New Board Members Bring Expertise, Vision to Pasadena-Based Western Justice Center’s Mission for Conflict Resolution in LA and Beyond

The Pasadena-based Western Justice Center has elected seven new members to its Board of Directors, drawing from notable representatives in the fields of law, academia, and business. 

Among those appointed are two current members of the federal judiciary, Hon. André Birotte Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California and Hon. Holly A. Thomas of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Joining them are two former judicial officers, Hon. Jennifer T. Lum (Ret.), General Counsel for Caltech, and Hon. Suzanne H. Segal (Ret.) of Signature Resolution.

The new board members also include Alfred Fraijo Jr., founder of The Somos Group, Carri Becker Maas, Senior Counsel for Kaiser Permanente, and Shari M. Wollman, Vice President and Assistant General Counsel for Mattel, Inc. In addition, the Center announced Michael J. Wallace of TM Financial Forensics as their new board president.

Western Justice Center Executive Director Elissa Barrett expressed her excitement for the new appointees.

“Their commitment to empowering the next generation of changemakers through conflict resolution education and the unique perspectives they bring to the table will influence our efforts to deepen and expand school and community partnerships in Los Angeles and beyond,” Barrett said.

Newly elected Board President Michael Wallace issued a statement that shared his enthusiasm for the future of the organization, highlighting the Western Justice Center’s impact on schools and communities and its potential to expand conflict resolution skills among youth, educators, and community partners.

The WJC also welcomed the new board members at its annual Peer Mediation Invitational, an event aimed at empowering school communities to decrease violence, resolve conflicts, and promote restorative practices.