Empower Gala 2026 Tribute Journal by Western Justice Center

Empower ANNUAL GALA

PRESENTED BY

@westernjusticecenter westernjustice.org

Program

F E AT U R I N G P E R F O R M A N C E S B Y

M OV E M E N T B U I L D E R AWA R D

Award-Winning All Female Mariachi Ensemble

Partner, Proskauer Rose (Ret.) Presented by Walt Cochran-Bond, Past WJC Board President

Las Colibrí

WELCOME

Lois D. Thompson

Jeffrey A. Wortman, Esq.

D O ROT H Y W. N E L S O N P E AC E M A K E R S AWA R D

INTRODUCTION

Youth Leader, Azusa Unified School District Presented by Guillermo López, Ed. D., Azusa Unified Superintendent

Host

MOMENT OF GIVING

A VISION FOR PEACEBUILDING

C H A M P I O N O F J U S T I C E AWA R D

WJC Board President

Alan Ramirez

Chuck Dukas

Elissa D. Barrett, Esq. WJC Executive Director

Patricia L. Glaser

Partner and Litigation Department Chair, Glaser Weil Presented by Victoria Alonso, Filmmaker, Producer, Author and Community Advocate

CLOSING REMARKS

Kerry Garvis Wright, Esq. & W. Allan Edmiston, Esq. Empower 2026 Co-Chairs

BE THE CHANGE. REIMAGINE OUR SCHOOLS. Dear Friends, Empower is more than a celebration. It is a gathering of people who believe that a more just and connected future is possible—and who are willing to help build it. That is why this year we invite you to Reimagine Our Schools. Imagine schools where young people have the confidence and skills to resolve conflict before it escalates. Where educators have the support to respond to harm in ways that strengthen rather than sever relationships. Where students are not simply recipients of change, but leaders in creating it. And imagine what happens when those skills travel with young people beyond the classroom—into their families, workplaces, neighborhoods, and communities. This is the future Western Justice Center is building every day.

Tonight, we celebrate three people who personify the power of that work: Patricia L. Glaser, Lois D. Thompson, and Alan Ramirez. Together, they remind us that our movement transcends, and has continued to grow, across generations—through dedication, courage, and committed leadership in service and support of others. We are honored to serve as Co-Chairs of Empower 2026, and even more honored to stand alongside all of you. You are helping WJC reach more students, more deeply. You’re creating meaningful impact. And you’re making lasting change. Tonight is a celebration, of course. But it’s also a call to continued action. Together, let’s carry this important work forward. Warmly,

Kerry Garvis Wright, Esq. Empower 2026 Co-Chair

W. Allan Edmiston, Esq. Empower 2026 Co-Chair

BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE TOGETHER Dear Friends, Thank you for being with us for our annual Empower gala, a time when Western Justice Center brings together its community of supporters, program partners, board and staff to celebrate our collective achievements. We are grateful for each and every one of you – and especially to our extraordinary Empower Co-Chairs, Committee and Honorees. You make our mission come alive, a mission that continues to remain critical in an increasingly fraught and fractured world. We know that conflict is a natural part of being human, yet most of us are never really taught how to handle conflict in healthy, productive ways. Imagine how different our world would look if every young person learned how to navigate conflict with courage, empathy and skill. At Western Justice Center, we empower young people and the adults who support them with the skills for real conflict resolution—listening, understanding, problem-solving, and repairing harm. Building trust, confidence and shared responsibility that endures will take all of us.

That is why we are grateful for the school district leaders, champion educators and administrators and especially the young peacemakers who are transforming the culture and climate of more than 50 WJC partner schools across L A County. With more than 38,000 students, those 50+ schools are becoming places where every young person – and every adult – will have the skills to make peace possible. It is also why we are grateful to all of our attendees tonight who are here in support of the work of Western Justice Center. In a divided world, learning to navigate conflict with empathy and without violence is essential. It is how we build justice, opportunity and connection for our children – not just in school, but in life. Thank you for helping us build that brighter future. With sincere gratitude,

Jeffrey A. Wortman, Esq. Board President

Elissa D. Barrett, Esq. Executive Director

OUR HONOREES D O ROT H Y W. N E L S O N P E AC E M A K E R S AWA R D

Alan Ramirez

Youth Leader, Azusa Unified School District

Alan Ramirez served as President of the Azusa High School Student Union, where he organized his fellow students into a force for peace, justice, and equity. Alan’s leadership and dedication powerfully demonstrate the catalytic effect of the partnership between WJC and Azusa Unified. Together, we have transformed school climate through youth leadership, built conflict-resilient communities, and advanced early intervention strategies, inspiring a new generation of peacemakers.

