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/

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/