“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 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 WJC’s mission to empower the next generation of peacemakers, Alan fostered inclusive spaces for students to share their experiences, work 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 Azusa Unified 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 WJC’s support, Azusa Unified 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 phase of our partnership ends, WJC is 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. We are confident that AUSD’s staff, students, and families will continue to nurture and expand this work, keeping the spirit of conflict resolution education alive and thriving.