Advocacy Day Speakers
Rebecca Bailey, Ph.D. Founder, Polyvagal Equine Institute
Rebecca Bailey, Ph.D. is a leading family psychologist and equestrian who has become a world-renowned professional educator, speaker, author, and entrepreneur. She is a author of Safe Kids, Smart Parents (Simon and Schuster) and has co-authored several publications in academic journals. Recently she co-founded The Polyvagal Equine Institute with Jaycee and long-term friend and colleague Margie McDonald, Dr Bailey is also the founder of Transitioning Families, a group of independently licensed mental health practitioners dedicated to Bailey's innovative ideas for helping families through crisis and difficult change. She is best known for her work with survivors of non-familial abduction and is on the advisory board for The JAYC Foundation, the Elizabeth Smart Foundation and the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children. Together with Jaycee Dugard, Dr. Bailey has created an innovative model utilizing horses and other animals to help teach and educate judges, police officers, therapists, and other professionals about compassion, kindness, and connection. She is also the co-author along with Jaycee Dugard, on a curriculum designed to promote and support empathy and compassion in children. The two joined together with Ruthless Kindness Foundation to bring the program to the children served by the Family Justice Center.
Rebecca Bailey, Ph.D. is a leading family psychologist and equestrian who has become a world-renowned professional educator, speaker, author, and entrepreneur. She is a author of Safe Kids, Smart Parents (Simon and Schuster) and has co-authored several publications in academic journals. Recently she co-founded The Polyvagal Equine Institute with Jaycee and long-term friend and colleague Margie McDonald, Dr Bailey is also the founder of Transitioning Families, a group of independently licensed mental health practitioners dedicated to Bailey's innovative ideas for helping families through crisis and difficult change. She is best known for her work with survivors of non-familial abduction and is on the advisory board for The JAYC Foundation, the Elizabeth Smart Foundation and the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children. Together with Jaycee Dugard, Dr. Bailey has created an innovative model utilizing horses and other animals to help teach and educate judges, police officers, therapists, and other professionals about compassion, kindness, and connection. She is also the co-author along with Jaycee Dugard, on a curriculum designed to promote and support empathy and compassion in children. The two joined together with Ruthless Kindness Foundation to bring the program to the children served by the Family Justice Center.
Maria Campos Prevention Specialist, New Star Family Justice Center
Maria Campos has been working for the New Star Family Justice Center for the past 4 years conducting prevention activities with Middle Schools and High Schools students. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Associate Degree in Psychology. Prior to working for New Star she volunteered extensively in the community, delivering healthy relationship skills to adolescents. In her current capacity as the Prevention Specialist, Maria leads the youth prevention program for the Middle School students of the Hawthorne school District.
Maria Campos has been working for the New Star Family Justice Center for the past 4 years conducting prevention activities with Middle Schools and High Schools students. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Associate Degree in Psychology. Prior to working for New Star she volunteered extensively in the community, delivering healthy relationship skills to adolescents. In her current capacity as the Prevention Specialist, Maria leads the youth prevention program for the Middle School students of the Hawthorne school District.
Paul Durenberger CFJN Board Member and former Deputy District Attorney, Sacramento County CFJN Executive Team
Paul Durenberger led the Sacramento County Domestic Violence Death Review Team for 15 years as part of the management team of the Sacramento District Attorney’s Office. Now retired, Paul served for 6 years as volunteer Vice Chair & Board Chair of the Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center and is now Board Chair Emeritus. He is a founding member of the California Family Justice Network Executive Team.
Paul Durenberger led the Sacramento County Domestic Violence Death Review Team for 15 years as part of the management team of the Sacramento District Attorney’s Office. Now retired, Paul served for 6 years as volunteer Vice Chair & Board Chair of the Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center and is now Board Chair Emeritus. He is a founding member of the California Family Justice Network Executive Team.
