"Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope." -Maya Angelou
Janae Rankins-Ezell
Cultural Program Coordinator
Janae is a third-year student studying Psychology and minoring in Child Development. She was born in Torrance, CA, and raised in Menifee, CA. In a split family, she spent half of her life in Watts, experiencing rich cultures and tribulations and then in the cookie-cutter suburban lands of Menifee. This critical change burgled her sense of belonging for years. Fortunately, the CCLC was her gateway to just that.
During her internship, Janae realized the potential of her passion to foster unity. By hosting events like the "Poetry is Not a Luxury" open mic and the "Poetry for the People" workshops, she cultivated a safe and inclusive environment where diverse experiences, vulnerability, and creativity thrived. This experience at the CCLC was profoundly impactful for Janae, leaving an indelible mark on her college journey.
During her time off from school and work, she likes to prep meals, clean, go to punk shows, journal, listen to music, and sleep as much as she can. Janae hopes to prevent others from feeling lonely or displaced, as she used to. She always hopes that someone who has never experienced kindness will be the one to give them that gift. Through her work at the CCLC, she hopes to stay aligned with that life goal.
