My introduction to you happened in the late 1990s.
I arrived in Los Angeles, a foreign graduate student, trying to understand America through textbooks and LA’s RTD routes.
And then I met you.
An institution built on virtues I could not quite comprehend.
Infinite hope. Untiring patience. Radical non-judgment. You met people where they were.
Not where they should have been. Not where someone thought they ought to be. But where they were.
You were born long before I met you in the Central Valley, where community colleges first took root in California soil. Practical. Accessible. Close to home. Built for possibility.
And then you spread.
From the Central Valley – Fresno, Bakersfield, Merced you reached into the Inland Empire – Riverside, San Bernardino out to the eastern edge of our state – the Coachella Valley, Palm Desert, Indio up the North State – Chico, Redding across the Bay – Oakland, Hayward, San José down the Central Coast – Monterey, San Luis Obispo into Los Angeles – every corner, every neighborhood in LA and all the way to the borderlands – San Diego, Imperial Valley.
Across the Sierra foothills. Along Highway 99. Down the 5 and the 101.
Into farmworker towns. Into port cities. Into rural mountain communities. Into urban corridors. Where opportunity needed a doorway you became that doorway.
You evolved.
You empowered people. You improved constantly You innovated for students. You added programs. Added pathways. Added chances.
And over three decades, I have watched you love Californians by taking action in real tangible ways.
I have seen the foster youth who carried everything they owned in a backpack walk across a commencement stage because someone at a community college refused to give up on them.
I have seen the formerly incarcerated Californian who found purpose through education, completed a certificate, earned a degree, and now gives back to their community.
I have seen the veteran, resilient, carrying both visible and invisible weight, find a Veterans Resource Center and a faculty member who said, “You belong here.”
I have seen the student with a disability navigate hallways that were once barriers and find accommodations, allies, and a future not defined by limitation but by capacity.
You do not ask for perfection. You ask for effort. You do not require pedigree. You require courage.
Over two million students a year.
Two million stories of trying again. Starting over. Leveling up.
You are accessible. You are practical. You are relentless in your belief that Californians deserve more.
On this Valentine’s Day, I say it plainly:
I love you, California Community Colleges, – for your open doors. – for your stubborn optimism. – for believing in people before they believe in themselves.
You are California at its best.
And after three decades of watching you in motion … through reform, recession, innovation, and renewal,
I am convinced of this:
If there is an institution built on hope in America,
It is you!
With gratitude, admiration, and love Your chancellor, sonya
I was back in San Diego this week for a Vision 2030 Regional Workshop.
As I always say … what is there not to love about San Diego!
The Chancellor’s Office team showed up strong. Here are a few photos.
James Todd, Don Daves-Rougeaux, Cheri Fortan, Terrence Willett, Chris Ferguson, Sonya Christian
Here we are with the amazing West Ed team.
On My November 29th blog I mentioned that I was in Toronto and we were expecting snow the next day. Here are a few photos from the window of my bedroom in my daughter’s place.
Most folks love watching planes in action. I remember when I was a little girl, my brother Roy routinely driving me to the airport so we could watch planes land and take off.
So here is a 17-sec video of Air Canada pulling up to the gate at LAX.
Good morning California. It is December 6, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
L.A. Pierce College Becomes First U.S. Community College to Launch AI-Powered Biomedical Research Program
Students at Los Angeles Pierce College took a historic step recently as they convened their first research team meeting for the newly launched L.A. Pierce AI Campus, an initiative that officially makes Pierce the first community college in the United States to launch an AI-powered biomedical research program through a groundbreaking partnership with National AI Campus.
Golden West College Receives Major Investment to Expand Nursing Program, Strengthen Local Workforce Pipeline
Golden West College has been awarded $3.5 million over three years from the Samueli Foundation to expand its highly successful School of Nursing and increase access to high-demand healthcare careers across Orange County. The multi-year funding will support program growth, new faculty positions, expanded partnerships with local high schools, and upgrades to clinical training technology.