Ron Freitas District Attorney, San Joaquin County
The honorable Ron Freitas is an accomplished prosecutor and community leader who currently serves as the 42nd District Attorney of San Joaquin County. Ron has served the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office in a myriad of roles including the Supervising Deputy District Attorney of the Gang Violence Suppression Unit, the Chief Deputy District Attorney of the Homicide and Gang Divisions, and the Assistant District Attorney. With over 30 years of experience in the San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office, Ron has earned a reputation as a highly skilled and respected legal professional. He has successfully prosecuted numerous gang-related murders and violent felonies and has been involved in some of the most high-profile cases in the county's history. In addition to his impressive legal career, Ron has also served on various boards and committees in the community, including the Lodi Unified School District Board where he was president, the LUSD Board Safety Committee, which he co-founded, and the California and San Joaquin County School Boards Associations. Ron is a graduate of the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, where he was a member of the Pacific Journal Law Review, and California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. He has been recognized for his outstanding work by various organizations, including the California District Attorneys Association, the Pacific Law Journal, and the National District Attorneys Association, and has been named the San Joaquin County Probation Officers Court Employee of the Year twice.
The honorable Ron Freitas is an accomplished prosecutor and community leader who currently serves as the 42nd District Attorney of San Joaquin County. Ron has served the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office in a myriad of roles including the Supervising Deputy District Attorney of the Gang Violence Suppression Unit, the Chief Deputy District Attorney of the Homicide and Gang Divisions, and the Assistant District Attorney. With over 30 years of experience in the San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office, Ron has earned a reputation as a highly skilled and respected legal professional. He has successfully prosecuted numerous gang-related murders and violent felonies and has been involved in some of the most high-profile cases in the county's history. In addition to his impressive legal career, Ron has also served on various boards and committees in the community, including the Lodi Unified School District Board where he was president, the LUSD Board Safety Committee, which he co-founded, and the California and San Joaquin County School Boards Associations. Ron is a graduate of the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, where he was a member of the Pacific Journal Law Review, and California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. He has been recognized for his outstanding work by various organizations, including the California District Attorneys Association, the Pacific Law Journal, and the National District Attorneys Association, and has been named the San Joaquin County Probation Officers Court Employee of the Year twice.
Timothy S. Grayson Assemblymember, California State, CA-14
Honorable assemblyman Grayson represents Solano and Contra Costa counties in the California State Assembly. Starting in 1997, Tim operated a business as a general building contractor and still holds a license today. In 2010, he was elected to the Concord City Council, winning reelection in 2014 and eventually serving as the City’s Mayor. As Mayor, Tim was introduced to the Family Justice Center Model and he has been a champion ever since. He also worked to balance the City of Concord's 90 million dollar budget and built up the rainy day fund. Since being elected to the Assembly, Tim has authored and passed historic legislation to build more housing that is affordable to working families, establish statewide rent protections to help more Californians stay in their homes, increase access to effective mental health services for our California firefighters and first responders, and to put an end to predatory lending and rein in the payday loan industry. Read More
Honorable assemblyman Grayson represents Solano and Contra Costa counties in the California State Assembly. Starting in 1997, Tim operated a business as a general building contractor and still holds a license today. In 2010, he was elected to the Concord City Council, winning reelection in 2014 and eventually serving as the City’s Mayor. As Mayor, Tim was introduced to the Family Justice Center Model and he has been a champion ever since. He also worked to balance the City of Concord's 90 million dollar budget and built up the rainy day fund. Since being elected to the Assembly, Tim has authored and passed historic legislation to build more housing that is affordable to working families, establish statewide rent protections to help more Californians stay in their homes, increase access to effective mental health services for our California firefighters and first responders, and to put an end to predatory lending and rein in the payday loan industry.
Grayson was at the forefront of the effort to create a new budget reserve to complement the constitutionally capped Rainy Day Fund. He fought to create the new Budget Deficit Savings Account and helped secure an initial deposit of $1.75 billion. He also secured $10 million in first-ever statewide funding for Family Justice Centers in order to help support and achieve justice for survivors of interpersonal violence across our state. Tim and his wife Tammy have two adult children and live in Concord.
