Empower ANNUAL GALA
PRESENTED BY
O u e r Sc n i g ho a m o i l e
s
R
T H U R S D AY, O C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 2 6
Program F E AT U R I N G P E R F O R M A N C E S B Y Las Colibrí
Award-Winning All Female Mariachi Ensemble
WELCOME
Jeffrey A. Wortman, Esq. WJC Board President
INTRODUCTION Chuck Dukas Host
A VISION FOR PEACEBUILDING Elissa D. Barrett, Esq. WJC Executive Director
M OV E M E N T B U I L D E R AWA R D Lois D. Thompson
Partner, Proskauer Rose (Ret.) Presented by Walt Cochran-Bond, Past WJC Board President
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 Presented by Guillermo López, Ed. D., Azusa Unified Superintendent
MOMENT OF GIVING 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 Presented by Victoria Alonso, Filmmaker, Producer, Author and Community Advocate
CLOSING REMARKS
Kerry Garvis Wright, Esq. & W. Allan Edmiston, Esq. Empower 2026 Co-Chairs
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.
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 recordsetting 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.
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.
O U R B O A R D & S TA F F Executive Committee
Board Members
BOARD CHAIR
Tanya M. Acker, Esq.
California Court of Appeal, Second District
Hon. André Birotte Jr.
Tribunal Justice, The Tanya Acker Show
Hon. Nicolas F. Daum
U.S. District Court, Central District of California
BOARD PRESIDENT
Jeffrey A. Wortman, Esq.
Hon. Michelle Williams Court
FBT Gibbons
U.S. District Court, Central District of California
VICE-PRESIDENT
Lois D. Thompson, Esq.
Hon. Halim Dhanidina (Ret.)
Proskauer Rose (Ret.)
Signature Resolution
TREASURER
Nancy Fong, Esq.
Mattel, Inc.
Alfred Fraijo Jr., Esq.
Hon. Jacqueline H. Nguyen U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Hon. Fernando M. Olguin**
U.S. District Court, Central District of California
Hon. Richard A. Paez** Gregory N. Pimstone, Esq. Husch Blackwell
Somos Group
S E C R E TA RY
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Allen Matkins
Shari M. Wollman, Esq.
Hon. Dorothy W. Nelson**
Shaphan Roberts, Ph.D.
Chair, External Engagement
José A. Gómez, Ph.D.* Pasadena City College
Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, Pepperdine Law
Loeb & Loeb
Eugene M. Holmes, Esq.
Hon. Barry Russell**
W. Allan Edmiston, Esq.
Co-Chair, Finance & Operations
Gordon A. Goldsmith, Esq. The Walt Disney Company (Ret.) Chair, Audit Committee
Kayla K. Horacek, Esq.
Munger, Tolles & Olson
Hon. Holly A. Thomas
Gibson Dunn
HKA Global
Hon. Jennifer T. Lum (Ret.)
Chair, Board Development
Caltech
Ryan K. Yagura, Esq.
Quinn Emanuel
Kaiser Permanente
At-Large Member
Diane L. McGimsey, Esq.
Elissa D. Barrett, Esq.
Sullivan & Cromwell
WJC Executive Director
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Michael E. Williams, Esq.
Carri B. Maas, Esq.
O’Melveny & Myers
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California
Jordan D. Segall, Esq.
Hahn & Hahn
Jillian N. London, Esq.
Michael J. Wallace*
* Past Board President
The Walt Disney Company
Kerry Garvis Wright, Esq. Glaser Weil
Alexander C.K. Wyman Latham & Watkins
** Past Board Chairs
Empower Co-Chairs
Empower Committee
W. Allan Edmiston, Esq. Kerry Garvis Wright, Esq.
Justice Halim Dhanidina (Ret.) Gregory N. Pimstone, Esq. Shari M. Wollman, Esq. Nancy Fong, Esq. Jordan D. Segall, Esq. Alexander C.K. Wyman Kayla K. Horacek, Esq. Michael E. Williams, Esq.
Senior Leadership
Staff
Elissa D. Barrett, Esq.
Cindy Arenas
Beth Farrell
Cristina Briskie-Wood
Anthony Ayala
Rehana Jamal
Colin Dueweke
Samantha Basurto
Stephanie Khan
Raymond Jimenez
Shachar Cohen-Hodos
Schoene Mahmood
Magdalena Mireles Corzo
Colleen Guzman
Evelyn Velasquez
WJC Executive Director
Director of Development Director of Operations
Events & Office Manager Restorative Schools Program Coordinator Fellow, AmeriCorps VISTA
Director of Communications and Marketing Restorative Schools Manager Director of Programs and Partnerships
Development Manager
Restorative Schools Manager Training and Capacity Building Manager Restorative Schools Senior Coordinator Restorative Schools Manager Restorative Schools Manager
OUR SPONSORS
(As of 9/24/26)
Presenting
Emerald Michael & Laura Wallace Richard Chernick
Diamond
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 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 Husch Blackwell Manatt, Phelps & Phillips
View our E-Tribute Journal online and celebrate our community. westernjustice.org/journal
Building Conflict Skills for Life 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, problemsolving, 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
Real Skills, Real Change 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. Students feel safer and more connected
Suspensions and conflicts decrease
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. Educators gain vital tools and support
Families and schools build lasting trust
See more stories and stats of impact: westernjustice.org/impact
Since 2022 in LA County
4,549
Students, educators and volunteers trained in conflict resolution
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
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. Transforming inequitable systems
Building youth voice and collective agency
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. Creating infrastructure for healing
From building skills to lasting culture shift
Let’s work together to build a just future for all: westernjustice.org/what-we-do
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.
Conflict Resolution Education 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 Our team partners with educators and youth-serving 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 NON PROFITS Discover affordable, collaborative office and meeting space in a welcoming campus community of nearly 20 mission-driven 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, mobile-friendly 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. With every year, our community of peacebuilders grows—fostering a future defined by justice, opportunity, and connection.
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. 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!
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.
generation of peacebuilders. Your 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
Your gift is more than a donation: it’s a commitment to building a more just, connected, and compassionate future.
Ready to take the next step? Give or learn more: westernjustice.org/justice-in-action
W H AT ’ S N E X T LEARN
Peer Mediation Invitational (PMI) 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. Wednesday, February 24, 2027 (volunteer times 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.
Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 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. Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Western Justice Center, 55 S. Grand Ave, Pasadena
Connect, volunteer, or celebrate with us. Contact us to get started: info@westernjustice.org
westernjustice.org
Donate Now
Stay Connected—Follow Us
@westernjusticecenter