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Justice in Motion – Celebrating Our Fellows: Part 1
Thanks to everyone who attended “Celebrate on November 8” at Studio Channel Islands Camarillo!
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New 2025 Social Justice Fellows Julio Alcala, Shantel Ortiz, and Jon Cesario shared their inspirational messages of fairness, equity, human rights, and hope, including an impassioned call to action for justice for at-risk youth from Jon, who went off script.
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To everyone’s surprise, Jon, Shantel, and Julio were awarded Certificates of Recognition from Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA-26).
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Guest speaker, Brenda Heredia (2022 Fellow), congratulated the new 2025 Fellows. She shared her experience as a Fellow and highlighted her social justice project with Nyeland Acres and Nyeland Promise <link>. To her surprise, Brenda was awarded a Certificate of Recognition by Maya Groehner from CA State Senator Henry Stern (D-SD-27). Brenda was recently appointed President-Elect for the Oxnard College Foundation’s Board of Directors. <link>
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Alia Azariah (2024 Fellow), via video, read excerpts from her upcoming book. Crafting an emotional and powerful story, Alia brought attendees along her journey as a sexually exploited minor in Ventura County and ultimately to her life’s mission as a fierce advocate for trafficked survivors. Alia’s reading brought attendees to tears and to thunderous applause. In September 2025, Alia was selected as a 2025-2026 Obama Foundation Global Leader. <link>
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Board Chair Transition: Part 1
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I am honored to have served as Chair of the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJFVC) for the last 8 years. Together, we achieved significant milestones, including supporting more than 35 local, emerging leaders through the Social Justice Fellowships Program—a collaborative effort we developed as diverse and dedicated board members, advisors, donors, and community and business leaders. |
From improving maternal health care access for expectant mothers of color, to promoting voter education, to mitigating gang involvement through customized community youth programs, to improving student achievement in under-resourced public schools, to advancing environmental justice work, to aiding trafficked survivors reclaim their lives, and to so much more, the ripple effect of the Fellows’ work has made life better for thousands of Ventura County residents.
After much thought, I have decided to step down, and I am excited that Rabiah Rahman will serve as the next SJFVC Board Chair. During her five-year tenure as Vice Chair, Rabiah was integral in advancing the Social Justice Fellowships. Her legal background, strategic insights, and unwavering values and commitments are well suited for this leadership role. I am confident that under her guidance, the Social Justice Fund for Ventura County will continue to thrive and achieve new successes.
All the Best,
Michael Teasdale
Michael will continue serving on SJFVC’s Board as a member-at-large. Please join us in thanking him for his leadership and his countless contributions as Board Chair.
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| Season’s Greetings and Holiday Wishes |
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| Thank you for your support and partnership in 2025!We wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season and look forward
to a prosperous new year together! |
| Board of Directors
Social Justice Fund for Ventura County |
For more on the Social Justice Fellowships Program or any item above, please contact Jonathan “Mac” Macaranas, Executive Director, at jon.mac@socialjusticefundvc.orgor (805) 253-3624.
| info@socialjusticefundvc.org |