Thien Ho District Attorney of Sacramento County, County of Sacramento
Thien Ho was elected District Attorney of Sacramento County in 2022, and officially took office in January 2023. Prior to the election, Thien served in executive management as the Sacramento County Assistant Chief Deputy D.A. over the Justice and Community Relations Bureau, which handles post-conviction litigation, training, community prosecution and media outreach. Read More
Thien Ho was elected District Attorney of Sacramento County in 2022, and officially took office in January 2023. Prior to the election, Thien served in executive management as the Sacramento County Assistant Chief Deputy D.A. over the Justice and Community Relations Bureau, which handles post-conviction litigation, training, community prosecution and media outreach.
Over Thien’s 25-year career as an attorney, he successfully prosecuted sexual assault, gang and homicide cases. He was the supervisor of the Gang and Hate Crime Unit and has personally charged and prosecuted hate crimes. Most notably, he successfully prosecuted the East Area Rapist/Golden State Killer, who committed 13 murders and over 50 sexual assaults in 11 different jurisdictions throughout California. Michelle McNamara wrote about the case in her book, “I’ll be Gone in the Dark.” The case has also been featured on CNN, HBO, 20/20 and countless news outlets across the world.
Thien has previously taught for the California District Attorneys Association (CDAA) on “Voir Dire in Sexual Assault and Homicide Cases,” and was an adjunct professor for trial advocacy at McGeorge School of Law. He helped to build a nationally ranked trial advocacy program at McGeorge, winning multiple regional and national mock trial competitions.
In 2017, he was presented with both the National Asian Pacific Islander Prosecutors Association and Sacramento District Attorney’s Office Prosecutor of the Year Award.
Michael R. Jump Chief Deputy District Attorney and Victim & Community Service Director, Ventura County
Mr. Jump earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and both a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and Juris Doctorate from Indiana University. He joined the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office as a grant writer, securing tens of millions of dollars in competitive grants for the District Attorney’s Office and helping to establish the Safe Harbor multidisciplinary interview centers, which provide trauma-informed forensic medico-legal exams to sexual assault and child abuse victims. In 2003, Mr. Jump was sworn in as a Deputy District Attorney and served as a trial prosecutor conducting numerous preliminary hearings and misdemeanor, felony, and serious and violent felony trials. He served as Director of the office’s Fiscal, Administrative and Legislative Services from 2006 to 2015, combining his legal and administrative skills to manage the District Attorney’s $50 million budget, contractual, human resources, personnel, facilities, and legislative matters. Mr. Jump was appointed Chief Deputy District Attorney of Victim and Community Services in 2015. In this role, he led the development of the first-ever Family Justice Center in Ventura County and currently oversees the Office’s Crime Victim’s Assistance Program, the Safe Harbor multidisciplinary interview centers, and Camp HOPE, which collectively provide nearly 20,000 services to crime victims each year. Mr. Jump currently serves as a board member of the California Crime Victim’s Assistance Association, the Community Corrections Partnership–Ventura County. He also serves on the Board of KidSTREAM a science and technology museum and activities program for children and as an Advisor to the Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation.
Mr. Jump earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and both a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and Juris Doctorate from Indiana University. He joined the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office as a grant writer, securing tens of millions of dollars in competitive grants for the District Attorney’s Office and helping to establish the Safe Harbor multidisciplinary interview centers, which provide trauma-informed forensic medico-legal exams to sexual assault and child abuse victims. In 2003, Mr. Jump was sworn in as a Deputy District Attorney and served as a trial prosecutor conducting numerous preliminary hearings and misdemeanor, felony, and serious and violent felony trials. He served as Director of the office’s Fiscal, Administrative and Legislative Services from 2006 to 2015, combining his legal and administrative skills to manage the District Attorney’s $50 million budget, contractual, human resources, personnel, facilities, and legislative matters. Mr. Jump was appointed Chief Deputy District Attorney of Victim and Community Services in 2015. In this role, he led the development of the first-ever Family Justice Center in Ventura County and currently oversees the Office’s Crime Victim’s Assistance Program, the Safe Harbor multidisciplinary interview centers, and Camp HOPE, which collectively provide nearly 20,000 services to crime victims each year. Mr. Jump currently serves as a board member of the California Crime Victim’s Assistance Association, the Community Corrections Partnership–Ventura County. He also serves on the Board of KidSTREAM a science and technology museum and activities program for children and as an Advisor to the Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation.
