Program & Events

Explore Programs Offered by The California Endowment

Programming designed to convene, build solidarity and create a connective tool to uplift voices in community for social change.

Watch select events below!

CalEndow Live

CalEndow Live is the public programs arm of The California Endowment. With health and racial equity at the center of our programming, CalEndow Live offers inclusive and topical lectures, roundtable discussions, film screenings, critical conversations with authors, educators, organizers, activists and artists, and through town halls and creative experiences.

Calendow Live is open for all and free for the public good.

Upcoming Events:

Gloria Steinem

A Lifetime of Feminism, Organizing, and Social Change

March 7, 20246:00 – 7:00 p.m. PST

Feminist activist Gloria Steinem will join CalEndow Live on March 7 to discuss the ongoing struggle for women’s equality and her life’s work as a writer, organizer, and early advocate for inclusiveness in social justice movements.

A co-founder of Ms. Magazine, Steinem has been at the leading edge of feminist action in the United States for most of her life. She helped create The Women’s Action Alliance, National Women’s Political Caucus, Women’s Media Center, Voters for Choice, and many other well-known advocacy organizations fighting for equal pay, reproductive justice, and political representation.

During this hour-long event moderated by TCE’s Manal Aboelata, Northern California Managing Director, Steinem will discuss the current state of the feminist movement in the United States and share her candid feelings about the rollback of abortion rights and the wave of anti-feminist and anti-LGBTQ legislation in the United States and globally.

Past Events

Justin J. Pearson: Expelled and Returned!

On February 8 at 6:00 p.m. PT, Tennessee Representative Justin J. Pearson will join CalEndow Live to share reflections on his expulsion from the state legislature and the strong community support that returned him to office. In a conversation moderated by Marisol Aviña, The California Endowment’s Director of Public Affairs, Pearson will explain why he continues to advocate for common-sense gun laws.

Watch Recording

Cheech Marin: Art, Comedy, and the Future of the Chicano Rights Movement

On September 18, award-winning actor, comedian, and art collector Cheech Marin joined CalEndow Live for a virtual event moderated by Michele Siqueiros. During their hour-long conversation Cheech told stories from his 50-year career in entertainment, described his passion for Chicano art, and shared many laughs with our live audience. Most of Cheech’s collection is housed at The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture at the Riverside Art Museum. Plan your visit to “The Cheech” today!

Watch Recording

Jane Fonda: A Lifetime of Activism

On April 11, 2023, actor and activist Jane Fonda joined CalEndow Live to discuss her political and social activism and commitment to issues including climate justice and gender equality. In a conversation moderated by California Endowment Board Member Kiah Williams, Jane also shared how friendships with pioneering feminist leaders shaped her ideology and approach to building social movements.

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Black Prophetic Fire with Dr. Cornel West

On February 27, 2023, Dr. Cornel West joined CalEndow Live for a special Black History Month program moderated by Dr. Robert K. Ross, President and CEO of The California Endowment. Dr. West shared memories of his upbringing in Sacramento and answered many questions from our live virtual audience about leadership, philosophy, and the state of Black America.

Watch Recording

DeRay Mckesson: Building Power for Racial Equity

The Race to Vaccinate: Protecting the most vulnerable Californians from COVID-19

On March 25, 2021, a panel of esteemed health care experts discussed systemic inequities in health care, the efficiency and safety of COVID-19 vaccines, and the medical community’s role in building trust with communities of color. Speakers: Dr. Kupiri Ackerman-Barger, Dr. David Tom Cooke, and Dr. Zola Afua Mansa Chihombori Quao. Moderator, Dr. Tony Iton.

Watch Recording

Advancing Health Equity Awards & Workshop

Advancing Health Equity Awards honor local California public health departments who are exploring new territory and developing bold strategies to build power for health and racial equity. They showcase and reward public health department practices—with awards totaling $175,000 the first two cycles, and $235,000 the third cycle—that can inform and shape future health and racial equity work.

The Advancing Health Equity Workshop is designed for California-based public health practitioners who believe in fundamentally transforming how we approach health creation in this country. Practitioners gather to learn, support and inspire one another, and share innovative strategies that can build community voice and power for the health of all Californians.

Our intention is to hold the Awards every two years and the workshop yearly. Given how the Corona Virus is changing our social landscape, the Planning Committee is evaluating how best to bring public health practitioners together.

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Youth Awards 2024

Across the state, young people are standing at the frontlines, taking action, and leading conversations to create lasting change that will lead to a more equitable and healthy future. The Youth Awards, created in 2018, recognize and celebrate the young changemakers and youth-allied organizations that have made a tremendous impact on improving the health of their communities and across the state of California.

Award recipients are youth leaders between the ages of 13 and 26 whose actions impact public policies, create innovative models of service, strengthen local institutions, and inspire youth power in communities across California.

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The 2024 Youth Awards Nominations are Closed

Thanks to each of you who took the time to nominate. We are now diligently working on selecting the winners from an incredible pool of nominees. Stay connected for the upcoming announcement.

Learn about the Youth Awards