Bringing an Arizona perspective to national issues of justice
The Seeking Justice in Arizona Fall Lecture Series, now in its 19th year, brings in experts from our local communities to discuss critical national issues in an Arizona context. Each lecture is followed by a question and answer period and time to interact with the speaker informally. These events are free and open to the public. Read more about the 2023 series here!
All talks take place virtually (Zoom Webinar) and the recordings are posted on the SST YouTube page.
Watch previous sessions below!
Fall 2023 Speakers and Talks
September 6: "Complexities in Cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People"
Click here to view the recording
Jennifer Jermaine, San Marcos Justice in Chandler, Arizona
Jennifer Jermaine won election to the San Marcos Justice Precinct in 2022 and took her oath of office on January 3rd, 2023. Judge Jermaine comes to the Bench after two terms in the Arizona State Legislature. There, she served on the Government, Elections Reform, and Military and Veterans Affairs committees. She is a first-generation descendant of the White Earth Nation and chaired Arizona’s Study Committee on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Jermaine has a BA in International Business from San Diego State University, an MPA (Public Administration) from Arizona State University, and spent years in the nonprofit sector helping people start and succeed in small businesses. She and her family live in Chandler.
Jermaine will reflect on her pursuit of justice for murdered and missing Indigenous people through local, state, and federal legislative and community-based efforts. Drawing on her family's personal experiences, her efforts include, for example, raising public awareness about the multiple generational effects of the disproportionate rate of violence against Indigenous women and girls.
Wednesday, September 6th, 2023
October 23: "Advancing Disability Rights”
Click here to view the recording
J.J. Rico, Chief Executive Officer, Arizona Center for Disability Law
J.J. Rico is the Chief Executive Officer at the Arizona Center for Disability Law which is the protection and advocacy agency in Arizona. Prior to becoming the CEO, J.J worked as ACDL’s Litigation Director and as a staff attorney. His legal work focused on the employment and access provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. J.J. has also represented individuals with disabilities before both State and Federal Courts and administrative agencies.
Rico will explain why he pursues disability justice through the legal enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and how these local and national efforts have changed - and stayed the same - since the ADA went into effect thirty-three years ago. He also will share his personal story about why this work matters to him, and what he sees as next steps and other avenues for the disability rights and justice movement, given the possibilities and constraints associated with cause lawyering and litigation.
Monday, October 23, 2023
1:30 pm - 2:45 pm
November 13: Redefining Laundromats: Building Connected Communities for Economic Justice
Click here to view the recording.
Christy Moore, Founder & Owner of Social Spin, Inc. & Glynda Henderson, Chief Changemaker for the Social Spin Foundation
Christy Moore is Founder & Owner of Social Spin, Inc., both a profit-driven laundry service and an award-winning social justice enterprise. Social Spin locations are safe, trusted community centers where customers can do more than their laundry. Social Spin brings nonprofit partners to Social Spin locations, to provide care, services and employment assistance and opportunities. Christy recently expanded this mission through the creation of the Social Spin Foundation, a nonprofit committed to ensuring that everyone has access to clean clothes. Christy has served at the helm of numerous local, statewide and national nonprofits for two decades. Her focuses have included equipping the unemployed and underemployed, empowering victims of violence, protecting women’s reproductive rights and increasing civic engagement. Christy has a master of social work, is a certified Emergenetics Associate and an AEI Leadership Network Fellow. She received GPCC’s Athena Young Professional Award, Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award, National Association of Women Business Owners - Phoenix Business Impact Award, ONE’s Organizational Accomplishment and Innovation Award, YWCA’s Advocacy Award. Passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion, Christy serves as a board director for Achieving My Purpose, a nonprofit organization that empowers young women of color to embrace and achieve their purpose. She also serves as board president for the newly formed Social Spin Foundation. She and her husband Mitchell have been pursuing passions together for 15 years, and love being an Auntie and Uncle!
Glynda Henderson's remarkable journey blends a distinguished IBM career with entrepreneurial success, but her true qualification lies in understanding human belonging. Her fulfillment comes from moments of making others feel seen and valued. As an African American woman, she dismantles barriers for marginalized communities. Inspired by Social Spin's transformative power and the kindness of the homeless, Glynda returned from retirement. Her advice to her younger self is to embrace authenticity fearlessly. Crucial to her growth is her friend Jean, who introduced her to spirituality as a way of life. This journey shaped her interactions, making her more giving and accepting. Glynda Henderson embodies change, driven by inclusivity, kindness, and genuine connections
Join this discussion to discover how purpose-driven laundromats are catalysts for healthy, engaged communities, offering safe spaces where neighbors connect and access vital resources, including clean clothes. Learn about the synergy between the benefit corporation, Social Spin, Inc., and the nonprofit Social Spin Foundation, working together to ensure universal access to essentials. Explore economic justice and community empowerment with Moore and the Foundation's Chief Changemaker Glynda Henderson.
Monday, November 13, 2023
1:30 pm - 2:45 pm