Los Medanos College Rolls Out Hi-Tech Type 1 Fire Engine
Los Medanos College Fire Academy students this year will benefit from training on a fully-loaded 2009 Hi-Tec Type I Fire Engine. LMC used California Strong Workforce Program grant funding to purchase the $114,000 engine from the Cordelia Fire Protection District. The engine includes equipment for urban and wildland firefighting, and represents significant cost savings to the college. A new engine of this type would have cost about $800,000 with no equipment on board.
The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College Wins Prestigious Animal Exhibit Award of Excellence
The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College has received the Animal Exhibit Award of Excellence from the Zoological Association of America (ZAA), a national honor recognizing Annual Awards Banquet, recognizing the zoo’s excellence in new and unique live animal display, exhibit design and construction. This year’s award honors the zoo’s creation of “Rajah’s Retreat,” a state-of-the-art natural habitat for tigers.
Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media
From Sierra College:
Yesterday we held our annual EMT Trauma Day and SWAT training on campus. This event gives Sierra College EMT and paramedics students a chance to gain valuable, real-world experience in their field and provides an opportunity for them to practice hands on skills with several local industry partners. Our annual Public Safety Career Fair was held yesterday as well. This event gives students in related fields the opportunity to connect and network with representatives and recruiters in related fields
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From Palomar College:
Last month, the ESL Department hosted an inspiring event titled Multicultural Voices: An ESL Celebration. Students united to honor the rich tapestry of languages, cultures, food, and stories that define their home countries.
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From Allan Hancock College:
Hancock’s Public Safety Training Complex welcomed the Santa Barbara County, Ventura County and Fresno fire departments for joint disaster response training this week. Crews practiced shoring damaged structures and ran search and rescue drills on the rubble pile.
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From Foothill College:
Big congrats to Nava Call for their incredible win! Presenting at Google HQ? Talk about next-level opportunities
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And check out this video from Las Positas College:
Big congrats to LPC music student Joshua Glatt for winning 1st Place in the statewide MACCC Composition Competition! His piece “Yearning for More” premiered last Spring with the Friction Quartet
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Students ‘Destress’ with Miracle Mutts
On Monday, December 1st, BC welcomed Miracle Mutts to their Panorama Campus to give students a chance to take a break from their busy schedules and enjoy some down time with their therapy dogs.
Several therapy dogs and their owners congregated in the lobby of the BC Library and students, staff and community members were able to pet and interact with the furry, friendly companions. Each therapy dog was eager to share affection with participants, while showcasing their own unique personalities. The event was part of De-Stress Week – a series of activities intended to help students get a mental health break from end of the semester exams, presentations, and projects.
On April 1, 1976, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak launched the Apple Computer. It was almost exactly one year after Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft – on April 4, 1975. Why do I mention it? I am reading the Bill Gates memoir Source Code – first in a trilogy.
50 years of computer innovation – it’s amazing how far we have come and how these two companies are still at the forefront. And of course now we have AI …. that is all I hear everywhere I turn.
Diving into the world of technology is getting me excited for this fall’s Futures Summit – Educational Innovation in a Digital Era. It will be held September 9-11 at the Santa Clara Convention Center.
Good morning California. It is April 5, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Los Medanos College Students to Present Research at National Conference
Ten students from Los Medanos College (LMC) will present their work at the 2025 National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). This is the second time LMC research has risen to warrant national exposure in a field dominated by four-year universities. LMC was among the first community colleges to adopt STEM course-based research in 2014 and was one of the first members of the National Science Foundation-funded for the Community College Undergraduate Research Initiative in 2015.
Hundreds participate in first-ever LPC Run for Higher Education fundraiser
Las Positas kicked off its first LPC Run for Higher Education at 9 a.m. on March 29. The community event featured a 5k run and a 1-mile fun walk and welcomed everyone in the Tri-Valley area to participate. LPC’s fun run saw more than 200 participants, with all proceeds benefiting Las Positas’ student health and wellness programs. Student government President Angelo Mercado said they were hoping for 100-150 participants but were shocked to see more than 200.
