4229