Volume 39 No. 36
More in this magazine
- SOUL OF THE EMPIREVolume 39 No. 36 WSSNEWS
- THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 20252 WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER
- WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER3 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025
- THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025Holidays At Georgia's WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER
- WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER5 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025
- THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER CLASSIFIED / LEGAL SECTION
- WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPERDate: November 5, 2025 Trustee or party conducting sale:
- THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025The Salvation Army Needs 500 Turkeys for Thanksgiving Dinners
- WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPERTHURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025 CSUSB Launches New faculty Spotlight Series
- Page 10SACRAMENTO, CA--- The California Farm Water Coalition is pleased to announce the selec- tion of Michelle Paul as its next executive director. Ms. Paul will replace Mike Wade, who is retir- ing in February from his role as the Coalition's executive director, a position he has held since 1998. Ms. Paul was selected following a comprehensive statewide search led by the Coalition's executive di- rector selection committee, which considered a strong and diverse field of candidates from across California. She will join the Co- alition in mid-January and assume full responsibilities on March 1. "We were fortunate to meet with a number of exceptional individu- als who demonstrated a deep com- mitment to California agriculture and the vital role water plays in keeping our food system strong," said Greg Johnson, President of the California Farm Water Coali- tion. "We are grateful to each of the highly qualified candidates who applied. Their expertise, pas- sion, and vision were inspiring." Johnson continued, "Michelle brings nearly two decades of ex- perience working alongside farm- ers and ranchers to elevate their voices in state and federal policy conversations. Her understanding of California's agricultural land- scape paired with her strategic communications and outreach background makes her well-po- sitioned to lead the Coalition into its next chapter."
- WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPERMS PAL CHARTER ACKACHY HIGH SCHOOL
- THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 202512 WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER
Text of this page
WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025
Human Migration Institute Celebrates 10 Years of Transforming Lives at Sold-Out “Home, Hope, and Voices of Humanity” Gala
RIVERSIDE, CA--- The Human Migration Institute (HMI) marked a decade of impact on November 8, 2025, celebrating its 10th Anni- versary Gala at The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture. The sold-out evening brought together refugee families, community advocates, public officials, and long-time sup- porters to honor a decade of courage, belong- ing, and transformation.
From the moment guests walked through the doors, the atmosphere was warm, vibrant, and full of anticipation. Attendees were greeted by dedicated HMI staff and volunteers, then wel- comed into a beautifully curated reception fea- turing culturally inspired artwork, handcrafted baskets, a lively silent auction, complimentary drinks, and a photo booth that quickly became a crowd favorite.
HMI was honored with a series of recog- nitions celebrating its ten years of service and community impact. Congressman Mark Takano presented a certificate from the US Congress, followed by a county proclamation led by Riverside County Supervisor Jose Me- dina. Assemblywoman Leticia Castillo then recognized HMI for a decade of service to the community. The City of Riverside also issued an official proclamation, signed by Mayor Pa- tricia Lock-Dawson, declaring November 8 as "Human Migration Institute Day." The cel- ebration concluded with a certificate from the University of California, Riverside, signed by Chancellor Jack Hu, honoring HMI's ten years of partnership and commitment to serving the community.
Throughout the night, guests enjoyed a beau- tifully plated dinner followed by baklava as they were guided through an emotional and inspiring program that reflected the heart of HMI's work. Dr. Selin Yildiz Nielsen, Founder and President, opened the evening with pow- erful remarks about HMI's origins, its growth, and the unwavering resilience of the families it serves. The program featured moving testi- monials from refugee women whose stories of survival, education, healing, and new begin- nings filled the room with emotion. Captivat- ing singing performances by Liza Pakholchuk and Anastasia Kovaland, paired with cultural dances by Negar Haji Kamali and Melis Yurdakul, followed by a 10-Year Retrospective slideshow celebrating the more than 1,500 lives touched by HMI, moved the audience and highlighted the powerful impact of HMI's work.
"From the beginning, HMI has stood for dig- nity, hope, and the belief that every person de- serves the chance to rebuild their life," said Dr. Selin Yildiz Nielsen. "Tonight, we celebrate not only where we've been, but the shared fu- ture we are committed to building together." As the night drew to a close, guests partici- pated in a spirited silent auction and left with a renewed sense of purpose and connection. The overwhelming energy in the room reflected what HMI represents: hope, humanity, and the belief that community is built together.
As HMI enters its next decade, the organiza- tion remains dedicated to expanding its pro- grams and strengthening its mission to ensure every newcomer has the support, tools, and community they need to thrive.
For more information about the Human Mi- gration Institute and its ongoing work, visit www.hmir.org or contact [email protected]