Los Angeles Trade-Tech College Breaks Ground on Future Design & Media Arts Building
On March 17, 2025, LATTC held a groundbreaking ceremony for its upcoming Design & Media Arts (DMA) Building. LATTC’s future Design & Media Arts Building will be the new home of DMA programs like Digital Media, Fashion Design, Fashion Technology, Fashion Merchandising, Sign Graphics, Tailoring, and Visual Communications.
From Grossmont College to the Super Bowl: Alumnus David Haile’s Journey to the Big Stage
Grossmont College alumnus David Haile (right) performs with Kendrick Lamar at the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show in New Orleans.
When David Haile first stepped into a dance class at Grossmont College, he had no idea it would lead him to the biggest stage in the world. Haile grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan and never envisioned a career in dance. Besides dancing in his bedroom growing up, dance wasn’t even part of his life until he took a hip-hop choreography class at Grossmont College in 2017. Encouraged by a classmate, he signed up for the course taught by Melissa Adao, a faculty member who quickly became a mentor.
Now, the Grossmont College alumnus has danced at Coachella, toured internationally, and most recently, performed alongside Kendrick Lamar at the Super Bowl halftime show.
California Community Colleges to HBCU Transfer Summit
Registration is now open for the California Community Colleges to HBCU Transfer Summit, June 24th – June 28th in New Orleans, LA. The summit is an unparalleled event designed to foster enduring connections between California Community College counselors, staff, administrators, and representatives from partner Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This event provides a unique opportunity for attendees to engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Modesto Junior College hosted Governor Gavin Newsom this morning for the announcement of his Master Plan for Career Education. The press conference took place at the Regional Fire Training Center where #MJC Fire Academy and EMT courses and hands-on training activities are held. Officials from Modesto Junior College, City of Modesto, Stanislaus State, UC Merced, Merced College, Stanislaus County Office of Education, Northern San Joaquin K-16 Collaborative, CA State Assembly and more were invited to a round table discussion on career pathways in career technical education. The Governor’s plan is focused on creating easier access points to education for students in CTE fields, providing college credit for professional experience and achievement, and allowing high school students to explore technical career paths through dual enrollment opportunities.
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From Citrus College:
Congratulations to our architecture and engineering students for their ongoing efforts to build a second solar shower to help people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.
Two years ago, Citrus College students worked with other groups including Hillside LA and Cal State LA to build a solar-powered mobile shower trailer to help those in need. Led by instructor Tommy Reyes, a new group of Citrus College students is taking what they’ve learned in the classroom and applying it to the real-world challenge of converting a trailer originally meant for hauling off-road vehicles.
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From Santa Ana College:
A few photos from today’s Midterm Motivation and Start Up! Thank you to everyone who came out to the event. We hope you were able to take a mental health break before midterms and connect with friends and SMC resources.
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From Cerritos College:
Inspiring stories were shared at Latinas: Unexplored Pathways! An ironworker and an entrepreneur—Alejandra Rosales and Claudia Ximena Benavides Ulloa—discussed career, family, and resilience in a powerful fireside chat moderated by Atalie Oliva from our Apprenticeship program. Thank you to all who joined!
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And check out this video from West Los Angeles College’s Microforest Planting Day:
And From the Home of the Renegades
NASSSP Hosts Women’s Celebration Event
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Bakersfield College Native American Student Support and Success Program (NASSSP) hosted a Women’s Celebration in the Outdoor Theater. The event aimed to uplift, honor, and empower women from all backgrounds, recognizing their contributions, resilience, and achievements. Attendees gathered to celebrate the strength and diversity of women through cultural performances, inspiring speeches, and community engagement, fostering a shared sense of unity and appreciation for the vital role women play in society.
