Dear Friends,
I am writing with exciting news – Diana Vazquez Ballesteros is CEJA’s new Co-Executive Director for Programs!
Diana will join the CEJA team on August 5, 2024, working in partnership with Denise Glaze, our incoming Co-Executive Director for Operations & Development. Welcome Diana!
A seasoned environmental justice advocate and policy maker, Diana will make sure that CEJA remains at the forefront of the fight for the health and safety of California’s most vulnerable communities. She comes to CEJA from her current role as an appointed Deputy Director for Legislation and Regulatory Review by Governor Gavin Newsom, at the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) – Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC).
As some of you may recall, before joining DTSC Diana worked respectively as a Policy Manager and Policy Advocate at CEJA, making this career change a homecoming of sorts. In her own words:
“It has been the privilege of my career to partner with this robust and energetic environmental justice community. I am honored and humbled to return to such a warm welcome home to CEJA – and at such a pivotal moment. The California communities our member organizations serve continue to face the most immediate and severe impacts of climate change and industrial activity. In response, CEJA doubles down on its advocacy for healthy and resilient communities through meaningful and actionable environmental justice solutions. I look forward to partnering with my Co-Executive Director to bring community voices directly to those responsible for enacting such solutions.”
Through her combination of cutting-edge EJ advocacy experience and years of legislative and regulatory work inside the state government, Diana will position CEJA as a uniquely qualified California EJ voice.
The Board of Directors is thrilled to have Diana and Denise at the helm of CEJA as we continue to work toward a just transition and away from extractive, dangerous industries. Please join me in welcoming Diana to CEJA!!
Warmly,
Antonio Diaz
Board Chair