Persist Founder, Denise Davis,who also serves as Assistant Director of Advocacy and Institutional Relations at UCR and is a member of the Redlands City Council opens the 8th Annual Persist Women's Political Engagement Conference at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
Persist Founder, Denise Davis,who also serves as Assistant Director of Advocacy and Institutional Relations at UCR and is a member of the Redlands City Council opens the 8th Annual Persist Women's Political Engagement Conference at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. (Photo: S. E. Williams, BVN)

Overview: The 8th Annual Persist Women’s Political Engagement Conference was held at the University of California, Riverside, bringing together women and their male supporters from across the region. The conference aimed to inspire women to get more involved at every level of government, and featured high-powered speakers, informative panels, and breakout sessions. The conference has been held since 2017 and has equipped students and inland area residents with practical ways to get involved in their local community and move the causes they care about forward in the world.

Ellen Perrault

Women and their male supporters from across the region gathered at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) on Tuesday, November 4, for the 8th Annual Persist Women’s Political Engagement Conference. 

Those in attendance came from disparate backgrounds and most certainly have different missions in life. However, whether they desire to run for public office; are committed to supporting the mission of a local non profit; are lobbying for a particular cause; or are fueled with a strong desire to be of service to their local communities in other ways—the conference offered something for everyone. 

As noted by Persist Founder Denise Davis,who also serves as Assistant Director of Advocacy and Institutional Relations at UCR and is a member of the Redlands City Council, the conference brought together students, scholars, elected officials, and those who work in the non-profit arena all with a single focus—to inspire women to get more involved at every level of government.

This year’s conference featured a selection of informative panels and a slate of high-powered speakers including State Senator Sabrina Cervantes (District 31); Dr. Noemí Hernández Alexander, Riverside Unified School District Board Member; Connie Leyva, Executive Director of KVCR, and Erin Edwards, Executive Director of Blue Zone Project, Riverside.

Since its inaugural event in 2017, also the first of its kind in the region, the Persist Conference has strived to prepare women for engagement in the political realm. This is accomplished through programming that equips students and inland area residents with “practical ways to get involved in their local community and move the causes they care about forward in the world.”

Panel discussions included a conversation with nonprofit leaders from across the region titled, “ The Power of Collective Advocacy.” This panel discussed issues related to health policy and the power of working collectively on common causes. The panel not only focused  on the value of collective advocacy but also the importance of meeting basic needs for health and safety, lifelong learning, and humane housing, as well as meaningful work and wealth, highlighting how all of these topics are a part of the community’s health narrative.

Health panelists Dr. Candy Curiel, EdD, LMFT, Senior Clinical Director, Pacific Clinics; Patricia Etem, Vice President Southern CA & Coachella Valley, Health Career Connection; Daniela Romero, Community Engagement Specialist – Perris, TrueCare and moderator Regina Weatherspoon-Bell, Vice Chair, IEHP Foundation | Founder, DVL Project, engaged in conversation during the 8th Annual Persist Women’s Political Engagement Conference at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. (Photo: S. E. Williams, BVN)

Another panel, The Power of the Press, discussed the importance of local media as a trusted source of information. Panelists shared how social media has changed the news arena and the impact of artificial intelligence. Panelists also shared the importance of learning to navigate an information landscape steeped with mis- and dis-information. In light of the many pressing issues facing the nation and the IE community, panelists further stressed the importance of collaboration among local media via the Inland Empire Journalism Innovation Hub & Fund. Black Voice News executive editor, Stephanie Williams, participated as part of this panel along with Denise Berver, Co-Owner & Publisher, IECN and Stephanie Hastings-Miranda, Founder and Publisher, Community Forward Redlands News.

The Power of the Press panelists Black Voice News executive editor, Stephanie Williams, Denise Berver, Co-Owner & Publisher, IECN and Stephanie Hastings-Miranda, Founder and Publisher, Community Forward Redlands News, pose for a portrait during the 8th Annual Persist Women’s Political Engagement Conference at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. (Photo: S. E. Williams, BVN)

The day included several breakout sessions where attendees were encouraged to explore meaningful topics while networking with other committed participants. 

Throughout the day, speakers, panelists, and participants shared 

insightful stories, personal and professional experiences intended to inform, inspire and empower those in attendance. 

As noted by Davis, at a time when community engagement is more important than ever, the conference enlightens and empowers women to get engaged in the political arena. Follow this link to learn more. #PersistUCR

Ellen Perrault is retired and works occasionally as a freelance writer who contributes to publications in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Her primary focus is preparing/reformatting press releases and other public announcements–both municipal and nonprofit–for publication.