Women in Politics (WIP) is a three-day summer institute for young women from the Sacramento region. Participants get a first-hand look at the workings of state politics, focusing on issues affecting women and their communities.
Our presence in Sacramento and our lasting relationships with the players in state politics allow us to offer a unique experience to young women. We have access to a rich pool of supporters who lend their expertise to our programs – more than forty women, including liberals, moderates, and conservatives, volunteer their time to share information and perspectives. WIP provides an opportunity for young women to meet the people who represent them at the state capitol, and to witness first-hand the importance of women’s participation in the political process.
Our Staff and Board
STAFF
Belen R. Flores
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
*Feminist. Social Justice Advocate. Latinx. Nature Enthusiast. Truth-seeker. Global Citizen.*
Belen Flores was born and raised in north Sacramento, CA where she enjoyed playing soccer and engaging in outdoor recreation. After graduating from high school she was recruited to the Sierra College women’s soccer team. After a few years of classes she decided to move to San Diego for a fresh start and a change of scenery, but a year and a half later decided to return home to finish her college education. While majoring in Mass Communication at CSUS, she simultaneously gained a passion for politics during the historic 2008 presidential election of Barack Obama. Interning for places like the district office of Pro tem Senator Steinberg and the California Center for Civic Participation, she established her interest in engaging low-income and diverse groups of youth to the political process so that they may take meaningful action in their communities. Over the past eight years at the CalCenter Belen has helped mobilize hundreds of youth through her environmental program Green Focus and, as Executive Director, intends to expand several civic education programs for youth across the state. Email Belen at bflores@californiacenter.org
Drucella Anne Miranda
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Drucella Anne Miranda is a sister, mentor, artist, and decolonizing + abolitionist feminist. She was born in the borderlands of Texas and has been a long time resident of the Central Valley. An alumna from the University of California, Davis, she has a bachelor's in Women and Gender Studies as well as American Studies focusing on critical feminist theory and youth development. As a student, she worked as a community activist with youth to foster consciousness through critical dialogue and the arts. She has recently received her Master’s degree in Public Administration through the University of San Francisco. Today she continues her activism through advocacy and alternative education to raise self-efficacy among the youth within the Sacramento area. Email Drucella at dmiranda@californiacenter.org.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Angelica Gonzalez
BOARD PRESIDENT
State Government Relations, Kaiser Permanente
healthy.kaiserpermanente.org
Raziel Ramil
PROGRAM COORDINATOR/EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Raziel, pronounced “Rachel”, Ramil was born in Santa Clara, California, and moved to Stockton, California at a young age and has grown up in the Central Valley ever since. As a young adult, she initially pursued a career as a doctor in the medical field, which led to feelings of being lost. It was not until working with various non-profits and engaging with her community that she realized this aspiration of being a doctor was largely shaped by her parents, and not her own passions. This inspired a needed change to her career path. Today, Raziel is a recent graduate from the University of California, Davis, and has a Bachelor of Science in Community and Regional Development with a minor in Education. With her expertise and experience, she hopes to continually learn and expose herself to the complex dynamics within our society to empower youth. Raziel strives to see a day where the work of civic participation and education brings a life where resources and happiness have no borders and limits for vulnerable communities. Aside from advocating and engaging with the community, she loves listening to R&B music, skateboarding, and spending time with loved ones.
Email Raziel at rramil@californiacenter.org
James Muldavin
FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EMERITUS
Jim was the Executive Director of the California Center for Civic Participation for almost 40 years. Prior to founding the organization in 1981, Muldavin mowed lawns, scooped ice cream, moved furniture, sorted mail, washed dishes, cleaned buildings, poured beer, drove trucks, worked on the docks, and waited tables. After college at UCSB and working for a political awareness project for Boston area teens founded by his Aunt Albie, he returned to California to establish Capitol Focus, the former flagship program of the CalCenter. He is amazed at the longevity of the organization and grateful for the thousands of youth and adults whose curious spirits, generous hearts and thoughtful minds have made his work so rewarding.