Small Business Saturday
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Put the Black in Black Friday.
Scholarship LeadRachel moved to North county from England six years ago with her husband and two children. She worked for many years as a Director of Marketing in London, then ran her own marketing consultancy before beginning a Masters degree in Psychotherapy & Counseling. Since moving to California, Rachel has focused her time on grass roots activism in areas such as ending gun violence, climate change and now racial justice and equality. She also runs her own Bespoke Jewelry making business and is a stay at home mum. She is inspired by the late John Lewis’ quote “Never ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble”
Marketing Communications Director & Board MemberLawrence Carroll is a business publicist based in Los Angeles and the author of “My Dear Queen”, a book encouraging young girls and women of color to celebrate and love their hair. Born and raised in St. Louis, MO with a Jesuit education background from Loyola University Chicago, Lawrence values being of service to his communities and committing his time to uplifting humanity. Lawrence has volunteered as a youth mentor for Free Arts for Abused Children and Lifeworks Youth Mentoring Program and the Los Angeles Gay Lesbian Center, and is the first recipient of Free Arts 2015 Youth Mentor of the Year Award. Earning time in the Hollywood spotlight, Lawrence was a main cast member featured on E! Entertainment’s reality show “What Happens at The Abbey” and “9 Months with Courteney Cox” on Facebook Watch season one. When he’s not working, writing or advocating for social justice, you can find him in a pile of LEGOS with his son.
Ariana Reish
Ariana recently moved to Carlsbad from San Clemente where she was born and raised. She has a B.A. in Business Administration with a Concentration in Accounting from Cal State Fullerton. She is excited to be able to use her accounting knowledge and experience in a way that gives back to the community and advocates for racial equity. When Ariana is not crunching numbers she is getting outside either camping, climbing, biking, or marching for social justice.
Jody has been an Encinitas resident for over a decade but originally hails from Kansas. Jody has had a diverse career from working in government affairs at the Directors Guild of America to working in Corporate Social Responsibility in London. She currently runs her own apparel business, All That. When she is not advocating for her community, you will find her chasing her 3 children down the beach or soaking in nature of any kind.
Mali is an East Coast native who made Encinitas her home 6 years ago. Raised by two community/labor organizers, Mali has always been active in the social justice movement and is employed as a Union Organizer for healthcare workers with SEIU-UHW. Having the opportunity to lead alongside the incredible team of activists within the community fuels Mali’s commitment to justice. When not fighting for justice, you can find Mali climbing mountains, surfing waves, reading books, and enjoying local running trails.
Felicia lives in Leucadia with her husband and three kids. She has a B.S. in Psychology and Spanish Literature from UCSD. She traveled the world for several years, teaching English until landing in sales in the Outdoor Industry while also volunteering for Kiva, a micro-loan organization. She believes that the fight for racial justice begins in our homes, with our children, in our communities and at the local ballot box.
Housing Group Co-LeadLydell has deep roots in North County, having lived in Cardiff since 1972. He was the only Black person in every classroom from Kindergarten through Grade Twelve. He quickly learned to fit in by almost any means necessary, remaining quiet even in the face of insensitive, racial remarks. It took 52 years to find his voice and has committed himself to helping Black individuals, especially those living in predominantly white areas, call out injustices. Lydell wants Encinitas and its surrounding cities to be welcoming of Black-owned businesses and homeowners.
Allyship Group Co-LeadEvelyn was born and raised in Encinitas. As a third generation holocaust survivor Evelyn places the upmost importance in not only tolerating but celebrating cultural difference. Convinced that intercultural exchange and experiential learning are the most transformative tools available to young adults, Evelyn has spent over 10 years managing international programs for institutions and non profits. She received her Bachelors in Business from San Francisco State and her Masters in International Education Management from The Middlebury Institute of International Studies. Evelyn is the Assistant Director of Study Abroad at the University of Redlands. Through her work and research she supports underserved communities and has facilitated educator diversity and inclusion trainings across the US. She is honored to be doing this work in her home town with E4E.
Allyship Group Co-LeadEunique is a writer, visual artist, facilitator, doula and birthworker exploring the breakdown of human connection through lived experiences, photography and connection facilitation. Her work is designed to entice dialogue around empathy, discovery of self, soul-truths, vulnerability, social impact, commonality and community. Eunique believes that her existence is an act of social justice and that true, lasting change is created and developed at the individual level, over time, within community, and through the opportunities for education, exposure to authentic and compassionate connections. This has led her to step into leadership within her local community through the Allyship & Education committee of E4E with the intention to expand and support accessibility, equality, and acceptance for all humans.
