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 has over 13 years of experience as an administrator and educator serving underrepresented populations, including staff, faculty and students. Prior to joining the DEI team, Dr. Cázares worked in higher education as a faculty member with the California State University system as well as California Lutheran University where her teaching centered on Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy, Ethnic Studies, Chicano Studies and Education. Additionally, she has served as a researcher with the University of California (UC) Humanities Research Institute where she collaborated with UCs across the state in order to increase the retention of underrepresented faculty and doctoral students. Most recently, at California Lutheran University, she directed the inaugural Title V Hispanic Serving Institution federal grant designed 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. Dr. Cázares role as the DEI manager aligns directly with her core values rooted in centering and celebrating community cultural wealth.
Dr. Cázares is a proud graduate of UC, Riverside and UC, San Diego.
Steven T. Auclair
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Coordinator
Steven is active throughout Ventura County, serving as Vice-Chair of the Citizens Advisory Commission for the City of Port Hueneme and many local community organizations. Before joining the County in 2021, Steven advised and worked across the public, private, and non-profit sectors, most recently with the State Assembly and higher education. Steven has been recognized for his work in staff development, organizational culture reform, and leadership in diverse communities.
Steven is a proud Allan Hancock College, Westmont College, and CSU Channel Islands graduate.
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.
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
Steven T. Auclair
(he/him)
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Coordinator
Steven.Auclair@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.