OUR HONOREES M OV E M E N T B U I L D E R AWA R D

Lois D. Thompson Partner, Proskauer Rose (Ret.)

Lois Thompson has demonstrated extraordinary leadership, compassion, and a deep commitment to advancing equity and restorative justice. At Proskauer, she secured a record-setting insurance settlement to support 9/11 recovery efforts and won pivotal civil rights cases that advanced equity in education and housing across the country. Lois continues to advance the movement for social justice through board leadership roles at Western Justice Center and Western Center on Law & Poverty.

OUR HONOREES C H A M P I O N O F J U S T I C E AWA R D

Patricia L. Glaser

Partner and Litigation Department Chair, Glaser Weil

Renowned for handling high-stakes, complex disputes, Patty Glaser has represented Fortune 500 companies, major studios, and prominent public figures throughout her distinguished career. Her philanthropic leadership encompasses education, healthcare, the arts, and civil rights. Through transformative giving, board service, and mentorship, Patty has strengthened institutions and empowered others—exemplifying the ideals of leadership, equity, and justice that this award celebrates.

FEATURING E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Las Colibrí

Award-Winning All Female Mariachi Ensemble

Las Colibrí are flying into new territory as one of the most unique ensembles of its genre by returning to the all-string instrumentation of the early 20th century mariachi tradition and the colorful, feminine costumes of the Mexican cinematic divas of the 40’s and 50’s. After years of achieving much success individually as instrumentalists and vocalists in various professional arenas, these women have come together to form a stringed ensemble that is like no other in it’s genre.

Building Conflict Skills for Life

Real Skills, Real Change

ABOUT US Conflict is part of being human, but most of us never learned how to handle it in productive ways. At Western Justice Center, we empower young people and the adults who support them with the skills for real conflict resolution—listening, understanding, problem-solving, and repairing harm.

When young people, educators, families, and community partners learn and practice these skills together, we build trust, confidence, and a sense of shared responsibility that endures. With you as our partner, we make this vision a reality—one school, one leader, one future at a time.

Discover our story, mission, and vision: westernjustice.org/about

OUR IMPACT In a divided world, learning to navigate conflict with empathy and without violence may be the most important skill of all. It’s how we build justice, opportunity, and connection—not just in school, but for life.

When you support Western Justice Center, you’re not just changing schools—you’re changing lives. Your generosity builds justice, opportunity, and connection that ripple far beyond the classroom.

Students feel safer and more connected

Educators gain vital tools and support

Suspensions and conflicts decrease

See more stories and stats of impact: westernjustice.org/impact

Families and schools build lasting trust

AT A GLANCE

We are building a community of young peacebuilders and the adults who support them.

Since 2022

4,549

Students, educators and volunteers trained in conflict resolution and restorative practices

38,000+

Young people learning in schools where conflict resolution tools are in use

In the 2025-2026 School Year

664+

Students trained as peer mediators

4,047

Students supported through restorative circles

718

Educators engaged in restorative justice practices

Collaborative Partnerships We partner with school districts and charter networks to build restorative communities from the ground up—so healthy conflict, healing, and belonging become foundational to learning.

Where Conflict Becomes Opportunity

We equip young people with the tools to listen deeply, understand one another, and help their peers work through conflict— empowering them to lead by example and foster peace.

Coaching & Training

W H AT W E D O We partner with schools and youth organizations to create a world where productive conflict is the new norm— where students are leaders of change, educators are supported, and justice begins before harm escalates.

