Post #4: Community Connections

The American Association of University Women ("AAUW") branch of Camarillo held a fabulous Women in History Fashion Show fundraiser in March 2026. I enjoyed taking a break from campaigning to volunteer to "model" as Madame CJ Walker, the first American woman self-made millionaire!

Growing up, my dad worked a lot so my mom could stay home to raise the kids. I was actually an only child for the first nine years of my life, so my mom and I spent a LOT of time together.

My mom loved to help people: she volunteered at my school, in my scout troop, at our church, and in the community, and I was nearly always there tagging along too, as her little shadow. Through her service, my mom was an excellent model of active citizenship in society and selfless generosity to your neighbor.

I'm sure that's why I stay involved in the community as well. I'm an active volunteer in my church, Gold Coast. I participate in several activities with the local AAUW branches. I've been an extra set of helping hands at the annual Martin Luther King Jr Day Commemoration and the Juneteenth Celebration in Oxnard. And I'm proud to give regular financial support to local organizations that provide scholarships, youth opportunity, emergency relief, and community support.

Besides the enjoyment and satisfaction one gets from helping people, I know the community has the expectation that their elected officials be involved and engaged, and rightly so. I'm grateful that because of my upbringing, this feels very organic for me. Community service is not an obligation, but a privilege and an honor.

And in good-mom fashion, I bring my kiddos along with me too. I don't have as much time to donate as my mom did, but I think Mother Theresa said it best: "It's not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving."

I'm grateful to be able to serve my beloved Ventura County community, with my whole heart!

--Michelle Ascencion