Thursday events will be held in person. If weather is inclement, please check back here for any location changes.
Parking Information
Good news! You can park for free in the West Lot on Wednesday, and you can park for free in the East Campus lot on Thursday.
Join us for the 2025 Diversity in Culture Festival this April, 2025. More information coming soon!
Wednesday, April 9
ASL interpreting may be available for Zoom events.
Career Fair & Job Expo
Looking for a job or internship? Meet employers, ask questions, and make valuable connections at the Job Expo! Dress to impress, bring your resume, and take the next step toward your future.
Career Fair & Job Expo | Wednesday, April 9 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Bookstore Quad
Sacred Sites of the Comanche and Chumash Cultures with Pete Zavalla
8:30 am-9:45 am – MCE 226 & Zoom
Pete “Crow Heart” Zavalla is a Comanche Native, and through his 50-plus year affiliation with the Santa Ynez Reservation in Santa Barbara County, remains the Indigenous Liaison for Los Padres National Forest. In this presentation, Pete will draw upon his experiences, and cultures to share about the importance of preserving local and regional sacred sites of which there are many that remain threatened. Hosted by Professor Michael Ward.
Join Pete “Crow Heart” Zavalla via Zoom or in MCE 226
“Special Student Success Strategies and More” - Student Panel hosted by Professor Steve Turner
9:00 am-10:00 am- LRC 128 & Zoom
Enjoy an inspiring panel of diverse students who have overcome obstacles and broken barriers on their path to success. This interactive session features current and former Ventura College students sharing their stories of resilience, perseverance, and optimism in the face of adversity.
Join Steve Turner on Special Student Success Strategies via Zoom or in LRC 128
Graphic Novelist, Henry Barajas
9:00 am-10:00 am via Zoom
Henry Barajas is a comic book author who has written the graphic novel La Voz De M.A.Y.O.: Tata Rambo, and the series Helm Greycastle. He has written issues of Batman and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, among others, and is currently co-authoring The Green Hornet/ Miss Fury with Alex Segura and writing the ongoing comic strip Gil Thorp. Recently New York City Public Schools commissioned and published the comic book Historias de Resistencia: Dolores Huerta and the Plight of the Farm Workers and Union Organizers that is now part of the district's class curriculum. Later this year Henry will publish a Chicano-noir comic book, Death to Pachuco. Hosted by Professor David Carlander.
The Gender Spectrum with Celia Daniels
10:00 am-11:00 am – MCE 226 & Zoom
Celia Sandaya Daniels will present an insightful discussion on gender fluidity and Identity. Hosted by Professors Mariana Branda-Gherardi and Gigi Fiumerodo
Join Celia Daniels via Zoom or in MCE 226
Ariadna Romero Ayala-Herbalism & Indigenous Healing Ways
11:30 am-12:45 pm- MCE 226 & Zoom
In this presentation, local herbalist Aris Romero will highlight the rich traditions of herbalism and Indigenous healing practices. We will explore how plants support the mind, body, and spirit through a holistic approach to wellness. The presentation will conclude with a focus on Indigenous healing and its deep connection to nature, community, and spirituality. Hosted by Professor Mariana Branda- Gherardi
Join Ariadna Romero Ayala via Zoom or in MCE 226
Personal Roots, Professional Growth: How Cultural Connection Shapes a Career with Ana Luisa Nogueira
11:30 am-12:45 pm LRC 128 and Zoom
This talk will explore how embracing our complex identities can help us to find unique strengths, cultivate connections, develop career and support communities. Join Ana Luiza Nogueira, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Brazilian immigrant as she shares about her journey of migration, higher education, community service, and career in mental health. Hosted by Professor Steve Turner and Professor Ioana Schmidt.
Join Ana Luisa Nogueira via Zoom or in LRC 128
De-stress: Pet a Mini Horse
12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Lawn by Guthrie Hall
Miniature horses are coming to Ventura College! Stop by to pet, brush, and spend time with these gentle animals. Interacting with animals has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and promote feelings of connection and trust—so come enjoy some therapeutic time with these friendly minis!
Mindfulness, Creativity, and Identity with Tina Doley Carlson
1:00-2:00 – Zoom
Discover how mindfulness and creativity can loosen labels and ideas we may have of others and ourselves. Tina Doley Carlson is a certified mindfulness teacher who has worked regularly with UCLA’s Mindful Awareness Research Center. This workshop will address how both mindfulness and creativity can give us insights, a sense of appreciation, and a chance to explore how we navigate the world, with greater awareness of our senses, emotions, and thought patterns. We will observe our typical responses, recognize, and work with our inner critic, let go of expectations, see things in a new way, tap into creativity and flow, and connect with community.