Your support creates spaces where every student belongs and schools become places of trust and growth. Because of you, we can provide the skills that last a lifetime—and transform communities for generations.

Transforming inequitable systems

Creating infrastructure for healing

Building youth voice and collective agency

Conflict Resolution Education

From building skills to lasting culture shift

Let’s work together to build a just future for all: westernjustice.org/what-we-do

Our team partners with educators and youthserving organizations, offering practical strategies and trauma-informed guidance that help create classrooms and communities filled with trust, confidence, and belonging.

Youth Peacebuilding Summit We amplify youth voice and leadership— bringing students together from across Los Angeles County to connect, learn, and inspire one another to spark real change in their communities.

A Vibrant Home for Changemakers A CAMPUS FOR NONPROFITS Discover affordable, collaborative office and meeting space in a welcoming campus community of nearly 20 missiondriven organizations. The Western Justice Center Nonprofit Campus is more than a place to work—it’s a hub for connection, shared resources, and partnership.

Every contribution helps preserve our campus for future generations—ensuring that it remains a welcoming hub for community gatherings, conferences, education, dialogue, and positive change in Pasadena and beyond.

Learn more about our nonprofit campus community: westernjustice.org/campus

Pasadena’s Landmark for Connection & Celebration THE MAXWELL HOUSE Make your next event unforgettable at the Western Justice Center’s historic Maxwell House—a stunning architectural gem in the heart of Pasadena. Perfect for weddings, retreats, board meetings, and fundraisers, Maxwell House offers elegant indoor and garden spaces for your next gathering.

Full of unique 1920’s charm, it is a space built for making memories and creating community. Every time you rent the Maxwell House, you support youth leadership and conflict resolution programs that are changing lives across our region.

Reserve your next event date or schedule a tour: westernjustice.org/maxwellhouse

Introducing Our Refreshed Brand and Website NEW LOOK, SAME MISSION This year, Western Justice Center is proud to unveil a refreshed brand— honoring our rich history while embracing the future. Our updated logo and vibrant color palette reflect the courage and hope fueling our mission. With every detail, we’re showcasing the powerful stories and critical work ahead.

We also launched a redesigned, mobilefriendly website with easier navigation and new ways to connect, learn, and get involved. It’s your first stop for the latest news, resources, and opportunities to support peacebuilding across Los Angeles.

See our new look and explore the site: westernjustice.org

40 Years and We’re Just Getting Started A LEGACY OF CHANGE Since 1987, Western Justice Center has helped thousands of youth and adults build skills for navigating conflict, strengthening relationships, and creating change.

In 2027, we will celebrate our 40th Anniversary: honoring those who brought us here, lifting up new leaders, and committing to the next 40 years of impact.

With every year, our community of peacebuilders grows—fostering a future defined by justice, opportunity, and connection.

Honor the past. Empower the future. Join us as we imagine what’s possible— together.

Stay tuned for exciting anniversary events and updates this holiday season!

WJC BOARD OF DIRECTORS Empower Co-Chairs

Executive Committee

Board Members Tanya M. Acker, Esq.

Tribunal Justice, The Tanya Acker Show

Hon. André Birotte Jr.

U.S. District Court, Central District of California

Hon. Michelle Williams Court W. Allan Edmiston, Esq.

Kerry Garvis Wright, Esq.

Empower Committee

BOARD CHAIR

Hon. Nicolas F. Daum California Court of Appeal, Second District

BOARD PRESIDENT

VICE-PRESIDENT

U.S. District Court, Central District of California

FBT Gibbons

Proskauer Rose (Ret.)

Hon. Halim Dhanidina (Ret.)

Jeffrey A. Wortman, Esq. Lois D. Thompson, Esq.

Allen Matkins

Michael E. Williams, Esq. Shari M. Wollman, Esq.

TREASURER

Shari M. Wollman, Esq. Mattel, Inc.

Alexander C.K. Wyman

S E C R E TA RY

Co-Chair, Finance & Operations

Chair, External Engagement Gordon A. Goldsmith, Esq. W. Allan Edmiston, Esq. The Walt Disney Company (Ret.) Loeb & Loeb

Eugene M. Holmes, Esq.

