In today’s political and social climate, many women are navigating stress, burnout, and increasing demands on their leadership. Sustainable advocacy requires not only passion, but resilience and connection to self. 

Joanne Lai will discuss trauma-informed care and somatic healing, and how reconnecting with the body strengthens authentic leadership. She will explore how stress and past experiences shape the way women show up in public spaces, and why grounded, regulated leaders are essential to building strong movements.

Joanne is the CEO and founder of Spiral & Bloom Embodiment Sanctuary and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner specializing in holistic, trauma-informed psychotherapy. She supports women navigating stress, burnout, cultural identity, and relational challenges through body-centered approaches that build resilience and lasting growth.

She is the recipient of the Top Ten Professional Women Award from the Marjaree Mason Center and serves as President of Central California Asian Pacific Women (CCAPW). Her work has been featured in the documentary Final Fight: When the Trauma of War Comes Home, as well as in Fig Garden Magazine, Bold Journey, and on ABC30 News.

Joanne lives and works in the Central Valley and remains committed to strengthening leadership and community resilience.

The post Dinner Meeting March 3, 2026 appeared first on NWPC Fresno.

Based on our brainstorming session at the January meeting, one of the most popular topics was the Dakota EcoGarden. In February our speakers will be sharing the vision and work of the Dakota EcoGarden.

In July of 2012, homeless advocate Nancy Waidtlow purchased a 0.6 acre lot in West Central Fresno, where she founded the Dakota EcoGarden in late 2013.  It’s the original site of the Eco Village Project of Fresno and the first of its kind in the city.  There are many resources for the homeless in Fresno, but what makes it unique is the uplifting environment and democratic approach to developing a community.

The Dakota EcoGarden is open to people of all walks of life – regardless of gender, race or creed.  The mission of the Dakota EcoGarden, which is part of the Eco Village Project of Fresno, is to empower formerly homeless individuals with the skills needed for self-sufficient lifestyles that enable happiness, health and success.

The Dakota EcoGarden represents Nancy’s version of Fresno Architect Arthur Dyson’s original vision for an eco village.  Although the Dakota EcoGarden does not include a standard community building, the home on the property provides the same basic elements of a shared kitchen, living space and bathrooms. Tiny home residences, and tent structures provide living spaces for others in need.

The Eco Village and EcoGarden provide residents with places to live and the needed resources for residents to learn new skills or to further develop their existing skills.  Residents raise their own fruits and vegetables and they have access to computers for their use in seeking educational opportunities or to find employment.

Hope you will join us on February 3rd to learn more about this unique program in our
community!

The post Dinner Meeting February 3, 2026 appeared first on NWPC Fresno.

Ashlee Wolf is an accomplished fundraising and marketing professional with over a decade of experience helping nonprofits and mission-driven organizations grow their impact through strategic development, donor engagement, and brand storytelling.

With a passion for building strong community partnerships, Ashlee has led successful campaigns that have raised millions in philanthropic support across the Central Valley. Her expertise spans major gifts, annual giving, fundraising events, digital marketing, and strategic communications—always with a focus on aligning purpose with measurable outcomes.

Currently serving as Director of Philanthropy and Communication for the Marjaree Mason Center in Fresno, CA, Ashlee is recognized for her collaborative leadership, strategic creativity, and unwavering commitment to amplifying the voices of survivors of domestic violence and advocating for those impacted by abuse. She thrives on connecting people to purpose and elevating the visibility of organizations doing transformative work.

Ashlee holds Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Fresno State and is an active participant in the local business and nonprofit community.

When she’s not advocating for those in need, Ashlee enjoys spending quality time with her family—which often means cheering from the sidelines of a soccer field or supporting from the stands at a wrestling match. With both of her children involved in competitive sports, her evenings and weekends are a whirlwind of practices, tournaments, and road trips, alongside her husband, Kent—all of which she embraces with the same passion and energy she brings to her professional work.

