Alan Ramirez

“Being selected as an Empower Gala honoree is deeply meaningful because it reminds me that student voices matter and is a testament that young people can create real change in their communities.”

Alan Ramirez, a recent Azusa High School graduate, served as President of the Azusa High School Student Union, where he championed student rights and amplified the perspectives of students from all backgrounds.

In alignment with Western Justice Center’s mission to empower the next generation of changemakers, Alan’s leadership has fostered inclusive spaces for students to share their experiences, collaborate with school leaders, and drive positive change in their community.

As a member of the ACLU Youth Liberty Squad, Alan furthered his passion for advocacy, justice, and civic engagement, and remains dedicated to advancing education, health equity, and opportunities for underrepresented communities.

Celebrating Transformative Partnership: Western Justice Center and Azusa Unified School District

For more than seven years, the partnership between AUSD and WJC has been a powerful force for positive change in Southern California schools. What began as a bold experiment—a small group of students and two administrators at one middle school—has blossomed into a district-wide movement for restorative justice and peer mediation. Together, we’ve proven that when students and adults co-create school culture, real transformation is possible.

With Western Justice Center’s support, AUSD set out to center relationships, racial justice, and restorative practices—not as checkboxes, but as a living, breathing part of each school’s identity. Through our collaboration, we have provided students and staff with the tools and training needed to resolve conflicts, build strong relationships, and nurture a culture of inclusion and respect.

As this formal chapter of our partnership sunsets, we are proud to pass the torch to Azusa Unified. The foundation we’ve built together is strong: community circles will continue, mediations will carry on, and the culture of peace will endure for generations. We are confident that AUSD’s staff, students, and families will continue to nurture and expand this work, keeping the spirit of restorative justice alive and thriving.