Hon. Barry Russell**

The Walt Disney Company

U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California

Kayla K. Horacek, Esq.

Jordan D. Segall, Esq.

Hahn & Hahn

Jillian N. London, Esq.

Munger, Tolles & Olson

Hon. Jennifer T. Lum (Ret.)

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Hon. Holly A. Thomas

Michael E. Williams, Esq.

Carri B. Maas, Esq. Michael J. Wallace* HKA Global

Ryan K. Yagura, Esq. O’Melveny & Myers

At-Large Member

Elissa D. Barrett, Esq. WJC Executive Director

Hon. Richard A. Paez**

Pasadena City College

Caltech

Chair, Board Development

U.S. District Court, Central District of California

Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, Pepperdine Law

Gibson Dunn

Chair, Audit Committee

Hon. Fernando M. Olguin**

Shaphan Roberts, Ph.D.

José A. Gómez, Ph.D.*

Gregory N. Pimstone, Esq.

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Husch Blackwell

Somos Group

Kayla K. Horacek, Esq.

Hon. Jacqueline H. Nguyen

Gregory N. Pimstone, Esq.

Alfred Fraijo Jr., Esq.

Nancy Fong, Esq.

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Nancy Fong, Esq.

Justice Halim Dhanidina (Ret.)

Jordan D. Segall, Esq.

Signature Resolution

Hon. Dorothy W. Nelson**

Quinn Emanuel

Kaiser Permanente

Diane L. McGimsey, Esq. Sullivan & Cromwell

Kerry Garvis Wright, Esq. Glaser Weil

Alexander C.K. Wyman Latham & Watkins

* Past Board President

** Past Board Chairs

WJC TEAM Senior Leadership

Elissa D. Barrett, Esq. WJC Executive Director

Cristina Briskie-Wood Director of Development

Colin Dueweke

Director of Operations

Raymond Jimenez

Magdalena Mireles Corzo

Director of Communications and Marketing

Director of Programs and Partnerships

Shachar Cohen-Hodos

Colleen Guzman

Staff

Cindy Arenas

Anthony Ayala

Samantha Basurto

Events & Office Manager

Restorative Schools Program Coordinator

Fellow, AmeriCorps VISTA

Restorative Schools Manager

Development Manager

Beth Farrell

Rehana Jamal

Stephanie Khan

Schoene Mahmood

Evelyn Velasquez

Restorative Schools Manager

Training and Capacity Building Manager

Restorative Schools Senior Coordinator

Restorative Schools Manager

WJC NETWORK Leadership Council James R. Asperger, Esq. Quinn Emanuel

Donald P. Baker, Esq. Latham & Watkins (Ret.)

Barbara Bice

San Marino Rotary Club

Hon. Kevin Brazile

Los Angeles County Superior Court

Brad D. Brian, Esq. Munger, Tolles & Olson

John H. Brinsley, Esq. Paul Hastings (Ret.)

Dean Erwin Chemerinsky UC Berkley School of Law

Walter Cochran-Bond, Esq.* Bert H. Deixler, Esq. Kendall Brill & Kelly

Craig J. de Recat, Esq.* Manatt, Phelps & Phillips

Max Factor III, Esq.

Factor Mediation & Arbitration Services, Inc.

Marvin E. Garrett, Esq.* Allen Matkins (Ret.)

Dawn Haghighi, Esq. PCV Murcor

Hon. Terry J. Hatter, Jr.**

Roger Patterson, Esq.

U.S. District Court, Central District of California Disney (Ret.)

Program Advisory Council

Hon. Suzanne H. Segal (Ret.) Amy Fisch Solomon, Esq.

Hon. Songhai Armstead (Ret.)

Raymond R. Kepner, Esq.

Glenn D. Pomerantz, Esq.*

Lucinda Starrett, Esq. Latham & Watkins (Ret.)

LA County Justice, Care and Opportunities Department

Hon. Dean J. Kitchens*

Diane Rankin, CDFA

William E. Thomson, Jr., Esq.