Johnny Nieto, the Program Manager of NASSSP, opened the event with a warm welcome to guests and a meaningful land acknowledgment, honoring the history and significance of the land. Following his remarks, he welcomed Christina Contreras, an Educational Advisor, to the stage. She introduced NASSSP, shared its mission, and highlighted the program’s dedication to supporting Native American students in their personal and academic journeys.
Another week of travel. Not as crazy as the previous week…
Board Retreat on Tuesday at Santa Barbara City College. Beautiful location and great retreat. Then to El Camino College to sign a transfer pathway agreement with Coppin University. I forgot to snap pictures for you.
Then back home to my boy Neo.
And here is an older 10-sec video of the classic Bessie run to Eisha – on the beach at the Marina.
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Last night, we were treated a rare Planetary Parade as Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune – and the moon – were aligned in the night sky just after dusk. While it’s relatively common for groups of 3-5 planets to appear, all of these seven being involved is rare. The next time we’ll be treated to such an alignment won’t be until 2040!
In India, the Mahakumbha Mela was celebrated …. a religious gathering recognizing the planetary movements that symbolize cosmic order, purification, and spiritual transcendence. It reflects the integration of astronomy, mythology, and spirituality in Indian traditions.
Good morning California. It is March 1, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Santa Barbara City College Awarded Grant from Uplift Central Coast Coalition
Santa Barbara City College, the SBCC Foundation, and Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara have been awarded a Catalyst Pre Development Phase grant from the Uplift Central Coast Coalition through the State’s California Jobs First program. The two-year initiative, “The Ocean Collective: A Consortium to Develop a Diverse and Climate-Resilient Blue Economy for the Central Coast,” will support the design of new facilities at SBCC and the creation of a workforce training pipeline that engages area high schools, community colleges, universities and blue economy employers.
Formerly Incarcerated Long Beach City College Student Rebuilds His Life Through Art and Education
Formerly incarcerated LBCC student, Francisco Baldonado has rebuilt his life through art, education, and is now a featured artist in the new exhibit “Hope Restored: Justice Scholars Student Exhibition,” which opened on Feb. 13. Baldonado is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Studio Fine Art and a teaching credential at the age of 45, but none of it would have been possible without the help of the Justice Scholars, a program that raises awareness for formerly incarcerated students so that they are capable of getting a further education.
Recycled Water Connection at LA Southwest College Sets Precedent for Sustainability Efforts
A new recycled water irrigation system at the Los Angeles Southwest College (LASC) campus marks an impactful stride toward sustainability and a significant reduction of potable water use. West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin), in collaboration with the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), announces the completion of a transformative recycled water connection that will provide irrigation to approximately 20 acres of landscaping across the LASC campus.
Irvine Valley College Model UN Team Wins National Awards
IVC’s Model United Nations team won two Outstanding Delegation awards at the National Model UN Conference held in Washington, D.C. (NMUN DC) last fall. The awards mark a decade of excellence for the IVC MUN team, now winning the top award at NMUN DC 10 years in a row. IVC was the only community college, out of the 35 schools in attendance, to win two top awards.
Did you see the story last week about a Bay Area college student who won $100,000 at the NBA All-Star Game?
Jaren Barajas is a student at Los Medanos College. YouTuber MrBeast hosted a challenge – sink one bucket from half-court before Oakland native Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks could make three.
Fun Photos & Spotted on Social Media
From Oxnard College:
We recently welcomed counselors to campus for another inspiring 805 Industry Day. This annual event introduces our K-12 partners to career education programs, helping to ensure grade and high school students are aware of career pathways at Oxnard College. The event wrapped up at our public safety campus, where our guests got to tour facilities and network with our faculty and staff.
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From Skyline College:
The Automotive Department hosted Driving the Future this week to introduce high school students to the Automotive Career Program at Skyline College. Students heard from guest speakers, toured the department, and then enjoyed a catered lunch afterwards. Huge thanks to everyone who participated and helped inspire the next generation of automotive professionals.
