2025 Speakers

Keynote Speakers

The Honorable

Sabrina Cervantes

State Senator, District 31

Sabrina Cervantes currently represents the 31st Senate District, which comprises portions of the Inland Empire. A working mother of triplets, 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 and the current Vice-Chair of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus.

Over the course of her first eight years in the State Legislature, Sabrina has authored 49 bills that have been signed into law, including important legislation to keep our communities safe and help local veterans, seniors, small businesses, and schools. She has brought home more than $650 million in state funding for Inland Empire infrastructure to reduce local traffic, expand the medical school at UC Riverside, and build new parks and green spaces. As the Chair of the State Assembly’s Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy, she secured funding to open a new trade school in Jurupa Valley for in-demand job skills, one of only two such trade schools in Southern California.

Sabrina is a lifelong Riverside County resident who worked in the private sector, state government, and for a statewide nonprofit organization prior to her election to the State Legislature. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in public policy from the University of California, Riverside, and she completed an executive education program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Sabrina and her wife, Courtney, are the proud parents of triplets.

A dozen members of Sabrina’s family served in World War II, including Sabrina’s grandfather, Gregorio Cervantes. Her great-uncle Joe landed on Omaha Beach, her great-uncle David fought to liberate both France and Italy, and her great-uncle Sam served in the Pacific Theater.

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. She is also a Professor of Political Science and Public Administration and the former Department Chair of History and Government at California Baptist University. Her leadership is marked by innovation, collaboration, and commitment to mentoring students and developing inclusive academic programs that prepare the next generation for civic engagement and public service.

Elected in 2022, to the Riverside Unified School District Board of Education, Noemí won her seat as a first-time candidate against all the odds. Since then, she has championed Dual-Enrollment and is a strong proponent of CTE expansion to include essential trades and the computing skills needed to enter the workforce of the future. Her leadership has been instrumental in reopening Casa Blanca Elementary School, restoring a vital educational resource in a historically Latino neighborhood, and in advocating for the construction of a new East Side school to eliminate long-distance busing for students. She also played a key role in selecting the district’s first Latina superintendent, marking a historic step in elevating Latina leadership.

Noemi works closely with Parent Advisory Groups to strengthen trust and ensure that families, many of whom are first-generation or Spanish-speaking, have a platform to share their voices and shape decisions. She continues to champion English learner success, equitable access, and culturally responsive communication in both English and Spanish. She is also leading initiatives to strengthen campus safety, advocating for wraparound services for mixed status families, and is spearheading fundraising for a $4.5 million multi-field soccer complex that will serve Riverside youth and families. Her work as trustee reflects a deep belief in community partnerships and a steadfast commitment to ensuring that every child has what they need to succeed.

Noemí’s research agenda lies at the intersection of politics, race, and gender, reflecting her passion for amplifying diverse voices in leadership. She is currently conducting a study—planned as a forthcoming book— on the fundraising experiences of women of color, who run for elected office. Grounded in feminist theory and intersectional frameworks, this work highlights the unique challenges and strategies of female candidates while offering insights into barriers, opportunities, and reforms needed to build more equitable pathways to leadership. By bridging her academic expertise, public service, and lived commitment to equity, Dr. Hernández Alexander brings to Persist a powerful message about resilience, advocacy, and the transformative power of education and representation.

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. Prior to joining KVCR in December of 2022, Leyva was the Senator serving the 20th Senate District in the Inland Empire from 2014 to 2022, representing almost a million constituents. During her tenue in the California State Senate, Senator Leyva served as chair of numerous key committees including the Democratic Caucus, Senate Education Committee, and Mobile and Manufactured Homes Select Committee. She authored more than fifty bills signed into law including landmark legislation on statute of limitation on sexual assault and Clean Truck Heavy-Duty Regulation. Leyva has always had a heart for people and the communities in which they live. She went to work for UFCW Local 1428 in 1994 and helped workers find their voices on the job. Starting in the benefits department, she ultimately became the first woman president of that local. From 2004-2014, while serving as UFCW Local President, she was also the first woman president of the California Labor Federation representing over 2.1 million workers though out California. Leyva lives in Chino, CA. with her husband Al where they raised their twin daughters who are now grown and have their own families.

