Gathering and Dreaming of a Shared Vision for LA

On May 7th, we gathered with over 170 community members and nonprofit leaders for a powerful evening of connection, reflection, and collective action. Together, we celebrated the 11 visionary leaders in SJPLA’s Systems Change Fellowship.

More than an event, Story of Us LA is a space where we recognize our collective power, see our role in systems change, and take meaningful action toward a more just and liberated future for our community. Through personal stories and authentic connection, we experienced what becomes possible when community shows up for one another.

As guests arrived, Board Co-Chairs Eric Ares and Helen Leung grounded the evening with an invitation to pause and reconnect. This year’s event was held in the nurturing space of the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, with a calm garden serving as a reprieve from the stresses of day to day life for our communities. As guests entered the room, we felt both the excitement and a deep exhale, nervous systems acknowledging that we were in community with others whose values and vision aligned.

Throughout the evening, we heard directly from the 25-26 Systems Change Fellows — eleven leaders whose lived experiences deeply inform their work to transform systems across Los Angeles. From education justice and immigrant rights to public banking, media equity, community healing, and cooperative economics, each Fellow shared not only about how their lived experiences have informed their work and the challenges our communities face, but also bold, community-driven solutions already creating change.

As the backbone to Story of Us LA is SJPLA’s Systems Change Fellowship, a program designed to invest in leaders who are building transformative futures for Los Angeles. Through unrestricted funding, pro-bono coaching, and a supportive peer community, Fellows are given space to strengthen their leadership, deepen relationships, and expand their collective impact.

Over the course of nine months, Fellows built a network rooted in shared values, mutual support, and a commitment to liberation. Through this program, we’ve seen what becomes possible when leaders doing systems change work are able to move in community rather than isolation. And we see it at Story of Us LA.

This year’s event invited all of us to become a part of this collective journey.

In a time marked by uncertainty, division, and systemic inequity, Story of Us LA showed us that change is already happening and the movement is led by people deeply connected to the communities they partner with. The evening was about inspiration and action, highlighting the roles that each of us play in creating a Los Angeles where everyone feels like they belong and have what they need to thrive.

The energy in the room reflected that commitment. Throughout the afternoon and evening, attendees shared meaningful ways they hope to continue showing up alongside our Fellows, including:

• Providing direct financial support to Fellows’ initiatives

• Amplifying their stories within their networks

• Connecting leaders to resources and potential partners

• Offering time, skills, and expertise

• Challenging systemic inequities within their own communities

Collective change takes root through tangible action, shared responsibility, and continued connection within our communities.

If you’re feeling called to build on the momentum of Story of Us LA, there are many ways to stay involved.

Support the Fellows

Donations to the Systems Change Fellowship Collective Fund are distributed equally across all Fellow organizations, helping sustain the transformative work these leaders are carrying forward across Los Angeles.

This year’s Fellows include:

• Megan Castillo — A La Defensa

• Trinity Tran — California Public Banking Alliance

• Javier Guzman — Center for Powerful Public Schools

• Yessenia Cux — Immigrants Are Los Angeles

• Jante’ Pruitt — L.A. Co-op Lab

• La’Toya Cooper — LA Emissary

• Mariah Castañeda — LA Public Press

• Belén Bernal — Nature for All

• Alica Forneret — PAUSE

• Emiliano Lopez — Project Protocol

• Joseph Williams — Students Deserve

Continue the Work Together

Story of Us LA is so much more than an event that takes place on a single day. It is about building the relationships, resources, and momentum needed to support the leaders shaping Los Angeles’ future.

For those looking for meaningful ways to invest in Los Angeles, SJPLA Partners play an important role in sustaining this ecosystem of care and collective leadership. Through monthly giving, volunteer opportunities, mentoring, and participatory grantmaking, Partners help strengthen the relationships and community infrastructure that make systems change possible.

Every hour volunteered, every story shared, and every recurring gift helps sustain the people and movements building a more just and connected Los Angeles.

Thank you for being part of our SJPLA story and for helping write the next chapter of our city’s journey toward justice together.