Susun Kim Executive Director, Solano and Contra Costa County Family Justice Centers
Susun Kim has served as the Executive Director of the Contra Costa Family Justice Center since March of 2014. She is a family law attorney with extensive litigation experience in domestic violence matters. Previously, Susun spent 10 years as the Managing Attorney of Bay Area Legal Aid’s Contra Costa/Marin/Napa Regional Office. Susun is a 1991 graduate of New York University School of Law.
Susun Kim has served as the Executive Director of the Contra Costa Family Justice Center since March of 2014. She is a family law attorney with extensive litigation experience in domestic violence matters. Previously, Susun spent 10 years as the Managing Attorney of Bay Area Legal Aid’s Contra Costa/Marin/Napa Regional Office. Susun is a 1991 graduate of New York University School of Law.
Jaycee Lee Dugard Founder, The JAYC Foundation, Inc.
Jaycee Jaycee Dugard is an 18-year abduction survivor and advocates for individuals and families recovering from a variety of life challenges. Since her rescue in 2009, she has used her freedom and voice to spread her unique survivor experience. She started the JAYC foundation to help other families that have suffered a familial or non-familial abduction or other trauma, has created educational programs and encourages the collaboration of various entities to provide “Protected Spaces” for families to heal. She is the co-creator of the JAYC Foundation and Ruthless Kindness’s Empathy Education Curriculum. Together with Dr. Bailey and Margie McDonald, she created the Polyvagal Equine Institute, an educational institute committed to enhancing the human condition through educating and training about the role of the autonomic nervous system in relationships. Jaycee is the author of “A Stolen Life: A Memoir” and “Freedom: My Book of Firsts”, both memoirs she wrote detailing her eighteen years in captivity, eventual rescue, and recovery process. She has presented with Dr. Bailey throughout the United States reinforcing her work and supporting victims’ innate resiliency. She recently co-authored an academic paper publication “Appeasement: Replacing Stockholm Syndrome as a Definition of a Survival Strategy (2023) with fellow authors, Dr. Stephen Porges, Dr Bailey, and Dr Smith. Jaycee enjoys spending time with her family and her faithful four-legged companions in California.
Jaycee Jaycee Dugard is an 18-year abduction survivor and advocates for individuals and families recovering from a variety of life challenges. Since her rescue in 2009, she has used her freedom and voice to spread her unique survivor experience. She started the JAYC foundation to help other families that have suffered a familial or non-familial abduction or other trauma, has created educational programs and encourages the collaboration of various entities to provide “Protected Spaces” for families to heal. She is the co-creator of the JAYC Foundation and Ruthless Kindness’s Empathy Education Curriculum. Together with Dr. Bailey and Margie McDonald, she created the Polyvagal Equine Institute, an educational institute committed to enhancing the human condition through educating and training about the role of the autonomic nervous system in relationships. Jaycee is the author of “A Stolen Life: A Memoir” and “Freedom: My Book of Firsts”, both memoirs she wrote detailing her eighteen years in captivity, eventual rescue, and recovery process. She has presented with Dr. Bailey throughout the United States reinforcing her work and supporting victims’ innate resiliency. She recently co-authored an academic paper publication “Appeasement: Replacing Stockholm Syndrome as a Definition of a Survival Strategy (2023) with fellow authors, Dr. Stephen Porges, Dr Bailey, and Dr Smith. Jaycee enjoys spending time with her family and her faithful four-legged companions in California.
