Other Initiatives

Other Initiatives

At EJIE, we believe in the power of community and welcome ideas for building events that bring people together. Visit our co-sponsorship form to share your ideas and collaborate with us on creating memorable experiences for our community. Let's work together to make a positive impact! 

Explore examples of past co-sponsored community building events below to get inspired.

Photo collage featuring EJIE co-sponsored community events, including Merced LitFest, the Merced County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Installation Dinner, an MMIP awareness program, and a UC Merced UpStart cultural performance.

Latino Physicians Day Celebration

In 2026, EJIE collaborated with MedEd to commemorate Latino Physicians Day and celebrate the contributions of Latino physicians in healthcare. The event featured Dr. Galvez, a nationally recognized physician and advocate for Latino representation in medicine, who shared his journey from a low-income, first-generation college student to a leader in healthcare. Through a fireside chat and interactive Q&A, students, faculty, and community members explored pathways to careers in medicine, the importance of representation, and the need for culturally and linguistically responsive care. The event also highlighted health disparities in the Central Valley and inspired future generations of students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in healthcare and become changemakers in their communities. Read UCM's Newsroom article about the event.

Photo collage from a National Latino Physician Day event. Images show participants posing with a certificate of recognition, group photos of organizers and attendees, and a presentation on the importance of Latino representation in healthcare. The event celebrated the contributions of Latino physicians and encouraged future generations to pursue careers in medicine.

Women's History Month Celebration

As part of 2026 Women’s History Month, UC Merced brought the campus community together for an evening of connection, reflection, and celebration led by Guadalupe Naranjo. The event featured tabling from women-led clubs and organizations, creating opportunities for students, staff, and faculty to connect with campus resources and one another. The program also featured a keynote presentation and Q&A with leadership coach and speaker Adrienne Ross, who shared insights on leadership, identity, resilience, and authenticity. Through meaningful conversation and storytelling, the event celebrated the contributions of women while encouraging participants to reflect on their own leadership and purpose. The event was presented in collaboration with the Office of Student Involvement, Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, Career Center, Athletics, and the Chancellor’s Advisory Council on the Status of Women.

Photo collage from a Women’s History Month event at UC Merced. Images show a speaker presenting from a podium, attendees gathered for a luncheon and discussion, a presentation screen recognizing Women’s History Month, and a display table featuring books and educational resources.

Native and Indigenous Storytelling

EJIE supported a campus visit from Shuí­na Skó, a Klamath two-spirit spoken word poet, storyteller, and culture sharer, organized by Christa Fraser, Elizabeth McMunn-Tetangco, Mahea LaRosa, Paul Gibbons, and Susan Varnot. Through a spoken word reading and Q&A, Skó brought Native and Indigenous perspectives to campus while creating space to explore identity, cultural preservation, storytelling, and community. The event provided meaningful representation for Native and Indigenous students and encouraged connections between UC Merced, local communities, and tribal communities. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with Indigenous stories and perspectives while learning about the ways creative expression, independent publishing, libraries, technology, and social media can support the preservation and evolution of culture.

Photo collage from a Native and Indigenous Storytelling event at UC Merced. Images show speakers presenting at a podium, audience members participating in discussion, and event presenters sharing stories and perspectives. The program highlighted the role of storytelling in preserving knowledge, culture, history, and community connections.

Filipino Food Festival

EJIE supported the Filipino Faculty & Staff Association’s Filipino Food Festival in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month. The event brought the campus community together through traditional Filipino cuisine while highlighting Filipino American history, culture, and contributions. More than a cultural celebration, the festival created opportunities for students to connect with Filipino faculty and staff, build community, and learn about mentorship and support available throughout their academic journey.

Photo collage from a Filipino Food Festival at UC Merced. Images show attendees serving and enjoying Filipino dishes, participants gathering for group photos, and community members connecting during a cultural celebration.

Womyn's Herstory Appreciation

EJIE co-sponsored a Womyn's Herstory Month event with Residence Education. During the event residents listened to a presentation honoring womyn's contributions. They then created appreciation tokens, including a gift bag with a journal, washcloth, and handwritten card, either for a woman in their life or themselves. This event aligned with EJIE's vision of honoring women's achievements, educating residents about their impact, and offering resources for support.

Students waiting in line to selected goodies to put together a self care bag for a womyn in their lives.