Artists + Practitioners + Organizations

Best STEP Forward is a nonprofit serving the Imperial Valley area dedicated to providing an inclusive, neurodiverse environment where children with disabilities can learn and thrive. S.T.E.P. stands for Sports, Theatre, Expression, and Perseverance. The organization hosts various events throughout the year that incorporate sports and artistic expression.

San Diego State University Research Foundation is a nonprofit supporting San Diego State University (SDSU). The foundation supports and furthers the vision and research objectives of San Diego State University and helps faculty and staff find, attract, and administer their research and sponsored programs. SDSU-Imperial Valley fulfills its mission to generate new knowledge and attain distinction through excellence in its faculty's research, scholarship, and creative activity with support from the foundation. The Imperial Valley Campus is a satellite campus of San Diego State University in Calexico, near the U.S.-Mexico border. The community is devoted to exceptional research, teaching, student success excellence, and creative and scientific innovation.

Via International promotes sustainable development by engaging and supporting leaders in emerging communities. The organization is driven by and centered on including community voices and strengthening (“formation”) community leadership. It is committed to meeting leaders where they are and working together to identify solutions that elevate communities. Via International works through the lens of asset-based community development, which builds off already present strengths and assets. It encourages a participatory process where people identify their needs and act to improve their quality of life, families, and communities.