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/

In this episode, Daniel Solis sits down with Kathleah Pagdilao, CCEJ’s Director of Leadership and Learning, for a behind-the-scenes look at how we’re growing from the inside out through Organizational Learning.

Kathleah breaks down what Organizational Learning really means, why CCEJ has invested in this work, and how it’s shaping both our internal culture and the services we provide to communities. From redefining workplace practices to supporting staff growth, this conversation explores the deep connection between internal learning and external impact.

Tune in to hear how centering equity and justice internally helps us show up stronger in the world — and how your organization can do the same.

To learn more about CCEJ’s training and facilitation services, visit cacej.org/transformation.

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/

Dialogue isn’t just something that happens in workshops or circles—it’s a daily practice that shapes how we connect, build trust, and navigate conflict. In this episode of Thriving Together: Stories from CCEJ, volunteer Katy Tinsley and CCEJ staff, Monica Lopez engage in a rich conversation on bringing dialogue into our everyday lives.

Together, they unpack what sets dialogue apart from debate or discussion, explore how active listening can transform relationships, and share real-life stories of small moments that made a big impact. From asking better questions to repairing after conflict, this episode is full of tools and reflections to help you build a culture of care, curiosity, and accountability.

For more information about CCEJ trainings, visit https://www.cacej.org/trainings

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/

Youth aren’t just the future—they’re the present. In this keynote from the 2025 Roots of Justice Convening, young leaders Cathy Quiroz-Rivas, Athena Abrera, and Helen Price, moderated by j.nyla mcneil, share bold insights on challenging adultism and the value of youth experience in movements for justice.

Tune in for honest reflections, calls to action, and a powerful reminder that youth voices deserve to be heard—and followed. If you are a youth looking to get involved with 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/

How do we create spaces where differences are embraced rather than feared? In this special episode from the 2025 Roots of Justice Convening, Jenan Mohajir, Vice President of External Affairs at Interfaith America, joins Reena Hajat Carroll, CCEJ’s Executive Director, for a conversation on pluralism, leaning into curiosity, and the power of bridge-building.

Together, they explore what it takes to foster connection across differences and why these conversations are essential for justice and belonging.

Listen in for insights, reflections, and practical ways to create more inclusive communities.

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/

Building Bridges Camp is more than just a camp—it’s a space for young people to challenge biases, build relationships, and grow into changemakers. In this episode, we sit down with Chuck Barnes, April Van Ligten, and Sarah Rana—longtime facilitators and volunteers—to hear their personal journeys with the program.

They share what first brought them to Building Bridges, the powerful transformations they’ve witnessed in campers, and the moments that have impacted them the most. We also discuss the challenges of creating brave spaces, the importance of adult role models, and dreams for the future of the program.

Want to support this transformative work? Learn how you can volunteer, donate, or advocate to help keep Building Bridges thriving at https://www.cacej.org/building-bridges

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, our team shares their 2025 resolutions for advancing equity and justice. From personal growth to professional commitments, we reflect on the actions we’ll take to build a more inclusive and equitable world.

Join us as we discuss how we plan to collaborate with colleagues, community members, and partners, and what we hope to learn in the year ahead. Feeling inspired? Visit cacej.org/trainings to explore ways to get involved and make an impact in 2025!

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, join CCEJ Executive Director Reena Hajat Carroll as she reflects on CCEJ’s highlights of 2024, including the Roots of Justice Convening, the expansion of Uproot and Emerge Conflict Facilitation, Love Day, Building Bridges Camp, and more. Hear how these milestones shaped a year of growth and impact for a more just and equitable community.

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/