Marsha Lucien CFJN Board Member and Executive Director, Family Justice Center of Sonoma County
Marsha earned her Master’s in Business Administration. Marsha has experience in both non-profit and the public sector working with our most vulnerable populations. She is a certified Trauma-Informed Care trainer and a S.T.C Certified Instructor through the Board of State and Community Corrections. Prior to working in non-profits, Marsha was a probation officer for over a decade in both Alameda and Solano Counties. During time in non-profits Marsha led multiple programs that focus on underserved populations. She was Commended by the Sacramento County Board of Directors as well as the Sacramento County Drug Court for the successful development of the AB109 program pilot. Today, she brings her breadth of experience to the Family Justice Center Sonoma County as its Executive Director.
Marsha earned her Master’s in Business Administration. Marsha has experience in both non-profit and the public sector working with our most vulnerable populations. She is a certified Trauma-Informed Care trainer and a S.T.C Certified Instructor through the Board of State and Community Corrections. Prior to working in non-profits, Marsha was a probation officer for over a decade in both Alameda and Solano Counties. During time in non-profits Marsha led multiple programs that focus on underserved populations. She was Commended by the Sacramento County Board of Directors as well as the Sacramento County Drug Court for the successful development of the AB109 program pilot. Today, she brings her breadth of experience to the Family Justice Center Sonoma County as its Executive Director.
Lisa Mantarro Moore Executive Director, CFJN Executive Team and Stanislaus County Family Justice Center
For over thirty years, Lisa Mantarro-Moore has had the privilege of working for Members of Congress and State Legislators, serving and managing their district operations. She has served as the District Director for Assemblymember Adam Gray (CA -21), the Deputy Chief of Staff for Rep. Dennis Cardoza (CA -18), and the District Director for Rep. Gary Condit (CA- 18). Using her extensive relationships throughout the Central Valley, Lisa is accustomed to working with a variety of communities to provide positive resolution. In addition to working on the political spectrum Lisa has focused on the development and growth of several non profits including the Family Justice Center of Stanislaus where services are provided to those who are victims of family violence, trauma, abuse and human trafficking. As the Executive Director of the Family Justice Center of Stanislaus, she works to ensure that those who have suffered trauma have access to resources. She has served her community in a number of various roles which include parent, advocate, community leader, project manager and political professional. In 2018, she was named as a Stanislaus County Outstanding Woman of the Year.
For over thirty years, Lisa Mantarro-Moore has had the privilege of working for Members of Congress and State Legislators, serving and managing their district operations. She has served as the District Director for Assemblymember Adam Gray (CA -21), the Deputy Chief of Staff for Rep. Dennis Cardoza (CA -18), and the District Director for Rep. Gary Condit (CA- 18). Using her extensive relationships throughout the Central Valley, Lisa is accustomed to working with a variety of communities to provide positive resolution. In addition to working on the political spectrum Lisa has focused on the development and growth of several non profits including the Family Justice Center of Stanislaus where services are provided to those who are victims of family violence, trauma, abuse and human trafficking. As the Executive Director of the Family Justice Center of Stanislaus, she works to ensure that those who have suffered trauma have access to resources. She has served her community in a number of various roles which include parent, advocate, community leader, project manager and political professional. In 2018, she was named as a Stanislaus County Outstanding Woman of the Year.
Elena Meloni Executive Director, New Star Family Justice Center
Elena Meloni is the Founder and Director of the New Star Family Justice Center, a nonprofit, Domestic Violence agency based in Hawthorne, CA. A native of Italy, Elena came to the US with her family as a teenager. She studied Horticulture / Landscaping at Ohio State University and later worked in the banking industry. As an active member in the South Bay community she volunteered as clients’ advocate for domestic violence shelters, as a resource parent for Department of Children and Family Services; she raised funds for non-profits and elected officials and served on the Board of the South Coast Interfaith Council for six years. In 2016 she opened a non-profit domestic violence agency focusing on the needs of immigrant and underserved communities in the South Bay who faced multiple barriers to accessing services. To date since, Elena implemented the Family Justice Center model of service delivery by co-locating community agencies to offer an array of services under one roof. Elena’s vision is to create a happy and healthy South Bay community free of domestic violence. Elena lives with her husband of 30 years and is the mother of 3 boys.
