I returned from the Beijing Conference for Women more than ten years ago inspired by my experience and dedicated to continuing the struggle for equality for women all over this world.

An amazing group of Ventura County women from various organizations have been working to plan this Forum for women leaders on the changing local and global economies and their effects on women's lives. We will explore resources, solutions, policies and programs to improve women's economic opportunities.

As we gather together for this Forum on Economic Justice we will have the opportunity to share our concerns and visions and plan for future gatherings to resolve the critical issues women face locally. This has been a wonderful process of collaboration and organizing. Please join our circle of women on our journey forward.

Diana Goodrow, Co-Chair
Economic Justice Forum Steering Committee
Ventura County Commission for Women
Ventura County Regional Co-Coordinator for
Women's Intercultural Network/California Women's Agenda



The Promotoras y Promotores Foundation is actively supporting the Ventura County Women’s Economic Justice Forum because local action is what we need to respond to the impact of the global economy. This is the same philosophy behind the Promotores Concept of our organization. By educating local women leaders, and through them, their families, organizations, and communities, about economic concepts and resources, we will gain additional tools to address areas of concern in health brought to us by globalization, immigration and migration. We see this forum as the first in our grassroots effort to prepare us and our organizations to take action, both united and individually, in this new world. We look forward to working with other women in Ventura County on this collaboration.

Elvia Guizar, RN
Advisory Development Committee, Promotoras y Promotores Foundation



The Business and Professional Women of Conejo Valley is actively supporting the Ventura County Women’s Economic Justice Forum because BPW Mean Business. Our mission is to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education, and information. This forum will provide the environment for women to gain a broader perspective of the global economy and its impact on women and families in Ventura County. By educating local women leaders about global economic concepts and resources we will elevate the standards for women in business and the professions. Through this Forum we will prepare BPW to take action by developing our strategic plan for the coming year. BPW of Conejo Valley supports the Economic Forum for its promotion of a spirit of cooperation among business and professional women in Ventura County. We are also pleased to have this opportunity to add our name to the directory of women’s organizations in which our mission and scholarship resources will be shared with others.

Mary Lou Wetter
President, Business and Professional Women of Conejo Valley



The Beijing Conference for Women in 1995 generated twelve critical areas of concern for women. The area of Economic Justice is particularly relevant today. Tom Friedman's book The World Is Flat brought that to the forefront. From there the Forum on Economic Justice grew. The need to bring women leaders together to better understand the challenges and opportunities presented by the changing global economy is evident. We hope to serve the community of women in Ventura County by providing the opportunity to think globally about the economy and act locally to enhance their own well being.

Norma Maidel
Economic Justice Forum Steering Committee
AAUW Camarillo, CA Branch
World Affairs Council of Ventura County
National Women's Political Caucus



The businesses and professional Women's Forum committee has provided us, as representatives of CBW, the opportunity to meet and interact with women from diverse cultures, occupations and viewpoints. The planned Forum will provide opportunities for the education and advancement of these and other women in the Ventura County area. Working on the Forum provides the women of the CBW with the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of women and provides an opportunity to exchange important information and solutions to real economic problems.

Raye Keene, President
Cassandria Slay, Secretary
Concerned Black Women of Conejo Valley



There are many groups and individuals working to empower women in Ventura County. Each of us approaches it from a different angle. The annual Ventura County Women's Forum is an opportunity to for us to coordinate. Together we can learn, compare notes, and make sure that all voices are being heard and all women are being served at all levels.

The planning meetings alone have been models of what can be accomplished by strong and diverse women working for a common cause. Please join us if you're looking for a source of inspiration and a chance to make a difference in our community.

Kim Marra Stephenson, PhD
Economic Justice Forum Steering Committee
Educator, Conejo Valley Unified School District
AAUW Camarillo, CA Branch



The California Women's Agenda (CAWA) is honored to serve as a Co-Sponsoring Organization for the Ventura County Forum to initiate an Agenda for Ventura County women, beginning with an exploration of Economic Justice. The CAWA website displays our mission and the relationship of Ventura CSW to the women's policy agencies in California, the US and the UN: http://www.win-cawa.org/cawa.

Marilyn Fowler, State Coordinator
Aileen C. Hernandez, State Chair
California Women's Agenda (CAWA)