Housing Group Co-LeadLaini has bicycled across the United States to benefit affordable housing. She is committed to service, having spent two years in rural Zambia as a Peace Corps Volunteer, and taught early childhood education as an AmeriCorps Volunteer in Boston. She is a first-generation college graduate with a BA in Gender Studies and African American Literature from Simmons University, and holds an MBA from WashU. By helping to build affordable housing in 10 states, Laini knows the face of the national housing crisis, and is excited to execute local solutions.
Business Group Co-LeadKristin has been proud to call Encinitas home since 2018 after growing up in North Carolina and living in Atlanta and San Francisco. She is a project management and operations professional with a passion for social justice, building community and encouraging equality. Kristin is grateful for the opportunity to work with like-minded neighbors to make Encinitas a more diverse and welcoming place.
Equity in Education Group Co-LeadTrevor is a lifelong educator. For over 15 years, he has held various positions with increasing responsibility in both the CSU and the Community College system. While student success for all students is Trevor’s “calling card,” he has dedicated his career to student-centered approaches and addressing equity disparities of underrepresented students in education. When Trevor is not advocating for students, you will find him at home spending time with his wife, 13 year-old daughter and 10 year-old son, traveling, avoiding exercise, and writing about himself in third person. Trevor holds a M.A. degree in Educational Technology from the University of Northern Iowa.
Community Group Co-LeadJennifer lives in Cardiff with her dog, Kingston. She grew up in Long Beach, California and was raised by her father who was a Los Angeles City Firefighter and her mother who works in hospice. Jennifer has her B.A. in Communications and a Minor in International Economics from San Diego State University. She has always been passionate about giving back to her communities, organizing events and bringing people together to share goals and ideas. She has volunteered with the Boys & Girls Club of San Francisco, Family House San Francisco and CEPIA. Jen works in technology sales. When not working or fighting for social justice, you can find her biking, running or traveling/exploring outside with her pup.
Youth Group Co-LeadJoy Ruppert is a student activist and sophomore at San Dieguito Academy who is passionate about improving and creating a more diverse and accepting community. Adopted from China, and raised in Encinitas, Joy understands the different voices of her peers. She is passionate about changing our society and making sure all minorities are heard and feel welcomed in our community. She believes that it is important to get youth of all ages involved in social justice, in order to change our future and make sure that no one feels left behind.
Youth Group Co-LeadAya Jaffer was born in New York, New York and grew up in Rocky River, Ohio. She currently attends San Dieguito Academy as a sophomore. As the grand-daughter of Iraqi immigrants on both sides of her family, she has always been passionate about activism and social justice. She is committed to working towards a better, more diverse Encinitas.
Youth Group Co-LeadKristin is an AZ native who spent her summers on the river or in New England. She has a Bachelor’s in Psychology, Dickinson College and Master’s of Science in Social Administration (Community/Social Development), Case Western. Previous local work includes: Development Director for Ivey Ranch Park Association in Oceanside and a board member for the local non-profits Women’s Empowerment International and the Nile Sisters that help women and their families both in San Diego and globally through socio-economic and educational services. Currently, she is an Office Coordinator doing mommy-hours so she can still focus on her two amazing young boys. Living in Cardiff she is very involved with their school and the services they receive. She joined E4E and the Youth Committee due to her lifelong commitment to youth and social justice.
Community Group Co-LeadA resident of Solana Beach, Shawn is the co-founder of Solana Beach for Equality. He has been active in the San Diego community for many years and started his own nonprofit in 2014 to help minorities obtain jobs in the tech industry. He has also organized discussion forums on race in America and recently created the Sister Cities Project to help build real relationships between black and white communities throughout the United States.
Youth Group Co-LeadMyla was born and raised in Encinitas and graduated from San Dieguito Academy, Class of 2020. She is passionate about supporting our black youth, educating our community, and improving school systems in San Diego.
Reimagining Policing Group Co-LeadPatty is an Encinitas native and practicing attorney. She spends her spare time swimming, listening to podcasts, and doing puzzles. She feels strongly about doing what’s right. As John Lewis said, “When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something: you have to do something.” That’s why Patty joined this group.
Youth Group Co-LeadJordan was born and raised in the North County region of San Diego. She is passionate about making a change in our community for Black and minority youth.