Ashlee Wolf will present on the critical intersection of advocacy, policy, and philanthropy in the fight against domestic violence in Fresno County. Representing the Marjaree Mason Center—Fresno County’s primary provider of domestic violence services—Ashlee will share how shifting public policy and funding priorities directly impact the resources available to survivors.

Members will gain insight into recent changes to the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), long-term implications for service providers nationwide, and what the State of California is doing at the local level. Ashlee will also highlight the importance of sustained lobbying efforts at the state and federal levels, and offer actionable ways for political advocates to support survivor-centered legislation, ensure funding stability, and amplify the voices of those who often have none.

The post Dinner Meeting October 7, 2025 appeared first on NWPC Fresno.

Socorro has been serving as the Central Valley director of public affairs for Planned Parenthood Mar Monte for over six years. She oversees the Stanislaus to Kern County regions. In her role she has been instrumental in working with elected officials to strengthen and grow support of PPMM at the state and local level.

She has diversified and grown Planned Parenthood’s support base to include people of color, immigrants, LGBTQ+, and faith leaders. She strongly believes she is an example of how empowering it can be for people to have autonomy over their own bodies.`

The post Dinner Meeting September 2, 2025 appeared first on NWPC Fresno.

An educator for 23 years, Ruiz represents CTA members in Stanislaus, Merced, Mariposa, Fresno and Madera counties. She has deep activist roots with the Fresno Teachers Association, where she was president for two years. She is a past FTA treasurer, negotiations team member, organizing committee activist and school site representative. 

The daughter of farm workers, and the mother of four children, Ruiz is proud that her husband and family understand how committed she is to CTA. 

“I care deeply about this organization, about our students, and about our educators. I care deeply that my family understands that quality education is important. This is what motivates me to do the work I do every day.” 

Her CTA work includes serving on the union’s Ethnic Minority Affairs Committee, chairing the Health Benefits Advisory Committee, and serving as a delegate on the CTA State Council of Education for seven years. For her dedication to union work, she received a CTA “We Honor Ours” (WHO) Award in 2017. Her national work includes serving for several years as a California delegate to the annual NEA Representative Assembly. 

She is fluent in Spanish and a founding member of the California Latina Democrats of Fresno County group. Ruiz holds a bachelor’s in liberal arts from California State University, Fresno. 

She lives in Fresno with her family.

The post Dinner Meeting August 5, 2025 appeared first on NWPC Fresno.

BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center (BWPC) is a Fresno-based nonprofit organization working to eliminate persistent health disparities impacting the Black community—especially Black moms and babies. Through a combination of strategic partnerships, infrastructure building, research, and advocacy, BWPC is improving maternal, infant, and community health outcomes. 

While BWPC centers on the needs of Black families, services are open to all. Programs like BLACK Pregnancy Care Support, the BLACK Doula Network, and Community Health Advocate services connect families to essential resources, culturally affirming care, and evidence-based health education before, during, and after pregnancy.  

The organization is actively working to establish full clinical services for women and infants and collaborates with hospitals, insurers, policymakers and other trusted stakeholders to dismantle systemic inequities in care.

BWPC envisions a future where every woman and birthing person, especially those from historically marginalized communities, has equitable access to the high-quality care and support necessary to thrive.

The post Dinner Meeting July 1, 2025 appeared first on NWPC Fresno.

Our speaker will be Alicia Arakelian. Alicia is a dedicated REALTOR® with Real Broker, specializing in residential real estate across Fresno, Clovis, and the surrounding Central Valley areas. With a passion for equity and inclusion, Alicia helps clients buy, sell, and invest in homes while advocating for fair and inclusive housing practices.

She serves as President of the Central Valley Chapter of the National LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance and is an active member of the Fresno Association of Realtors’ Fair Housing and Diversity Committee. A committed community leader, Alicia will share insights on the ongoing challenges of advocating for fair housing for the LGBTQ+ community amid today’s complex political climate.

