In this special episode, we mark a new chapter in our story. Executive Director Reena Hajat Carroll, Chief Development Officer Jessy Needham, and Development and Marketing Manager Vanessa Chacon reflect on why the time was right for change, what it took to get here, and what this shift means for the future of our work.

They share behind-the-scenes stories about the process, the challenges and surprises along the way, and some of their favorite reactions from our community. Join us for an inside look at the journey that led us to this moment — and be the first to hear our new name revealed.

As always, follow us on social media to stay up to date on our trainings and events!

This podcast is sponsored in part by LA vs. Hate. To learn more, visit https://www.lavshate.org/

In this episode, five alumni of NCCJ’s Brotherhood Sisterhood Camp (now known as Building Bridges Camp) reminisce about their camp experiences in the 1960’s and 1990’s. They share their thoughts about the need for dialogue for equity and justice both during their Camp experience and today.

This episode is a re–play of a video CCEJ produced for Long Beach Gives in September 2024. You can watch here: https://youtu.be/X6muslvAJqY

Long Beach Gives 2025 is on September 18 - your donation helps continue to offer programs that educate and empower youth and adults to lead change for equity and justice. To make your gift between September 11 and September 18, visit https://www.longbeachgives.org/organization/Ccej

If you’re an alumni of Anytown Camp, Brotherhood or Brotherhood Sisterhood Camp, or Building Bridges Camp, join our alumni network! Sign up here: https://www.ConfluenceRising.org/alumni

As always, follow us on social media to stay up to date on CCEJ trainings and events!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CACEJ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccejlove/

CCEJ’s podcast is sponsored in part by LA vs. Hate. To learn more, visit https://www.lavshate.org/

In this episode, Zachi and Alyssa, two graduating participants from CCEJ’s Summer Youth Leadership Institute (SYLI) reflect on their leadership journey over the summer and how to bring those lessons to their everyday lives. Over five weeks, SYLI brings together high school youth to build leadership skills, explore identity and justice, and foster lifelong connections.

Zachi and Alyssa share what brought them to CCEJ, their favorite memories from Camp, and how the program helped them grow as individuals and leaders. Their reflections highlight the impact of youth-centered spaces and the power of being seen, heard, and supported.

To learn more about CCEJ’s Youth Leadership programs, visit cacej.org/youth-leadership.

As always, follow us on social media to stay up to date on CCEJ trainings and events!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CACEJ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccejlove/

CCEJ’s podcast is sponsored in part by LA vs. Hate. To learn more, visit https://www.lavshate.org/