Program & Events
Explore Programs Offered by The California Endowment
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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 Event
Fighting for Justice in Work and in Life
John Leguizamo:Actor, writer, and producer John Leguizamo will join CalEndow Live on April 29 to speak about his work as an activist and entertainer. Leguizamo is one of Hollywood’s most outspoken critics of limited roles and leads for Latinos in casting, and he has been a strong voice about the mass deportations taking place across the country. As an actor, Leguizamo has appeared in more than 100 films, including musicals, comedies, and action-adventure classics. He has also earned awards for his work on stage as a writer and performer, including his one-person shows Freak (1998), Ghetto Klown (2011), and Latin History for Morons (2018).
Register today!Past Events
Brenda Solórzano: Meet Our New President and CEO
The California Endowment’s new President and CEO joined CalEndow Live on November 19 to share her thoughts on philanthropy, her hopes for California, and her excitement about returning to her home state. This hourlong conversation highlighted many of the most important issues facing California and featured great questions submitted by our live virtual audience.
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Cristela Alonzo: Laugh and Learn
On September 18, writer, actor, advocate, and stand-up comedian Cristela Alonzo joined CalEndow Live for an insightful and funny conversation. She discussed her groundbreaking career and shared how her experiences in a close-knit first-generation immigrant family inspire her to work for change. The virtual event highlighted The California Endowment’s celebration of National Hispanic American Heritage Month and was moderated by board member María Blanco. Cristela is the first Latina to create, write, and star in her own major network sitcom, Cristela. Exploring Latino culture and skewering Latino stereotypes are pillars of her sitcom and her two Netflix comedy specials: Lower Classy and Middle Classy. Cristela is currently touring nationwide to perfect a third hourlong special, Upper Classy. A recording of the conversation with Cristela is available online.
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LGBTQ Pride Month with Elliot Page
CalEndow Live celebrated LGBTQ Pride Month with a virtual event featuring Elliot Page. The inspirational discussion on June 27 was moderated by board member Kris Hayashi. It was a fascinating discussion and the audience heard Elliot’s perspective on the importance of gender-affirming health care and his advice about supporting friends and family members coming out as transgender.
We are grateful Elliot joined CalEndow Live for this important conversation and appreciate audience members for asking so many thoughtful questions and sharing their support enthusiastically during the event.
Gloria Steinem: A Lifetime of Feminism, Organizing, and Social Change
Feminist activist Gloria Steinem joined 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 the event moderated by The California Endowment’s Manal Aboelata, Steinem discussed the current state of the feminist movement in the United States and shared her candid feelings about the rollback of abortion rights, the importance of civic engagement, and the wave of anti-feminist and anti-LGBTQ legislation in the United States and globally.
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.
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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!
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Unveiling Our 2024 Annual Report
The California Endowment is proud to present our 2024 annual report. Read about the work we are supporting and our partners who are changing California to a state of belonging and inclusion.
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