This month End Child Poverty California powered by GRACE’s own Yesenia Jimenez was one of seven leaders given the Building the California Dream Alliance Rising Star award. Building the California Dream Alliance is a coalition of more than 60 progressive organizations that have joined together to build a California where everyone has a shot at the California Dream.

The Rising Star Award recognizes those proven to be justice champions through their courageous advocacy. Rising Stars have shown a passion for equality and justice both within their organization and in external partnerships.  Regina Banks, Director of the Lutheran Office of Public Policy- California, and member of the California Dream Alliance celebrated the award recipients exclaiming, “We are celebrating with gratitude the leadership that is already here, already moving, and already shaping the future of this work.”

Along with Jimenez, the Rising Star Award was also awarded to Asha Sharma from The Leadership Councel for Justice and Accountability, Lucy Lee from Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Vanessa Orozco from Golden State Opportunity, Johan Cardenas from California Pan-Ethnic Health Network, Shazzy Kamali from Legal Aid at Work, and Keely O’Brien from Western Center on Law and Poverty.

We see your effort, your courage, your creativity, your dedication, resilience, passion, vision, integrity, boldness, perseverance, wisdom, innovation, and compassion.
This is how justice moves forward with fresh fire.

Regina Banks, Director of the Lutheran Office of Public Policy- California, and member of the California Dream Alliance

Jimenez expressed that she is deeply humbled and honored to receive this award from leaders in the movement. “This recognition is not just mine—it belongs to the family, community, and mentors who have supported me every step of the way. From those who entrusted me to lead research, to those who challenged me to ask bolder questions, and others who amplified my work and advocacy—I am grateful beyond words. I want to especially acknowledge Jessica Bartholow, Patricia Baker, Christopher Sanchez, Michael Lucien, and Shimica Gaskins for their unwavering mentorship and belief in me.”

Jimenez has worked with legislators, research institutions, labor unions, and advocacy groups, including the International Maya League. In each of her positions, she elevates the intersections of racial injustice and poverty, criminal justice, and indigenous rights. At ECPCA, Yesenia is influencing local, state, and federal policy through research and advocacy, including providing her personal testimony at the state and congressional level. Jimenez is a passionate advocate dedicated to abolishing poverty and building a liberated future.

Jimenez’ work on HOPE Accounts has helped create a first-of-its-kind Baby Bonds program in California. She holds a B.A. from University of California, Davis, and recently graduated UCLA with her Master’s in Public Policy.

When asked about her motivation for doing social-justice work, Jimenez responded,” In Mississippi Goddam, Nina Simone proclaims, ‘All I want is equality, for my sister, my brother, my people, and me.’ As a feminist and abolitionist, my life’s mission is to seek remedies for centuries of exclusion, bias, and injustice that continue to impact our communities. My own lived experiences fuel my commitment to ending poverty across California and shape my understanding of the barriers so many face.”

Jimenez continues, “I don’t just aspire to transform life outcomes for children and adults living in poverty—I believe meaningful change is only possible when those with lived experience are at the table. Representation matters, and I am committed to ensuring that our voices are heard and our communities are no longer left behind.”

We congratulate Yesenia on her Rising Star Award and are grateful for her dedication and passion for advocacy and justice!