Civic Encounter

JCI Worldwide
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  • POLITICS
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Welcome to Civic Encounter, the podcast by JCI Worldwide that brings you expert insights from public affairs professionals. Join us as we dive into industry trends, uncover the art of lobbying and pitching, and share strategies for impactful community, media, and government engagement. Discover how to navigate the communications field and drive meaningful social change.

  1. S3 EP2 - LA County Assessor on the One Year Anniversary of the Wildfires and Looking Back on the First Year of Recovery & Relief

    6D AGO

    S3 EP2 - LA County Assessor on the One Year Anniversary of the Wildfires and Looking Back on the First Year of Recovery & Relief

    On this episode of Civic Encounter, Georgia Lewis and Simi Situ sit down with Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang to discuss the work if the Assessor’s office as LA County reaches a year of recovery efforts following the LA fires in the Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and more. Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang was elected in 2014 as the 27th Assessor for the County of Los Angeles and re-elected in 2018 and 2022. His office has played a pivotal role in making sure affected LA County residents get the information and resources they need to navigate rebuilding, taxes, and much more in the wake of the fires. Assessor Prang is Civic Encounter’s first-ever returning guest, having previously joined the podcast in 2025. To learn more about his journey—from pioneering policy on the West Hollywood City Council to modernizing government technology as Los Angeles County Assessor—listen here.

    35 min
  2. S3 E1 - CA State Senator Caroline Menjivar on Community-Centered Policy and the Value of Lived Experience

    JAN 27

    S3 E1 - CA State Senator Caroline Menjivar on Community-Centered Policy and the Value of Lived Experience

    On this episode of Civic Encounter, Georgia Lewis and Ava Sanchez speak with CA State Senator Caroline Menjivar about her journey from aspiring firefighter to EMT, Marine, and the second youngest state senator in California. Senator Menjivar shares how growing up in the San Fernando Valley and serving on the front lines shaped her leadership and commitment to public safety. The conversation explores her legislative work on health and consumer protections, including SB 20 to prevent silicosis and SB 68 requiring food allergen disclosures, as well as broader issues like child care affordability, public transportation, and the impact of immigration raids on local communities. Senator Menjivar closes with a powerful message for young people: don’t wait to lead—organize, advocate, and create change now.

    40 min
  3. S2 E16 - Dr. Jocelyn Duarte on Advancing Immigrant Justice & Salvadoran American Leadership in Community Building

    12/04/2025

    S2 E16 - Dr. Jocelyn Duarte on Advancing Immigrant Justice & Salvadoran American Leadership in Community Building

    For the FINAL episode of Civic Encounter Season 2, hosts Georgia Lewis and Simi Situ speak with Dr. Jocelyn Duarte, Executive Director of the Salvadoran American Leadership and Educational Fund (SALEF), about her journey from growing up in Pico-Union to leading one of LA’s most impactful immigrant advocacy organizations. They discuss her roots in education, SALEF’s 30th anniversary, its support for families impacted by recent ICE raids, and the launch of the ALMA app. Dr. Duarte also shares her perspective on community building, mentorship, and what gives her hope for the future of Los Angeles. Tune in to hear her powerful story and vision for strengthening immigrant communities. Stay engaged with SALEF's work here on their Instagram!

    44 min
  4. S2 E15 - Deja Charles-Tomkins on Nurturing Inclusivity, Connection, and Accessibility in the Great Outdoors

    11/07/2025

    S2 E15 - Deja Charles-Tomkins on Nurturing Inclusivity, Connection, and Accessibility in the Great Outdoors

    In this episode of Civic Encounter, hosts Georgia Lewis and Simi Situ share heartfelt conversation with Deja Charles-Tomkins on advocating for inclusive and accessible outdoors spaces for people of color, along with her experiences at the Mono Lake Committee and the Mono Arts Council. Whether it's discussing her passion for history and environmentalism, her career in conservation, or hosting her very own podcast, Black In Wild, Deja remains unwavering in her dedication to foster support for marginalized groups in their exploration of nature.  To hear more from Deja, tune into Black In Wild, a dialogue focusing on underrepresented stories in outdoors spaces.

    55 min
  5. S2 E14 - Kamy Akhavan on Bridging Divides, Mentorship & Hope for Our Political Future

    09/16/2025

    S2 E14 - Kamy Akhavan on Bridging Divides, Mentorship & Hope for Our Political Future

    In this episode of Civic Encounter, Ava Sanchez and Simi Situ sit down with Kamy Akhavan, the Managing Director of USC’s Center for the Political Future (CPF) and a widely respected expert on bringing people together despite their differences. Whether cultivating understanding through his past role as CEO of ProCon.org, the nation’s leading source of nonpartisan research on controversial issues, or cultivating community as a leader and lecturer at the University of Southern California, Kamy has dedicated his life to bridging divides. Kamy discusses the importance of curiosity in a polarized time, key strategies for engaging with people you disagree with, and the value of community.  To hear more from Kamy, listen to the Center for the Political Future’s podcast, “Let’s Find Common Ground.”