Elena Meloni is the Founder and Director of the New Star Family Justice Center, a nonprofit, Domestic Violence agency based in Hawthorne, CA. A native of Italy, Elena came to the US with her family as a teenager. She studied Horticulture / Landscaping at Ohio State University and later worked in the banking industry. As an active member in the South Bay community she volunteered as clients’ advocate for domestic violence shelters, as a resource parent for Department of Children and Family Services; she raised funds for non-profits and elected officials and served on the Board of the South Coast Interfaith Council for six years. In 2016 she opened a non-profit domestic violence agency focusing on the needs of immigrant and underserved communities in the South Bay who faced multiple barriers to accessing services. To date since, Elena implemented the Family Justice Center model of service delivery by co-locating community agencies to offer an array of services under one roof. Elena’s vision is to create a happy and healthy South Bay community free of domestic violence. Elena lives with her husband of 30 years and is the mother of 3 boys.
Erik Nasarenko District Attorney, Ventura County
The honorable Erik Nasarenko, 24th District Attorney in Ventura County, was appointed by the Board of Supervisors in January 2021 and elected by voters in June 2022. Before that, he worked as a Senior Deputy District Attorney, securing convictions for serious crimes, including child molestation, rape, kidnapping, and murder. He has also been recognized for his advocacy on behalf of women, children, and sexual assault victims. In addition, he has worked on various assignments, including misdemeanors, felonies, DUI-based offenses, domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault, and has taken more than 60 cases to trial. Nasarenko has also served as the District Attorney's representative to Homeless Court, helping rehabilitate the homeless population by dismissing infractions and misdemeanors in exchange for community service and drug and alcohol programs. He is married with two school-age children, and he and his wife are supporters of the Ventura Education Partnership and the Rubicon Theatre Company.
The honorable Erik Nasarenko, 24th District Attorney in Ventura County, was appointed by the Board of Supervisors in January 2021 and elected by voters in June 2022. Before that, he worked as a Senior Deputy District Attorney, securing convictions for serious crimes, including child molestation, rape, kidnapping, and murder. He has also been recognized for his advocacy on behalf of women, children, and sexual assault victims. In addition, he has worked on various assignments, including misdemeanors, felonies, DUI-based offenses, domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault, and has taken more than 60 cases to trial. Nasarenko has also served as the District Attorney's representative to Homeless Court, helping rehabilitate the homeless population by dismissing infractions and misdemeanors in exchange for community service and drug and alcohol programs. He is married with two school-age children, and he and his wife are supporters of the Ventura Education Partnership and the Rubicon Theatre Company.
Dr. Sarah Reidenbach Veterinarian and Co-Founder, Ruthless Kindness
Dr. Sarah Reidenbach is a veterinarian and co-founder of Ruthless Kindness. Her vision is to work to prevent and heal trauma for both at-risk animals and people. Sarah's work is grounded in the belief that empathy, compassion and justice are antidotes to violence and cruelty. Dr. Reidenbach studied Brain and Behavior at Stanford University, Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis, and Non-Profit Management at Duke University. She's worked as Medical Director for Berkeley Humane and the Humane Society of Sonoma County, as well as Executive Director of Sonoma County's animal disaster response organization. Sarah lives in Sonoma County with her family, including many busy and hungry teenagers, farm animals, and companion animals.
Dr. Sarah Reidenbach is a veterinarian and co-founder of Ruthless Kindness. Her vision is to work to prevent and heal trauma for both at-risk animals and people. Sarah's work is grounded in the belief that empathy, compassion and justice are antidotes to violence and cruelty. Dr. Reidenbach studied Brain and Behavior at Stanford University, Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis, and Non-Profit Management at Duke University. She's worked as Medical Director for Berkeley Humane and the Humane Society of Sonoma County, as well as Executive Director of Sonoma County's animal disaster response organization. Sarah lives in Sonoma County with her family, including many busy and hungry teenagers, farm animals, and companion animals.
