VENTURA COUNTY — United Way of Ventura County’s Women United Education Awards Luncheon will once again be honoring single mothers who are pursuing their education with Graciela Casillas as the Keynote Speaker. “We are so excited to have Graciela speak about her inspiring journey as a World Champion Boxer, an educator, and a mother” said President & CEO of United Way of Ventura County, Mitchel Sloan.
Graciela Casillas is a force of resilience and empowerment, blending her unparalleled success in boxing and martial arts with a distinguished academic career. As a four-time World Champion, her name shines brightly in eight National and International Hall of Fames, including the prestigious National Boxing Hall of Fame and Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame. Notably, she made history as the first American athlete to hold simultaneous world titles in both boxing and kickboxing, breaking barriers and inspiring generations with her mastery and versatility.
Alongside her athletic triumphs, Graciela pursued academic excellence, earning dual Master of Arts degrees in Education and Physical Education. Recognized as “Woman of the Year” by California State Senator Monique Limón in 2023, her achievements transcend the boundaries of sport and academia.
Transitioning from the ring to the classroom, Graciela’s impact as an educator is profound. Having retired as a Professor and Department Chair of Counseling at Oxnard College, she continues to enrich minds as an adjunct faculty member, imparting wisdom within the Kinesiology department. She also serves as an adjunct academic counselor within the student services department. Her dedication to academia is further evidenced by her contributions as a respected writer and author of The Lioness Within, a Woman’s Self-Defense Survival Guide.
The Women United Luncheon will take place on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at California Lutheran University and will recognize Ventura County single mothers who are pursuing their education and supporting their families in the process. Recipients of the Women United Education Award are single mothers who are completing their associate degree and transferring to a four-year university or technical program and have children under the age of eighteen living in the home. This financial award may be used to offset any costs associated with efforts to attain higher education, including tuition, books, childcare, and transportation.
Please consider Sponsoring or attending this empowering event to elevate opportunities for local single moms. Early Bird Tickets are $100 until May 8, 2026.
For more information on sponsorship opportunities contact Dawn Pettersen at dawn.pettersen@vcunitedway.org
During the event, Women United hosts a unique “Power of the Purse” providing participants with an opportunity to win one or more luxury designer purses. Don’t miss it!
About Women United
Women United’s mission is to mobilize the power of women as change-makers, creating a community where women, families and communities thrive. They ignite the power of women who bring passion, expertise, and the resources needed to get things done and create lasting change in their communities. In 2024-25, Women United presented 11 education awards to local single mothers pursuing their education and has given out 91 awards since 2018.
About United Way of Ventura County
Since 1945, United Way of Ventura County has advanced the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. Our areas of focus are Financial Security, Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, and Community Resiliency. These are essential building blocks for a good quality of life. We support local services and programs that are more than just ‘stop gap’ measures, but solutions that help create lasting change. We invite everyone to be part of the change. Get Involved, Give Back, Take Action. UNITED IS THE WAY. For more information about United Way of Ventura County, visit www.vcunitedway.org