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. In that role, Erin represented 45,000 residents and hundreds of businesses in the Downtown Riverside core and surrounding neighborhoods where she created Riverside’s 6-pillar Homelessness Action Plan; sparked the Riverside Nonprofit Resilience Fund and Affordable Housing Trust Fund; and championed Riverside’s Community Engagement Policy, Street Outreach Nurse program, Wildlands public safety teams, and Parks & Neighborhood Specialists program. Erin also served as Chair of the Riverside City Council’s Housing & Homelessness Committee; on the Governing Board of Riverside County’s Continuum of Care; and two terms as Riverside’s Mayor Pro Tempore.

Prior to her role as a Riverside City Councilmember, Erin served with The Equality Fund, the United Way, and the Northside Anti-Hunger Network, as well as two terms with AmeriCorps. She received Bachelor’s degrees in French and English from Augustana College, and a Master’s degree in International Development from the University of Wisconsin. Erin and her partner, Liz, have two young children, Ramona and Simon.

Speakers and Panel Participants

More to be added!

Denise Berver

Owner & Publisher, IECN

Bio TBAAs co-owner and publisher of Inland Empire Community News, Denise Berver is dedicated to sustaining independent, local journalism in the IE.
Denise holds a bachelor’s degree in English from California State University, San Bernardino, and an associate’s degree in Liberal Arts from San Bernardino Valley College.
Beginning her career with IECN as a part-time receptionist, Denise eventually advanced to managing the legal advertising department prior to becoming an owner. In her 30+ years in the newspaper industry, she has gained experience in multiple aspects of the business, ranging from editorial to production to accounting and sales. She is also a co-host of the Inland Insight podcast discussing relevant topics impacting local residents.

The Honorable

Clarissa Cervantes

Riverside City Councilmember, Ward 2

Clarissa Cervantes is a mom, businesswoman, and longtime community leader who currently represents Ward 2 on the Riverside City Council. She is the first woman to ever represent Ward 2, and she is the second Latina and the second LGBTQ person ever elected to the Riverside City Council.

As a Councilmember, Clarissa has pushed for millions of dollars in necessary road repairs, supported small businesses with microgrants, championed environmental and open space protections, created opportunities for artists to beautify neighborhoods, and voted to expand access to affordable housing.

A veteran campaign organizer, Clarissa has worked on presidential, congressional, state legislative, county, and municipal campaigns throughout California. She also served as Chair of the Riverside Transit Agency’s Greater Riverside Transportation NOW Chapter and worked as a Legislative Field Representative to former Riverside Councilmember Andy Melendrez.

Clarissa holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science with a concentration in Politics and Government from California State University, Northridge and a Master's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning with an emphasis on Planning and Policy at California Polytechnic State University, Pomona.

Dr. Candy Curiel, EdD, LMFT

Senior Clinical Director, Pacific Clinics

Dr. Candy Curiel (she/her/ella), EdD, M.A., LMFT is a seasoned mental health professional with over 18 years of experience in clinical and leadership roles. As Senior Clinical Director at Pacific Clinics in the Inland Empire, she leads strategic operations across direct service programs, driving quality improvement and advancing equitable, evidence-based care. Dr. Curiel collaborates with community partners to develop responsive programming that meets the diverse needs of the community. A passionate advocate for mental health and social equity, she is committed to ensuring all individuals have the opportunity to thrive. She is a proud member of the Champions for Vibrant Health Leadership Network, convened by the IEHP Foundation to expand collective advocacy and promote health equity across the Inland Empire.

Denise Davis

Persist Founder/Assistant Director of Advocacy and Institutional Relations, UCR

Denise Davis is the founder of the Persist Women's Political Engagement Conference. The inaugural event started in 2017 and was the first of its kind in the region, bringing together students, scholars, elected officials, and those who work in the non-profit arena with a focus on inspiring women to get more involved at every level of government. Denise currently serves as the Assistant Director of Advocacy and Institutional Relations in UCR's Office of Governmental and Community Relations. In 2018, Denise was elected to the Redlands City Council and was re-elected in 2022, currently serving in her 7th year. She holds a masters degree from the London School of Economics and served as a Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholar while there in 2007-2008. She is a first-generation college graduate and earned her BA from the Johnston Center for Integrative Studies at the University of Redlands. Above all, she's the proud mom of a lively two-year-old, whose boundless curiosity and sense of joy and wonder inspire her daily.

