[April 28, 2023 – STOCKTON, CA] Carol J. Ornelas, CEO, Visionary Home Builders of California, and leader in affordable housing throughout the region, received the Alan Fisher Economic Justice Award from the California Reinvestment Coalition (CRC) at the Equitable Futures Award reception on April 27, 2023, in Oakland, California.
The Equitable Futures Award honors leading game changers, difference-makers and community leaders, recognizing the work of individuals creating a more just and sustainable economy in California. It is given to an organization whose work has helped redistribute wealth to people of color and working-class communities or led mobilization campaigns to create an equitable economy. Ornelas received the CRC’s highest honor, the Alan Fisher Economic Justice Award, presented to individuals who have dedicated their lives to advocacy, echoing the work of CRC’s late founding director Alan Fisher.
“It is humbling, and an honor to receive this award,” states Carol Ornelas. “We are passionate to live out our mission: To create and advocate for healthy, vibrant, safe communities through the development of affordable housing and educational opportunities, for families, seniors, and individuals of low and moderate income. To be recognized for the work we are doing motivates us to keep creating opportunities for our communities by advocating for economic and racial justice in the industry.” Also recognized at the event was Rohit Chopar, Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau who received the Equitable Futures Award. Previous award recipients are, to name a few: Jose Padilla, the California Public Banking Alliance; SEIU California State Council; Assemblymember Miguel Santiago (CA D-53); Congresswoman Maxine Waters; Senator Maria Eleana Durazo; United Neighbors in Defense Against Displacement (UNIDAD); US Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra; and Vice President Kamala Harris.