Summer Stephan District Attorney, San Diego County
The honorable District Attorney Summer Stephan is a national leader in the fight against human trafficking and sexual exploitation. She has dedicated her career to protecting children and families and providing justice to the most vulnerable. With over 100 jury trials, including complex homicides, sexually violent predators, child molestation, and human trafficking-related cases, Summer rose through the ranks as a trial prosecutor before being elected as San Diego County's District Attorney in 2018 and 2022. As the People's Prosecutor for San Diego County and its more than three million residents, Summer leads the second-largest DA's Office in California with a professional staff of 1,000 employees, setting clear public safety priorities in collaboration with law enforcement and the community to keep San Diego County one of the safest urban regions in the US. She has opened a state-of-the-art Family Justice Center, launched a juvenile diversion program, fulfilled her commitment to test every rape kit, tripled the prosecutions of hate crimes, doubled down on the prosecution of deadly fentanyl dealers, implemented innovations to help address the intersection of crime and homelessness, and led a coordinated effort to protect the community from targeted mass violence. Summer holds leadership positions in public safety nationally and locally, has received numerous awards for her work, and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Davis, and her Juris Doctor from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law.
The honorable District Attorney Summer Stephan is a national leader in the fight against human trafficking and sexual exploitation. She has dedicated her career to protecting children and families and providing justice to the most vulnerable. With over 100 jury trials, including complex homicides, sexually violent predators, child molestation, and human trafficking-related cases, Summer rose through the ranks as a trial prosecutor before being elected as San Diego County's District Attorney in 2018 and 2022. As the People's Prosecutor for San Diego County and its more than three million residents, Summer leads the second-largest DA's Office in California with a professional staff of 1,000 employees, setting clear public safety priorities in collaboration with law enforcement and the community to keep San Diego County one of the safest urban regions in the US. She has opened a state-of-the-art Family Justice Center, launched a juvenile diversion program, fulfilled her commitment to test every rape kit, tripled the prosecutions of hate crimes, doubled down on the prosecution of deadly fentanyl dealers, implemented innovations to help address the intersection of crime and homelessness, and led a coordinated effort to protect the community from targeted mass violence. Summer holds leadership positions in public safety nationally and locally, has received numerous awards for her work, and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Davis, and her Juris Doctor from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law.
Angela Vega Employment Specialist and Survivor, Community Against Sexual Harm (CASH)
Angela Vega is an Employment Specialist and survivor of sexual violence at Community Against Sexual Harm (CASH), an organization that provides support and services to survivors of sexual abuse in the Seattle area. Vega helps survivors develop their job search skills, build their resumes, and prepare for interviews. She also works to connect survivors with job opportunities that match their skills and interests. She is dedicated to ending the stigma surrounding sexual violence and creating a more supportive and empowering environment for survivors. Vega is a frequent speaker on issues related to sexual violence and survivor advocacy, and she has been featured in local media outlets for her work with CASH.
Angela Vega is an Employment Specialist and survivor of sexual violence at Community Against Sexual Harm (CASH), an organization that provides support and services to survivors of sexual abuse in the Seattle area. Vega helps survivors develop their job search skills, build their resumes, and prepare for interviews. She also works to connect survivors with job opportunities that match their skills and interests. She is dedicated to ending the stigma surrounding sexual violence and creating a more supportive and empowering environment for survivors. Vega is a frequent speaker on issues related to sexual violence and survivor advocacy, and she has been featured in local media outlets for her work with CASH.
Faith Whitmore Chief Executive Officer (Retired), Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center
Bio coming soon.
Bio coming soon.
Honorees & Awardees
Angelique Ashby
Senator
CFJN 2024 Legislator of the Year Award
Grace Glaser
Public Affairs and Policy Manager
ValorUS
Timothy S. Grayson
Assemblymember
CFJN Champion Award