Hello,
Ventura County was shaken by the loss of one its premier leaders this month, Carmen Ramirez. We mourn her loss, and our thoughts go out to her loved ones.
Carmen was a barrier breaker, being the first Latina elected to the Board of Supervisors for the county. Carmen was also an inspirational leader fighting for equity and human rights. There is a long list of leaders in our county who she coached as they moved into positions of responsibility. Carmen, an advocate for empowering local leaders and communities, was a long-time supporter of the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County. We will miss her presence and the model she was for thoughtful and principle-based leadership.
Here is our update:
- We are very happy to announce the hiring of Kathryn Kinberg as program manager for the SJFVC. Kathryn has a Master’s Degree in Women’s Studies from San Diego State University. She has been a Sociology Faculty Lecturer at California State University San Marcos. Kathryn is also a founder of the Saticoy Community Fridge. Her email will be socialjusticefundvc@gmail.com. Kathryn started the week of August 22 so please join us welcoming her aboard!!
- Sierra Doehr’s project to start a farmers’ market in Saticoy is advancing. Sierra has gotten a commitment from 15 vendors to be present at the market. She is going through the final stages of the permitting process. This fall an interview of her will appear in Edible, a Ventura County magazine celebrating local farmers and artisan food producers. An announcement on the first market day should be soon.
- The deadline to submit an LOI is Sept 1, 2022!!! We are now accepting Letters of Interest (LOIs) from candidates who are seeking our Fellowships. If you or anyone you know is interested in applying please go to https://socialjusticefundvc.org/grant-process/ for more information and instructions on who to make an LOI. You can also contact Michael at michael.teasdale1@gmail.com.
- Hold the DATE! On the October 16 from 3 to 5, we will be hold an in-person meeting in Saticoy to understand how the local community is fighting to renew and regenerate their community. We will hear from many local leaders such as our own Sierra Doehr who will share the progress of the her project addressing the food dessert.
Carmen’s tragic loss has touched us all. We hope her legacy will live on in all the people she helped and inspired. The work to promote fairness, equity and human is never ending. We were all strengthened by Carmen’s presence and honor her work. It is our challenge to continue the work she did.
With sincere gratitude,
| Michael Teasdale,
Chair, |
Rabiah Rahman
Vice Chair |