Training Programs

Marj develops and conducts innovative, experiential training programs that teach participants how to impact the public policy process through research, advocacy, and lobbying. These programs empower participants with knowledge, experience, and leadership skills.

400 participants in 16 years passed 40 new California laws in the Women’s Policy Institute (WPI), a program of the Women’s Foundation of California that amplifies the voices of women who are leading grassroots social justice work, training them on how legislation is made and connecting them to those in power.

152 scientists, community leaders and health care providers graduated from Reach the Decision Makers, a program of the UCSF’s Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment. 35 teams learned how to effectively promote environmental reproductive health policies at the US EPA.

7 states created a Women’s Policy Institutes, five through the WPI Replication Project run by the Women’s Foundation of California. Marj is currently working with national organizations and other interested statewide organizations to create their own policy advocacy training programs.

Over 500 community members, non-profit staff, and researchers were trained by Marj through the Community Research Collaboration Awards program of the California Breast Cancer Research Program. Marj created multiple training programs from one day workshops to year-long fellowships, to strengthen community/researcher teams conducting studies using the community-based participatory research model, which makes the community members equal partners with the scientists.

“I have seen Marj take a loosely formed group of women, then provide just enough structure, encouragement and determined respect to mold us into a force to be reckoned with in our ability to impact legislation, provide local grassroots community organization, and improve overall health services in the state of California. Marj shapes, but doesn’t push; she guides, yet doesn’t pull; she reflects native talent, but does not hesitate to dazzle with brilliant advice when it is needed.”

—Rae Eby-Carl
Chief Operations Officer, Sutter Lakeside Community Services

“Marj is a great trainer and facilitator who makes everyone feel valued and supported. She also has a talent for helping people bring out the best in themselves.”

—Luz Chacon
Maternal and Child Health Access

“Involve Marj when you want true, inspired learning and action to occur. Marj has a seeming ease in creating safe environments for groups to work on complicated and arduous issues. Marj tells the truth. And, the women I’ve seen her work with—ethnically diverse women working on community issues throughout California—welcome that truth. She supports them in rising to the challenge, to break through barriers, to take risks and leave behind habits and stories limiting their success. As their ally, Marj is fiercely committed to seeing them achieve their goals through training that draws on their natural strengths and experiences.”

—Belma Gonzalez
b coaching and consulting, Oakland, California