    47 min
  6. S2 E13 - Christy Camara on Redefining Motherhood & Gun Violence Prevention After Her Son’s Murder

    08/11/2025

    S2 E13 - Christy Camara on Redefining Motherhood & Gun Violence Prevention After Her Son’s Murder

    In this powerful episode of Civic Encounter, hosts Georgia Lewis and Simi Situ sit down with Christy Camara—Hanford, California native—for a deeply personal conversation about motherhood, loss, and the fight to prevent gun violence. Christy opens up about how her role as a mother has transformed, the process of writing her book Can I Still Be Funny After My Son’s Murder?, and how she finds strength and healing amidst unimaginable grief. Background: In 2020, Christy’s 10-year-old son, Wyland Gomes, was murdered by his father after a Kings County court failed to transmit a restraining order to the California Department of Justice. Since then, Christy has pursued justice through both the legal system and public advocacy. In 2024, the San Francisco Superior Court ruled that the California DOJ violated the Public Records Act and unlawfully withheld evidence, holding the state accountable for failing to enforce a protective order. Christy’s advocacy led to the introduction of Wyland’s Law (AB 1363), legislation that would require California courts and the DOJ to track, verify, and publicly report compliance with restraining and protective order transmissions. At JCI, we’ve been honored to support Christy’s efforts, amplifying her story, securing media coverage, and connecting this local tragedy to a broader, statewide movement. From press conferences at San Francisco City Hall to coverage in the LA Times, ABC30, and the Hanford Sentinel, this campaign exemplifies how storytelling and civic action can spark real change. Ways to Support Christy: 📘 Purchase her book: Can I Still Be Funny After My Son’s Murder?🎉 Celebrate Wyland’s birthday at the Hanford Civic Center Park Farmer’s Market on Thursday, August 28th, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. In honor of Wyland’s life, all rides will be free for children!

    35 min
  7. S2 E12 - Aaron Blank on Building a PR Legacy in a Changing Media Landscape

    07/14/2025

    S2 E12 - Aaron Blank on Building a PR Legacy in a Changing Media Landscape

    On this episode of Civic Encounter, we are joined by Aaron Blank, CEO of the Fearey Agency—one of the leading strategic communications firms in the Pacific Northwest. We first connected with Aaron through a potential partnership with our firm, and it was a pleasure to speak with someone whose journey into PR has been anything but conventional. A former radio journalist, Aaron shared how his storytelling roots shaped his approach to public relations and leadership today. We dive into his early experiments in digital media and how those bold moves laid the foundation for Fearey’s reputation for transparency, innovation, and purpose-driven work. Aaron also opens up about his leadership philosophy, emphasizing coaching over managing, the value of mentorship, and how he’s navigating the rise of AI in our industry.  If you’re looking for inspiration and a reminder of why storytelling still matters in this fast-changing field, you won’t want to miss this episode.

    38 min
  8. S2 E11 - Helen Torres on HOPE, Maternal Health, and the Future of Women of Color in Leadership

    06/27/2025

    S2 E11 - Helen Torres on HOPE, Maternal Health, and the Future of Women of Color in Leadership

    In this episode of Civic Encounter, Georgia Lewis and Simi Situ speak with Helen Torres, CEO of HOPE (Hispanas Organized for Political Equality), about her inspiring journey from volunteer to statewide leader. Helen discusses the impact of HOPE’s powerful leadership pipeline, the urgency of addressing maternal health disparities through cross-racial advocacy, and the findings of the 2025 California Equity in Maternal Health Report (see below). She also shares heartfelt advice for young leaders—especially women of color—and her bold vision for a more just and equitable future for all communities. The full maternal health equity report discussed can be accessed at Latinas.org, HOPE’s website.

    36 min
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About

Welcome to Civic Encounter, the podcast by JCI Worldwide that brings you expert insights from public affairs professionals. Join us as we dive into industry trends, uncover the art of lobbying and pitching, and share strategies for impactful community, media, and government engagement. Discover how to navigate the communications field and drive meaningful social change.

Information

  • Creator
    JCI Worldwide
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © JCI Worldwide
  • Show Website
    Civic Encounter