The post Dinner Meeting June 3, 2025 appeared first on NWPC Fresno.

As Fresno’s first openly gay councilmember, Councilmember Annalisa Perea has been a fierce advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, securing over $175,000 in grants for nonprofits and spearheading the creation of Fresno’s first LGBTQ+ liaison and resource center. She also leads the city’s annual “Women of the Year” event, recognizing the trailblazing women shaping Fresno’s future.

Beyond policy, Councilmember Perea is a hands-on leader who actively engages with her district. She hosts Back-to-School Backpack Giveaways, turkey and tamale drives, and other initiatives to support working families. Her commitment to public safety and social services is evident in her efforts to secure over $300,000 for the Marjaree Mason Center, ensuring women and children affected by domestic violence have access to critical resources. Additionally, she has championed small business success, securing over a million dollars in grants to help local entrepreneurs thrive.

With deep roots in District 1, Councilmember Perea is unwavering in her mission to drive
progress, foster inclusion, and uplift communities ~ building a stronger, more vibrant City of Fresno for all.

The post Dinner Meeting May 6, 2025 appeared first on NWPC Fresno.

The Honorable Keshia Thomas is the proud mother of two sons and a daughter as well as three grandsons. She was elected by the voters in 2018 in the Edison High Region 1, to serve as on the Fresno Unified School District Trustee Board. She was re-elected November 2022. She is the second black woman to be elected to this position following Mary Curry.

Trustee Thomas’s resume includes two Master’s degrees, BS in math and education, and a State License in Cosmetology. Her work history lists family construction business, cosmetologist, journeyman cashier, elementary, middle school and high school teacher and administrator, and businesswoman. She is currently the Executive Director at Fresno Career Development Institute, Inc., a non-profit organization.

Her work as Executive Director at Fresno Career Development Institute has truly been the center of the community. Bridging the gap and ensuring her community does not get left behind where clean mobility is concerned. Trustee Thomas along with a great team at the Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce, lead By Dr. Cassandra Little has created a community outreach and engagement process which has truly captured the attention of the community. She has been at the center of moving electric vehicle rideshare, cars and bicycles in the forefront in West Fresno. She is also in the
developmental stages of developing a senior tiny home community.

Trustee Thomas has dedicated her attention to be of service to her community with a focus on education. Her objective as a trustee on the school board is to do what she can to raise the Fresno Unified School District to become a premier school district on the national stage. Her emphasis is ensuring that children are lifted to equal standing, and their parents are brought in to participate in their education, training and employment opportunities.

Prior to her election to the Fresno Unified School District Trustee Board, Trustee Thomas found time to give back to her community through working in her church, Fellowship Baptist Church, as Assistant Director of the Homeless Ministry and Assistant Director of the Children’s Church.

Trustee Thomas also serves as a member of the following organizations: Executive Director of Fresno Career Development Institute, Golden Charter Academy Founder, Delegate for Congressman Jim Costa a member of Fresno Links Inc., Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) Lifetime Member and Regional Director, 1st Vice President for 3 consecutive years of Women’s Democratic Club, National Women’s Political Caucus, Kennedy Club and , Board Member for West Fresno Family Resource center, member of Latina Democratic Club, Delegate for California School Board Association, an honoree of the Marjorie Mason Top Ten Professional Women and Leading Business Award and member of League of Women Voters of Fresno County.

The post Dinner Meeting April 1, 2025 appeared first on NWPC Fresno.

Amanda Gann is a dedicated Special Education teacher, community activist, and organizer for the Women’s March Central Valley chapter. Most recently, she played a key role in organizing the People’s March in Fresno, CA, on January 18, 2025. Passionate about civic engagement and grassroots activism, she plans to continue her work with Women’s March while collaborating with other organizations across the Central Valley to foster community outreach and inspire collective action.  

The post Dinner Meeting March 4, 2025 appeared first on NWPC Fresno.