Persist 2025

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• 8:00-9:00 a.m. - Check-In & Breakfast

  Get signed in and enjoy a light breakfast before our programming begins!

• 9:00-9:30 a.m. - Welcome by Denise Davis, Persist Founder, and Mark Long, Dean of the School of Public Policy

  To kick off Persist 2025, we will hear welcoming remarks from Denise Davis, Persist Founder, and Mark Long, Dean of the School of Public Policy.

• 9:30-10:00 a.m. - Erin Edwards, Executive Director of Blue Zones Project Riverside

  Erin Edwards is the Executive Director of Blue Zones Project Riverside. Erin has nearly two decades of experience in policy, philanthropy, and nonprofit leadership, having recently served as a Riverside City Councilmember. 

• 10:00-11:00 a.m. - The Power of Collective Advocacy: How IE Nonprofits are coming together to advocate for the health and wellness of the region

  Panel Description:

  In a time when the voice of the community is more crucial than ever, nonprofit leaders from across the Inland Empire are coming together to amplify their impact on public policy. Recently, the Champions for Vibrant Health Leadership Network, established by the IEHP Foundation, journeyed to Sacramento to engage in meaningful dialogue with legislators about critical health policy issues affecting our region. The 80 leaders representing 40 nonprofit organizations in the Leadership Network advocating for health across a variety of Vital Conditions, including basic needs for health and safety, lifelong learning, humane housing and meaningful work and wealth. This session will feature insightful stories and experiences from Inland Empire-based nonprofit female leaders who have embraced advocacy as a powerful tool for change. Attendees will gain practical skills and insights into how to enter the policy space and work collaboratively with others.

  Panel Moderator:

  Regina Weatherspoon-Bell, Board Vice Chair, IEHP Foundation

  Panelists:

  Dr. Candy Curiel, EdD, LMFT, Senior Clinical Director, Pacific Clinics
  Patricia Etem, Vice President Southern CA & Coachella Valley, Health Career Connection
  Daniel Romero, Community Engagement Specialist – Perris, TrueCare

• 11:00-11:15 a.m. - Keynote: Connie Leyva, Executive Director of KVCR

  Connie Leyva is currently the Executive Director at KVCR Public Radio and Television. KVCR is located on the campus of San Bernardino Valley College serving the Inland Empire on Channel 24 and FM 91.9. She oversees all aspects of KVCR including community and student engagement, raising money, and content. 

• 11:15-11:45 a.m. - The Power of the Press: Storytelling, Accountability, and Impact in a Changing World

  Panelists:

  • Denise Berver, Owner & Publisher, IECN
  • Stephanie Williams, Executive Editor, IE Voice and Black Voice News
     
• 11:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. - Keynote: Senator Sabrina Cervantes

  Sabrina Cervantes is a working mother of triplets running to represent the 31st State Senate District. A Democrat, she currently represents the 58th Assembly District, which comprises portions of the Inland Empire. Sabrina was first elected to the State Legislature in 2016, and from 2022-2024, served as Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus. She is also the first openly LGBTQ+ Latina to represent Western Riverside County in the Legislature.

• 12:00-1:00 p.m. - Lunch, DJ Sunara (HUB 302), & Mentor Cafe

  Enjoy lunch while listening to UCR's very own DJ Sunara! In the HUB 3rd floor lobby, we will be hosting mentor sessions led by experienced policy change-makers ready to share their knowledge and advice.

• 1:00-1:50 p.m. - Breakout Sessions in HUB 355, 367, 379

  HUB 355: Know Your Rights/Rapid Response Workshop–IC4IJ

  
  HUB 367: Blue Zones Project Riverside

  
  HUB 379: Communicating with Emotional Intelligence

  • Susan Freeman, CEO of Freeman Means Business 
• 1:50-2:00 p.m. - Boba & Coffee Break

  Enjoy free boba or coffee during this short break before the next keynote! 

• 2:00-2:20 p.m. - Keynote: Dr. Noemí Hernández Alexander, Riverside Unified School District Board Member

  Dr. Noemí Hernández Alexander, a first-generation college student and child of Mexican immigrants, is a mother, an education leader, a scholar, and a public servant with a powerful story of persistence through adversity. She has dedicated her life to breaking barriers and creating pathways for young women and students of all backgrounds. She has dedicated the last twenty years of her life to education, creating opportunities for students from Kindergarteners to Ph.D. candidates. Most recently, she served as the Interim Dean of Student Services at Riverside City College, supporting essential programs like TRIO, EOPS, Upward Bound, veterans, foster youth, and justice-impacted students.

• 2:20-3:30 p.m. - From Policy to People–Immigration and Community Safety in Turbulent Times

  Panelists:

  • Clarissa Cervantes, Riverside City Councilmember, Ward 2
  • Luz Gallegos, Executive Director, TODEC 
     
• 3:30-4:00 p.m. - Thriving in the Inland Empire: Women & Well-Being through the Lens of Vital Conditions

  With Dr. Justine Ross, Executive Director, UCR Center for Community Solutions. Introduced by Brie Griset Smith, IECF.

• 4:00-5:00 p.m. - Networking Reception w/ KUCR

  Location: HUB Plaza (Ground Floor)