Patricia Spratlen Etem

Vice President Southern CA & Coachella Valley

Patricia Spratlen Etem shares a public health career in health workforce, health policy, program, partnership, and resource development, and strategic planning and evaluation servicing multiple employer sectors. Spratlen Etem has been with Health Career Connection for over 10 years, leading the Southern CA and Coachella Valley region. Prior she led CDPH tobacco education, advocacy, and coalition partner programs throughout Los Angeles County. She consulted in the Villaraigosa administration, for City of Long Beach DHHS, Long Beach USD, and Glendale Adventist Medical Center. Patricia is a two-time Olympian, and a 5-time Governors Appointee to the Tobacco Education and Research Oversight Committee. She is a member of the Igniting Vibrant Health in the Inland Empire Leadership Network.

Susan Freeman

CEO, Freeman Means Business and Conscious Inclusion Company

Susan Freeman is a leader in the fight for equity in the workplace. She draws on her experiences as a CEO, academic, trainer, author, sales executive, and business owner. Susan’s passion for equity in business drives her fight for the underrepresented to get a seat at the table, and once there, to be heard and respected. Susan works with clients on systemic changes at the 4P-level (policies, practices, pay, and pipeline), creating a roadmap for change. Everything she does starts with metrics of where the client is and then benchmarking progress.

Freeman is a Ph.D. scholar at the University of California in Management of Complex Systems. She graduated with honors with a Master of Arts degree in Communication with a focus on Communication Theory. Her 2010 thesis is “A Study of the Importance of Client-Centric Communication in Business Development Within a Law Firm Setting” (a look at transitioning from a practice of law to a business of law). Freeman also graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and another in Journalism with a minor in Marketing. Freeman studied negotiations with G. Richard Shell, Chair of the Wharton School’s Legal Studies and Business Ethics Department. She also completed Cornell University’s certificate program, the Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship program and Stanford University’s executive certificate program, Leverage Diversity and Inclusion for Organizational Excellence.

Freeman is currently studying how arrangements of people, organizations, information, technology, and the natural world give rise to complex adaptive phenomena that pose difficult challenges to society. She identifies and executes strategies that seek balance and alignment among social justice, environmental resources, and economic welfare, all toward the long-term sustainability of people, planet, and profit (PPP).

Freeman has educated well over 2,000 legal and financial service professionals and led strategic initiatives for more than 20 years. As a CEO, founder, and inclusive team leader, Freeman exhibits high emotional intelligence, excellent leadership abilities, and executive presence, which motivates and inspires others, leading to meaningful results and measurable outcomes.

Freeman taught "Girls in Politics" to girls aged 8-17 and currently hosts an annual women's event that attracts attendees from various industries. She has created and implemented MarCom campaigns in financial services, legal services, and technology, and has been involved in political campaigns.

Freeman applies a social justice lens and has created successful endeavors focusing on conscious inclusion. As a teacher and trainer in DEI, she founded a woman-owned, minority-operated company focusing on gender equity.

Susan often writes for Legal Business World and American Lawyer Media. Susan has published two books — one, a bestseller.

Susan has offices in Riverside, CA, and Honolulu, HI.

Luz Gallegos

Executive Director, TODEC

For Luz Gallegos, TODEC is a family affair. She grew up within the embrace of the TODEC community- an organization her parents started when her family first moved to the Inland Empire. For many years she served as the Community Program Director of TODEC before stepping into the Executive Director role in 2020. Outside of work, she loves to sing and lives in the community with her husband, children, and dogs.

Brie Griset Smith

Chief Development Officer, IECF

Brie Giset Smith brings over 20 years of experience in fundraising and program development, staff management, financial administration, organizational and board leadership, and strategic planning – most recently as Chief Development Officer for Discovery Science Foundation.

Kevin Gutierrez, MD, MS

Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor, UCR School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry & Neuroscience

Kevin Gutierrez is a psychiatrist, clinician-educator, and narrative medicine scholar whose work has explored the integration of critical race theory and decolonial theory into medical education. Dr. Gutierrez completed his bachelor of arts in Spanish (with honors) at Ohio State University before attending the Master of Science of Narrative Medicine Program at Columbia University, after which he earned his medical degree (MD) from Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University. He completed his psychiatry residency training at NYU Langone Medical Center where he was a grant recipient of the American Psychiatric Association and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (APA/SAMHSA) Minority Fellowship. He joined the UC Riverside Department of Psychiatry & Neuroscience in August 2024. Dr. Gutierrez's work has been published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Academic Medicine, Journal of Medical Humanities, and Daedalus. His current work focuses on conceptualizing and researching a social movement psychiatry.