Join Tina Doley Carlson via Zoom
Small Teaching as Inclusive Teaching: Classroom Strategies for Welcome, Belonging, and Support with James M. Lang (Professional Development)
2:00-3:15 Zoom
Research from the learning sciences and from a variety of educational settings suggests that a small number of key principles can support student learning and well-being in any type of college or university course; this research also reveals that many "small teaching" strategies we can in our courses align with the principles of inclusive teaching. Drawn from Jim’s bestselling book Small Teaching, this session will introduce some of those principles, offer practical suggestions for how they might foster positive change for all students in our courses, and guide faculty participants to consider how these principles might manifest themselves in their current and upcoming courses.
Thursday, April 10
ASL interpreting may be available for Stage events and keynote speaker Reyna Grande.
Main Stage/ Festival Area
Host for the Day: Musical artist, performer, mentor, speaker, published author and philanthropist, Sade Champagne!
Opening Remarks from VC President Dr. Claudia Lourido Habib
8:30 a.m. - Main Stage
Julie Tumamait - Stenslie
8:30-9:00 – Main Stage
Opening of 9th Annual Diversity in Culture festival with Chumash leader and local activist Julie Tumamait-Stenslie.
Danza Azteca Xochipilli
9:00-9:40 – Main Stage
Traditional Aztec dance performance presenting the culture, color, spirit and rhythms of native MesoAmerican cultures.
Bobby Hart Band
10:00-10:40 – Main Stage
Bobby Hart and his band deliver a dynamic fusion of blues guitar and classic American rock vocals. Having played alongside some of the greats of our time, Bobby—a local treasure and returning Ventura College student—will bring an electrifying, cross-cultural mix of music to the festival.
Reyna Grande - The Distance Between Us
10:00-11:15 – ASC 150
Bestselling author of The Distance Between Us, Reyna Grande, shares her powerful journey as an undocumented child immigrant from Mexico. Don’t miss this opportunity to be moved and inspired by her writing journey!
Los So-Lows
11:00-11:40 – Main Stage
Los So-Lows is a soul band from Oxnard, California. Their goal is to make and highlight the importance of Soul music. From dropping records to hosting community driven concerts and events, they aim to lead the next generation of soul artists while paying homage to the legends of the past.
Special performance by the VC Voices
12:00 -12:30 LRC Lobby
Enjoy our own Ventura College singers, led by music Professor Brent Wilson as they perform in the LRC Lobby.
Ventura College Jazz Ensemble
12:00-12:40 – Main Stage
Come listen to our own Jazz Ensemble led by Professor Fundi Legohn.
Announcement of Art Contest winner
12:45 – Main Stage
The VC Art Department will announce the art contest winner for the 2026 Diversity in Culture festival. The artwork will be featured on the poster for next year’s event.
Poetry Slam
1:00-2:30- Main Stage
VC students will deliver their own poetry in a poetic competition for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place cash prizes, sponsored by the ASVC. This year’s theme is Theme: The Stories We Leave Behind: Legacies That Endure
VC Folklorico Club
2:30-3:30 – Main Stage
Join the Ventura College Folklorico Club for a lively performance of traditional danza folklorico.
Classroom Presentations
Defining your Identity
10:00-11:00– MCE 347
Understanding the Ancient Sun Stone of the Aztec Calendar with James Vega Maestro Jaime Vega will discuss the Aztec sun stone calendar. Not many people realize the vital information that can be received from the sun stone calendar. When used properly, the sun stone can be used to help students realize their full potential in life and access their career possibilities. Participants will learn about the day they were born, also known as “TonaLi” and receive a handout. Hosted by Professor Daniella Graves.
History of the Viking Culture with Jaan Calderon
11:30-12:30-MCE 226
Jaan Calderon will present on the history and culture of the Vikings and provide an interactive experience.
Irish Culture and Music with Dennis Doyle
10:00-11:00 AND 11:30-12:30 – MCW 216
Dennis plays the Celtic harp beautifully while he sings and tells stories about Irish culture. More than just a harp concert, this presentation is an entertaining glimpse into Ireland’s history and people. Dennis is a tenured Glendale Community College professor of Humanities who teaches a course in Irish History and Literature. Hosted by Professor Robert Porter
Facing Challenges with Optimism and Humor with Carol Leish
11:30-12:30- ASC 150
Author, educator, and local journalist, Carol will present on mental health, and well- being. She wrote, ‘The Joy of Living Optimally,’ for the 2024 ‘LiveWell,’ by the Ventura Human Service Agency and the Ventura Area Agency on Aging.Hosted by Professor Steve Turner
Representation Matters in the Workforce
12:00-1:00 - Career Center/ Student Services Building
Tell your Story! You have a story to tell but do you know how to tell it? In this session, you will learn how to tell your personal statement, identify your strengths, confidently speak on the multicultural wealth you bring, and how to articulate your career goals to help you shine as you interview and network. Light Refreshments will be served.
In the Festival Village:
Christina Tran- cartoonist
Christina Tran has been making webcomics since 2014 and self-publishing zines since 2015. Her tender, autobiographical comics and essays invite us into re-remembering who we are and what we know. Her art practices draw from roots of design, education, and community weaving. Find her online at Sodelightful, her essays on place and (be)longing at WanderingGrace or in-person at renegade community art spaces.