For the FINAL episode of Civic Encounter Season 2, hosts Georgia Lewis and Simi Situ speak with Dr. Jocelyn Duarte, Executive Director of the Salvadoran American Leadership and Educational Fund (SALEF), about her journey from growing up in Pico-Union to leading one of LA’s most impactful immigrant advocacy organizations.

They discuss her roots in education, SALEF’s 30th anniversary, its support for families impacted by recent ICE raids, and the launch of the ALMA app. Dr. Duarte also shares her perspective on community building, mentorship, and what gives her hope for the future of Los Angeles.

Tune in to hear her powerful story and vision for strengthening immigrant communities.

Stay engaged with SALEF's work here on their Instagram!

In this episode of Civic Encounter, hosts Georgia Lewis and Simi Situ share heartfelt conversation with Deja Charles-Tomkins on advocating for inclusive and accessible outdoors spaces for people of color, along with her experiences at the Mono Lake Committee and the Mono Arts Council. Whether it's discussing her passion for history and environmentalism, her career in conservation, or hosting her very own podcast, Black In Wild, Deja remains unwavering in her dedication to foster support for marginalized groups in their exploration of nature.

To hear more from Deja, tune into Black In Wild, a dialogue focusing on underrepresented stories in outdoors spaces.

In this episode of Civic Encounter, Ava Sanchez and Simi Situ sit down with Kamy Akhavan, the Managing Director of USC’s Center for the Political Future (CPF) and a widely respected expert on bringing people together despite their differences. Whether cultivating understanding through his past role as CEO of ProCon.org, the nation’s leading source of nonpartisan research on controversial issues, or cultivating community as a leader and lecturer at the University of Southern California, Kamy has dedicated his life to bridging divides. Kamy discusses the importance of curiosity in a polarized time, key strategies for engaging with people you disagree with, and the value of community.

To hear more from Kamy, listen to the Center for the Political Future’s podcast, “Let’s Find Common Ground.”