Leila Haidar

President, Associated Students of UCR

Leila Haidar is a fourth year Biology Major with a minor in Political Science. Throughout her past 4 years of ASUCR, she has advocated for students, community members, and more through the resources and connections through the university. She has worked on initiatives ranging from increasing parking spots on campus, expanding student health, greater access to research opportunities through organizing a 600+ attendee Research Exposition, and more. With her extensive experience in both legislation and various projects working with campus departments and administrators, She has worked towards supporting and growing campus resources.

Stephanie Hastings-Miranda

Founder and Publisher, Community Forward Redlands News

Stephanie Hastings Miranda is the founder and publisher of Community Forward Redlands, an independent digital news outlet covering civic and community life in Redlands. Its mission is simple: to provide timely, accurate news and report on stories before decisions are finalized — empowering residents to engage in their community.

Since its launch in 2023, the publication has grown to reach more than 25,000 monthly readers and over 2,200 newsletter subscribers.

Stephanie earned a Bachelor of Arts in political philosophy and business from the University of Dallas in 2010. After working with PBS Frontline news producer Hedrick Smith, she discovered her calling in storytelling and community-focused journalism.

Originally from Michigan, Stephanie has made Redlands home with her husband and three children. A former local television news producer, she is passionate about the role of local journalism in building stronger, more engaged communities.

Daniela Romero

Community Engagement Specialist for TrueCare

Daniela Romero serves as the Community Engagement Specialist at TrueCare, a Non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center serving the underserved community of Riverside County. Daniela’s role is to lead strategic initiatives to improve health access and status for our community. With over 5 years of experience in non-profit public health followed by education in social science and political science, Daniela specializes in culturally responsive community engagement and outreach efforts. Fluent in Spanish and deeply committed to serving underserved populations. Her approach integrates data analysis, lived experience, health education, and relationship-building to ensure that TrueCare’s services are accessible and impactful. Her focus is on identifying community health needs, developing interventions, advocating with elected officials, and fostering partnerships that algin with TrueCare’s mission to provide compassionate and inclusive care. Daniela has played a key role in designing and implementing community programs, managing budgets, and representing TrueCare at regional forums. Daniela leads a collaborative network, the Perris Community Partner Roundtable, where community leaders gather to address and combat health disparities in our community. As a mother of two in the Inland Empire Daniela is passionate about advancing health equity and continues to advocate for innovative solutions that enhance and strengthen the well-being and health outcomes of our communities.

Justine Ross

Executive Director, UCR Center for Community Solutions

Dr. Justine Ross is Executive Director of the Center for Community Solutions at UC Riverside’s School of Public Policy, where she leads community-engaged research and cross-sector initiatives that advance regional well-being by partnering with public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and university researchers to identify local policy challenges and co-develop data-informed solutions. She also oversees the Center’s student programs, such as the Randall Lewis Policy Fellowship, which provide hands-on research and professional development experiences for UCR MPP students. Her own research focuses on employment law, hiring practices, and workforce development, with particular attention to justice-impacted populations and strategies to reduce barriers to opportunity. Dr. Ross holds a PhD in Political Science from UC Riverside and an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management.

Natalia Saca

Regional Policy Advocate for CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights)

Natalia Saca is the Regional Policy Advocate at CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights), where she champions policies that uplift immigrant and refugee communities and promote inclusive, equitable governance across the Inland Empire. She holds a Master of Arts in International Relations/Political Science from The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Switzerland, a global hub for diplomacy and human rights. Natalia previously served with the Permanent Mission of Costa Rica to the United Nations and other international organizations, where she focused on advancing the rights and protection of vulnerable populations through policy research and advocacy within different UN entities. Guided by both international diplomacy and grassroots experience, she is deeply committed to bridging policy and people by driving human rights–centered solutions to today’s most pressing immigration challenges.

Regina Weatherspoon-Bell

Vice Chair, IEHP Foundation | Founder, DVL Project

Regina Weatherspoon-Bell is a businesswoman, nonprofit founder/CEO, creative event and documentary producer and community volunteer. In 2020, she concluded two terms serving as Deputy Director for the First District San Bernardino County Supervisor Robert Lovingood. In addition to IEHP Foundation, she has served on several boards, including as former Vice Chair of Providence Southern California Health Care Regional Board, former Board Member of Providence St. Mary Hospital Community Ministry Board, Past Board President of High Desert Community Foundation and current Board Vice-Chair of Caravanserai – Alliance for Entrepreneurs.