Claudia Brown Coulter, MDR

Charles C. Lifland, Esq.*

Terrence Roberts, Ph.D.

Thomas Walper, Esq.

Shaune Gatlin

Joseph D. Mandel, Esq.*

Robert A. Sacks, Esq.

Hon. Paul J. Watford (Ret.)

Rafael Gonzalez

Kevin McDonnell

Lois J. Scali, Esq.

Clarissa C. Weirick, Esq.

Arturo Magaña

Gina Miller

David J. Schindler, Esq. (Ret.)

Crystal Williams, MDR

Dr. Dayna Mitchell

Hon. Carlos Moreno

Diane Scott

Cathy Winter-Palmer

Dr. Malikah Nu’Man

Emily L. Murray, Esq.

Hon. Suzanne H. Segal (Ret.)

In Memoriam

Heather DeWeese Schon, MDR

R. Chandler Myers, Esq.*

Michael L. Shannon, Esq.

Hon. Raymond Fisher**

Hon. Dorothy L. Shubin (Ret.)**

Hon. Alfred T. Goodwin

Kepner Mediation, LLC

Los Angeles County Superior Court O’Melveny & Myers

Legal Affairs Emeritus, UCLA (Ret.) AeronVironment, Inc. JAMS ADR Services JAMS ADR Services (Ret.) Allen Matkins Hahn & Hahn

Dr. Malikah Nu’Man

Concordia University Irvine

Sarah Smith Orr

Smith Orr & Associates

Diane Paul, Esq.*

M. David and Diane Paul Foundation

Munger, Tolles & Olson Northern Trust

Terrence Roberts Consulting Sullivan & Cromwell Pixar (Ret.)

Latham & Watkins

Pasadena Community Foundation (Ret.) Signature Resolution

Los Angeles County Superior Court

Gibson Dunn

Munger, Tolles & Olson

Hon. Milan D. Smith, Jr.

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Confluence Rising

King & Spalding

Grand Performances

NBC Universal (Ret.)

Orange County Department of Education

White & Williams ADR, LLC

Cal Poly Pomona, Educational Leadership

CWP and Associates

Concordia University Irvine Palisades Charter High School

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Marjorie K. Wyatt

Alameda County Probation Department UCLA

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Robert S. Warren, Esq.*

Shadeequa Smith, JD, LLM MaryAnn Szyskowski

U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit

Hon. Veronica Simmons McBeth (Ret.) Hon. Proctor Hug, Jr. Los Angeles County Superior Court

Brownie Culture Divorce Mediation

Yvette Valdez

Azusa Unified School District

Crystal Williams, MDR White & Williams ADR, LLC

* Past Board President

** Past Board Chairs

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Come celebrate bold youth leaders and the power of restorative justice in our schools. Together, we’ll envision campuses where every student belongs, conflicts are met with compassion, and equity flourishes.

FUNDING PARTNERS

OUR SPONSORS

Thank you for helping us build more just and peaceful communities, one young leader at a time.

Presenting

Platinum

Silver

Bronze

Allen Matkins AltaMed Groom Law Group Kendall Brill & Kelly

Analysis Group Barbara & David Voron Berkeley Research Group Brad & Claire Brian Elisabeth & Tony Freinberg FBT Gibbons Freeman & Mills Hahn & Hahn Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush, Kaller, Gellman, Meigs & Fox Kaiser Permanente Kinsella Holley Iser Kump Steinsapir Loeb & Loeb Michael and Nancy Sitrick Charitable Foundation Pasadena City College Foundation Sergio Franchi Music Foundation Seyfarth Shaw Sitrick and Company SOMOS Group Westmount

Alternative Resolution Centers Amy Fisch Solomon Aon Bird Marella Buchalter Coher ADR Early Sullivan Wright Gizer & McRae Goodwin Proctor Jenner & Block Jeremy E. Shulman Mediation Judicate West Kepner Mediation King & Spalding Magna Legal Services Robert A. Meyer SoCalGas StoneTapert Insurance Services Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath

