Thriving Together: Stories from CCEJ

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 sur...

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 h...

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 b...

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...

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...

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 voice...

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...

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...

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....

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 sta...

In this episode, we feature a thought-provoking discussion from CCEJ’s "Building Bridges in Divided Times" webinar, originally recorded for United Against Hate Week in September 2024. Five dynamic panelists explore what it truly means to build bridges in a divided world. They delve into the unmet needs that often fuel conflict and highlight the power of community and connection as pathways to a wo...

In this episode, CCEJ staff Daniel Solis sits with Jenn Harper, Executive Director of Long Beach Day Nursery to explore Long Beach Day Nursery's ongoing journey to integrate diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) into its core mission. Listen to insights on what motivated the organization to undertake this transformation and how incorporating DEIB is shaping its day-to-day operations. W...

In this episode, CCEJ’s Executive leadership Reena Hajat Carroll, Daniel Solis and Jessy Needham talk about how CCEJ’s work to foster inclusion and understanding can prevent prejudice and hate. They share stories about the impact of hate on themselves and their communities, and share their vision for how we can build a world free from hate, together.  Special thanks to CCEJ Youth Mentor Taizin Bar...

In this episode, CCEJ's Development and Marketing Manager, Vanessa Rodriguez, sits with Khalil Zeigler, Development Manager at Long Beach Forward, to discuss the importance of collaboration and community building among nonprofits. Brought together by Long Beach Gives, they explore how this annual day of giving fosters deeper connections, resource sharing, and collective impact within Long Beach, C...

Since the 1950’s CCEJ (previously known as NCCJ) has hosted camps in Southern California for high schoolers to build bridges of understanding across racial identity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other identities.  Known through the years as Anytown Camp, Brotherhood Camp, Brotherhood Sisterhood Camp, and now Building Bridges Camp, more than 23,000 youth have participated in these trans...