Stephanie Williams

Executive Editor, IE Voice and Black Voice News

Stephanie Williams is executive editor of the IE Voice and Black Voice News. A longtime champion for civil rights and social justice in all its forms, she is also an advocate for government transparency and committed to ferreting out and exposing government corruption. Over the years Stephanie has reported for other publications in the inland region and Los Angeles and received awards from the California News Publishers Association for her investigative reporting and Ethnic Media Services for her weekly column, Keeping it Real. She also served as a Health Journalism Fellow with the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism.

Mentors

Estephani Camarillo

Public Affairs Manager

Estephani is a Public Affairs Manager at the Campaign for College Opportunity, a statewide non-profit that focuses on student-centered policy advocacy to ensure all Californians have access to pursue higher education.

Raised in Southern California’s Inland Empire and daughter of immigrant parents, Estephani is the eldest of two daughters and the first in her family to go to college, achieving both an undergraduate and an advanced degree. In 2017, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from California State University, San Bernardino. In 2020, she earned a Masters of Public Policy (MPP) degree from the University of California, Riverside, with a specialization in education policy and race and immigration policy. Estephani's commitment to advocating for students in her community and enhancing access to higher education led her to become a college advisor after completing her undergraduate studies. During her time at UCR, Estephani served as a teaching assistant, instructing courses in political science, public policy, economics, sociology, and philosophy.

Before joining the Campaign for College Opportunity, Estephani served as a District Representative at the Office of State Senator Richard D. Roth, where she proudly served the constituents of California's 31st Senate District.

Estephani’s devotion to the field of education is rooted in her personal experience maneuvering the complexities of the higher education system, along with working with educators and students alike. Her greatest passion lies in improving access to higher education for underrepresented communities and low-income students.

Graciela Moran

Manager, Office of Policy & Engagement, Inland Empire Community Foundation

Graciela Moran is the Manager of the Office of Policy & Engagement at the Inland Empire Community Foundation, where she leads government affairs, policy, and advocacy initiatives across all 52 cities and more than 50 school districts in the region. Her work advances equity in housing, good jobs, and education through philanthropy, strategic partnerships with state agencies, and government officials. Previously, she served as External Affairs Manager and Policy Associate at Caravanserai Project, where she led the California Dream Fund, distributing $500K in micro-grants to support more than 80 non-traditional Inland Empire entrepreneurs. Recognized for her leadership, Graciela completed the Coro Southern California Women in Leadership program and was named a 2024 Latina Advocate by Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE). She also serves on the Board and Action Fund of Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, supporting communities in Riverside, Imperial, and San Diego counties. A daughter of Mexican immigrants and a first-generation college graduate, Graciela earned her BA in Global Studies from California State University, San Bernardino—where she served as Student Body President—and a Master’s in Public Administration from San Diego State University. Rooted in the Inland Empire, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her advocacy for the region.

Toni Rosales

Field Representative, Office of California State Assemblywoman Leticia Castillo

Toni Rosales serves as a field representative for California State Assemblywoman Leticia Castillo, representing the diverse communities of the 58th Assembly District. Toni bridges the gap between constituents and state government by addressing local concerns with California state agencies such as the EDD, DMV, and others. Passionate about empowering the community, she coordinates outreach events, facilitates town halls, and collaborates with local organizations to ensure the Assemblywoman Castillo's initiatives reflect the needs of families, workers, and small businesses in the district. Toni's commitment to responsive representation drives her daily efforts to build stronger, more resilient relationships to serve the residents of the 58th Assembly District.

Maliha Williamson

President, Riverside County NOW

Maliha Williamson, who is an engineer by trade, carries her advocacy work as President of Riverside County NOW and is a fierce advocate for women’s rights, LGBTQIA rights as well our Black and Brown communities. She is also currently running for Riverside County Board of Education, Trustee Area 1, which covers part of Riverside and Lake Elsinore and cities of Corona, Eastvale and Norco and understands the role education plays in uplifting underserved communities.

Talent

DJ Sunara (AKA Dr. Jade Sasser)

Associate Professor of Gender & Sexuality Studies

Dr. Jade S. Sasser is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Gender & Sexuality Studies AND Society, Environment, and Health Equity at UCR. Her research analyzes the relationships between race, gender, and reproduction in the midst of the climate crisis. In her free time, Sasser is a DJ at KUCR, our UCR campus radio station. Her show, the Vibe Check, is focused on R&B, soul, and funk music, and it airs Fridays at 2pm.