UPCOMING SPEAKERS
April 22, 2025 Club Meeting Speaker #1
Speaker: Christina LeRoy
Organization: Moms Demand Action
Speaker Info: Christina has been involved with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America for the past 7 years. For the last 40 years, she has worked as a teacher and speech-language pathologist. She has also been a representative for the San Bernardino Teachers Association, a local delegate for 7 National Education Association Representative Assemblies, AND she is currently an alternate for our own San Bernardino County Democratic Central Committee.
Topic: Christina LeRoy from Moms Demand Action will be giving a 10-minute presentation on gun safety at our monthly meeting. Christina is passionate about keeping people — especially our children and schools — safe from gun violence through education and legislation.
Links: https://momsdemandaction.org/
April 22, 2025 Club Meeting Speaker #2
Speaker: Melissa Ochoa
Candidate For: California Democratic Party (CDP) Region 11
Speaker Info: University of La Verne ‘22 Political Science B.A.
Melissa Ochoa, who previously worked alongside a coalition of individuals and successfully elected local progressive candidates to High Desert seats, is running for Regional Director for District 11. She has obtained a Political Science degree from the University of La Verne, and a Paralegal Studies A.A. from Victor Valley College. She was also the Vice President of the Progressives of Victor Valley College, hosting various events such as a Voter Registration Drive. Since then, Melissa has volunteered with various local candidates within the area.
Melissa feels incredibly passionate about this role, and is excited to do the work she had been doing in the region for the past decade. She has worked hands-on with the city of Victorville, engaging in public discussions with our leaders regarding the unhoused crisis in the area and advocating for the creation of Victorville’s Wellness Center.
Melissa is also an outspoken advocate for immigrant justice, working for and volunteering with organizations such as the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice and CHIRLA (IE Branch). She has worked for I.E. United as a Lead Canvasser during their ‘Ready Rep’ campaign, and ‘Know Your Rights’.
Given her success as a campaign manager, she hopes to bring more progressive elected officials to represent our constituents who will advocate for what matters. She is ready to step-up, and take her organizing skills to the next level.
Topic: Candidate Melissa Ochoa for California Democratic Party (CDP) Region 11 Director
Links:
– Website: Currently under construction! Look for an update in the next coming week on FB.
– Facebook – Melissa Ochoa for Regional Director District 11
– Instagram – @melissa4thehd
– Contact Info: Melissa4cadem11@gmail.com, #909-521-1128
May 27, 2025 Club Meeting Speaker #1
Speaker: Sue Walker
Organization: Mountain Homeless Coalition
Speaker Info: Sue Walker has been a resident of the mountain for 19 years. She was an elementary school teacher for 28 years on the East Coast. She led two non-profits – one for young children and the second for seniors! Sue writes grants for the Mt. Homeless Coalition and serves as president. She represents Mt. Homeless Coalition on the Continuum of Care Board which oversees the funding for the county homeless.
Topic: Who is homeless and why? How the Mt.Homeless Coalition helps the homeless from Crestline to Big Bear: Emergency Shelter; Permanent Housing; Eviction Prevention.
Links: https://www.mountainhomelesscoalition.com/
May 27, 2025 Club Meeting Speaker #2
Speaker: Tessa Lynn Hodge
Candidate For: Congress – House of Representative for California’s 23rd District
Speaker Info: Tessa Lynn Hodge is a lifelong resident of the High Desert and Congressional District 23. She holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work from California State University San Bernardino and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Tessa owns a private practice and also works for SAC Health, a nonprofit organization that provides medical and mental health services to rural and underserved communities. Throughout her career, Tessa has dedicated herself to giving back to the community she grew up in. She is now running for Congress to be a true voice for District 23—someone who understands the community deeply because she is a part of the community.
Topic: Candidate Tessa Lynn Hodge for House of Representative for California’s 23rd District
Links: Candidate Website: https://tessaforca.com/
PAST SPEAKERS
March 25, 2025 Club Meeting
Speaker: Seta Ghazarian
Candidate For: California Democratic Party (CDP) Region 11
Speaker Info: Seta Ghazarian is running for reelection to continue serving as the CDP Region 11 Director.
Topic: Candidate Seta Ghazarian for California Democratic Party (CDP) Region 11 Director
Links: CDP Region 11
– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seta4cdp11/
– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seta4cdp11/