Gold

Emerald Michael & Laura Wallace Richard Chernick

Amazon Chamberlain Hrdlicka Creative Artists Agency Greenberg Traurig Greines, Martin, Stein & Richland Hueston Hennigan Liang Ly Mattel, Inc. Nigro Karlin Segal Feldstein & Bolno Proskauer Rose Sullivan & Cromwell The Walt Disney Company Waymaker

Student Ambassador

Diamond

Husch Blackwell Manatt, Phelps & Phillips

Supporter Solomon Law, APC

W H AT ’ S N E X T LEARN

Peer Mediation Invitational (PMI)

Monthly Giving for Lasting Change JUSTICE IN ACTION Join us. Be part of a community where every young person—and every adult— has the skills to make peace possible.

support ensures Western Justice Center is there for students and educators when it matters most.

Become a Justice in Action monthly donor and help plant seeds of peace, hope, and opportunity for the next generation of peacebuilders. Your

Your gift is more than a donation: it’s a commitment to building a more just, connected, and compassionate future.

Get your front-row seat for youth transformation for students across LA County— mentor young mediators, support workshops, or help bring PMI to life behind the scenes. Wed, Feb 24th (hours vary), The California Endowment, 1000 Alameda St, Los Angeles C E L E B R AT E

United Against Hate Week Neighborfest Be part of a national movement to stand against hate and division, featuring inspiring guest speakers, food, music, and resources to promote unity and inclusion. Sun, Oct 18th, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., Western Justice Center, 55 S. Grand Ave, Pasadena CONNECT

Thank-a-Thon for Doers and Donors Come learn about WJC, call our supporters, craft heartfelt thank you notes, assemble wellness kits for students and educators to help make their day! No experience needed. Thurs, Nov 12th, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Western Justice Center, 55 S. Grand Ave, Pasadena

Ready to take the next step? Give or learn more: westernjustice.org/justice-in-action

Connect, volunteer, or celebrate with us. Contact us to get started: info@westernjustice.org

Empower ANNUAL GALA

Donate Now Help us reach tonight’s goal!

PRESENTING SPONSOR

EMERALD SPONSORS

Richard Chernick and JAMS are proud supporters of the

Western Justice Center’s 2026 Empower Awards and we congratulate the honorees.

jamsadr.com/losangeles

DIAMOND SPONSORS

Gibson Dunn is proud to support

Western Justice Center And Congratulates this year’s honorees Champion of Justice Award

Patricia L. Glaser Dorothy W. Nelson Peacemakers Award

Alan Ramirez

Movement Builder Award

Lois D. Thompson

gibsondunn.com

Signature Resolution is a proud supporter of the Western Justice Center’s 2026 Empower Gala. We congratulate the honorees of the evening:

Latham & Watkins is proud to sponsor the

Dorothy W. Nelson Peacemakers Award Alan Ramirez Youth Leader, Azusa Unified School District

Western Justice Center’s Empower Annual Gala

Movement Builder Award Lois D. Thompson Partner, Proskauer Rose (Ret.)

Congratulations to the 2026 honorees, and to Western Justice Center for continuing to empower people to strengthen their communities.

LW.com

Champion of Justice Award Patricia L. Glaser Partner and Litigation Department Chair, Glaser Weil

PLATINUM SPONSORS

is proud to support the

WESTERN JUSTICE CENTER and joins in congratulating this year’s honorees.

Allen Matkins, a law firm with over 250 attorneys throughout California and New York, was founded

AltaMed is proud to support

Western Justice Center and joins in recognizing this year’s honorees:

Patricia L. Glaser

Alan Ramirez

Lois D. Thompson

Partner and Chair, Litigation Department at Glaser Weil

Youth Leader, Azusa Unified School District

Partner, Proskauer Rose (Ret.)

Dorothy W. Nelson Peacemakers Award

Movement Builder Award

Champion of Justice Award

At AltaMed, we are committed to providing quality health care and community services to help families live healthier lives.

with deep roots in real estate and has leveraged that foundation to grow and build prominent litigation, corporate, tax, labor and employment, land use, and environmental practices.

GOLD