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From Folsom Lake College:
FLC “Comunidad” Student Club participated in its first international community service event at the Casa Hogar Orphanage in Mexico! FLC student and Veteran John Locke said it perfectly, ” It’s so rad to help others.”
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From Shasta College:
Congratulations to our seven Shasta College MESA students who have been selected to participate in a special NASA program! The NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) activity is comprised of three missions designed to challenge and build student knowledge and skills by focusing on NASA’s mission goals, collaboration, and career pathways.
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And check out this video from Monterey Peninsula College’s Family STEM Day:
Blast from the Past
Getting my COVID-19 vaccination back in 2021, when I was president of Bakersfield College. Check out this 53-sec video. It’s kinda fun.
And From the Home of the Renegades
Industrial Automation Hosts 2025 Career Fair
It was an exciting day for the Industrial Automation Department at Bakersfield College as they recently hosted their 2025 Career Fair. Held in the Renegade Event Center, the gathering gave attendees the opportunity to explore a variety of careers and internships in the industrial automation industry.
It has been heartbreaking with the fires in southern California being fanned by the Santa Ana winds. We have all watched our fire fighters run towards the danger to save people, animals, and homes. Let’s take a moment to honor them – their skill, dedication, and selflessness keeps us safe and uplifts our communities.
California Community Colleges train large numbers of our first responders. I am so proud of our colleges.
In that spirit, let me share this post from College of the Siskiyous celebrating heroic, lifesaving efforts by 4 of their students:
“Last nights monthly Board of Trustees Meeting recognized some of our Paramedic and Fire Academy Students for their lifesaving skills during a recent call.
“On December 9th 2024 Lake Shastina Fire was dispatched to a medical 911 call for a 74 year old male with chest pain. 4 responding Lake Shastina student firefighters arrived, and the patient answered the door to let the firefighters in. He was walking around the living room, talking and completely coherent and responsive. While the students were doing a patient assessment and taking vitals, he suddenly collapsed in his chair. They tried to wake him and attempted a sternum rub with no response. The firefighters then checked for a pulse and did not find one.
“They quickly pulled him out of the chair to lay him on the floor and begin life saving measures. One of the firefighters ran out to the engine to grab the AED while the other 3 performed CPR. Once the AED was applied the patient was shocked twice during multiple rounds of CPR. At this point the patient was stable enough to load him into the ambulance to transport to the hospital. He started to gain consciousness while in route to Mercy Medical Center. Once arrived, he was flown to Redding for emergency heart surgery due to a heart attack.
The patient has recovered and wrote the following letter:
On 12/9/24, while visiting my daughter, I suffered a heart attack. At the time of the event four of your members were on site. Because of their quick reaction and skill, I’m able to write this Thank You Note! My Gratitude isn’t just to the gentlemen on scene, but to all of YOU.
Again, thank you for what you did and what you do! I’m on the mend, feeling well and extremely grateful for the way things turned out. God Bless!
The 4 firefighters were recognized by The American Heart Association and received the Heartsaver Hero Award.
Pictured from left to right: Jase Rothenberger, Tobias Medina, Matt Maben (patient), Christian Cerezo, and Nathan Ade.”
On a more personal note, last weekend, I watched a 2018 movie that was on one of my streaming services – The Samuel Project. A wonderful heartwarming drama where a teen artist, Eli, connects with his grandfather Samuel through a school project. As Eli uncovers Samuel’s Holocaust survival story, their bond deepens. It is a beautiful family story. Check out the trailer.
Good morning California. It is January 25, 2025. A good day to be a Community College Champion
From California Community Colleges. Our Time is Now!
