About Us
Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Team
The DEI Office, within the County Executive Office, serves to advance DEI goals across the County government through collaboration, policy change, inclusive engagement, and capacity building.
Our office is focusing on the following:
- Advance racial equity in all aspects of County operations
- Develop and oversee county-wide and agency/department level DEI Action Plans
- Provide guidance, education, and technical assistance to all departments/agencies as they develop sustainable methods to build DEI capacity and long-term sustainability
- Work to resolve issues rooted in bias and discrimination through research, education, and partnerships
- Build community partnerships and alliances to promote equity and inclusion within Ventura County and throughout the region in order to achieve equitable outcomes for all
Gabriela Cázares, PhD
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager
Dr. Gabriela Cázares’ experience is rooted in diversity, equity and inclusion both as an administrator and educator. She proudly serves the as the Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DE) Manager for the County of Ventura where she provides programming for its 9,000+ staff. In addition she also provides guidance, support and participation for the DEI Council, Public Safety Racial Equity Advisory Group and Health Equity Advisory Council.
Dr. Cázares has taught courses at California Lutheran University, Cal State University (CSU) in Ethnic and Chicano studies as well as Education. In addition, while at University of California (UC), Irvine she worked closely at the UC Humanities Research Institute where she collaborated with UCs across the state with a focus on the retention of underrepresented faculty and doctoral students. She also directed the inaugural Title V federal Hispanic Serving Institution grant at California Lutheran University, where she designed ways to increase college pathways for Latino students. Her career and drive are fueled in part by her own experiences as a first-generation Latina from a working-class background. She received her bachelor’s degrees in Ethnic Studies and English from the University of California, Riverside and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Latina/o Literature from the University of California, San Diego.
Kate English (they/them, she/her)
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager for Youth Equity
Kate English has 20 years of experience in community leadership working for racial and social justice in Ventura County. Kate works to bring voices that are not traditionally centered into meaningful decision and policy-making processes. Kate has utilized both organizing and activism in their anti-racism and anti-oppression work alongside Ventura County youth, the LGBTQ+ community, BIPOC community, farmworkers, and undocumented community members. Kate served as DEI Manager for the County of Ventura when the position was created in 2021 but was promoted to DEI Manager for Youth Equity in May of 2023. This new role aligns with Kate’s vocational calling to activate and work alongside youth to improve policies and programs that impact youths’ lives for the better. Additionally, Kate is currently acting in the role of DEI Officer until a new DEI Officer is hired. Kate’s formal education was in the arts while their professional experience includes having been CEO of a company in the banking industry, Executive Director of a youth founded, youth organizing non-profit, healthcare industry leadership, program development, group facilitation, human resources, and community organizing. Kate has deep connections with various communities and community-based organizations throughout Ventura County.
Kate English is a proud graduate of Ventura College and Cal State University Channel Islands.
Lucas Saucedo
Youth Equity Coordinator
In 2023, Lucas joined the DEI Office with a focus on supporting the new Youth Equity initiative. Before joining the DEI team, Lucas worked in municipal government and higher education, including California Lutheran University, Pepperdine University, and the City of Ventura Police Department. Lucas has advanced diversity, equity, and inclusion through policy change, programs, advocacy, direct services, and community engagement, focusing on youth, persons with disabilities, veterans, first-generation students, low-income students, BIPOC students, and those in the LGBTQIA+ community. Lucas is excited to coordinate the activities of the Youth Equity Initiative while drawing on his extensive experience in individual empowerment, training, and program management.
Lucas is a proud graduate of California Lutheran University.
Contact Information
Gabriela Cázares, PhD
(She/Her/Hers/Ella)
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager
805-654-2953
Gabriela.Cazares@ventura.org
Kate English
(they/she)
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager for
Youth Equity
805-654-2876
Kate.English@ventura.org
Lucas Saucedo
(he/him)
Youth Equity Coordinator
805-561-0359
Lucas.saucedo@ventura.org
Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
800 South Victoria #1940
Hall of Administration 4th Floor
Ventura, CA 93009
CountyDEI@ventura.org
NOTE: As a convenience to our visitors, this page may contain links to external websites that are not managed or controlled by the County of Ventura.