Santa Monica College Holds Disaster Support Distribution Event
For just over a week, the Santa Monica College Foundation worked to gather essential items for community members who’ve been impacted by the recent wildfires. Now all those items have to find the people who need them. The college’s gym now resembles a department store of free goods, with dozens of tables teeming with neatly folded clothes for babies, children, and adults. As shoppers enter, they’re handed a large, blue shopping bag. Once inside, they’re greeted by upbeat music and a sea of mylar balloons.
Compton College Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony for Student Housing Facility
Last Friday, the Compton Community College District held a Groundbreaking Ceremony for its new Student Housing facility on campus! The new Student housing is targeted for completion in summer 2027 and will accommodate 250 students.
College of the Redwoods Announces Fire Instruction Partnership
College of the Redwoods is proud to announce a new partnership through an Instructional Services Agreement (ISA) with the Humboldt County Fire Instructors Association (HCFIA) and the CAL FIRE Humboldt Del Norte Unit. Once the curriculum is shared and implemented, HCFIA students will go through College of the Redwoods, allowing CR to grow its cohort and train more students. Teaching will initially occur at CR, HCFIA, and CAL FIRE facilities, ensuring greater access to training across the region.
Cerritos College Student Team Develops Tools for NASA’s Moon Exploration
Cerritos College’s student team, known as Team Falcons, was selected to advance to phase II of NASA’s 2025 Micro-g NExT challenge, making it the only community college team in the nation to reach the final stage of the highly competitive event. This is the third time Cerritos College’s student team has advanced to phase II, following successes in 2021 and 2022.
25-year CSU and Community College Partnership Helps Prepare More Teachers for California’s Workforce
Since Cal State Long Beach and Cerritos College partnered in 1999 to develop the first formal California Community College-California State University (CSU) educator preparation pathway, thousands of students have transferred seamlessly to CSU teacher preparation programs, completed their bachelor’s degrees and teaching credentials and joined the workforce as educators in California’s P-12 schools.
Today’s moment of reflection and joy — the Bay Miwok Mural Blessing Ceremony. The mural is a commissioned project by artist Drew Valencia, created in partnership with LMC students, art faculty, office of Student Life and grant funding from @4cd_live . The ceremony featured remarks by Rosa Armendariz, LMC senior dean of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, Land Acknowledgement by ethnic studies assistant professor Max Trujillo, Red Line by Cara Little, outreach coordinator for the California Consortium for Urban Indian Health’s Calhope Redline Warmline, and Honor Song by Sylvia Rodriguez, founder of “medicine for My Sisters” Native women’s drum group.
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From Santiago Canyon College:
The Santiago Canyon College Outreach team recently visited El Dorado High School to support the school’s FASFA Night. More than 90 students and families attended the event, seeking information and assistance with their FASFA and Dream Act. The SCC team offered a Financial Aid 101 presentation, reviewed all the aspects of financial aid and explained the process of how to apply.
And check out this video from Cosumnes River College about the Promise to Career scholarship for construction management and apprenticeship students:
And From the Home of the Renegades
BC Hosts Spring 2025 Sports Media Day
Recently, Bakersfield College hosted Spring 2025 Sports Media Day which brought together BC athletes, coaches, and key figures for an exciting event where fans and media had the opportunity to get a first look at the upcoming athletic season through interviews, insights, and a glimpse behind the scenes. The event took place in the Renegade Events Center on BC’s Panorama Campus.
Sports Media Day gave attendees a unique opportunity to engage with our student-athletes and seasoned coaches through exclusive interviews, in-depth discussions, and spirited introductions. Some of the sports that highlighted were Women’s Beach Volleyball, Golf, both Men’s and Women’s Tennis, Women’s Wrestling, Track and Field, Softball, and Baseball.
The Workforce & Economic Mobility Blog blog shares approaches to workforce and economic development, with a goal of supporting economic mobility for our community while staying committed to the health of our people and the health of our environment.
In the Bhambi & Christian blog, Dr. Brijesh Bhambi join together joined together with the goal of facilitating healing and conversation in our community.
