A Job in the Shade: The Emily Vasquez Story
About this Event
Join the UC Berkeley Division of Equity & Inclusion, the Latinx Thriving Initiatives, and Spencer Group for the campus premiere of A Job in the Shade: The Emily Vasquez Story during Latinx Heritage Month.
Directed by filmmaker Douglas Harris Jr., A Job in the Shade is the third installment in the Cal Alumni Profiles documentary series, celebrating UC Berkeley alumni whose lives and careers have shaped California and beyond.
More than a documentary, this evening is a celebration of perseverance, mentorship, and the impact of opening doors for future generations.
Presented by:
- UC Berkeley Division of Equity & Inclusion
- Latinx Thriving Initiatives
- The Spencer Group
In partnership with:
- University Development and Alumni Relations (UDAR)
- UC Berkeley College of Letters & Science
- Cal Alumni Association
We invite students, alumni, faculty, staff, legal professionals, and community members to join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating a pioneering UC Berkeley alumna whose story continues to inspire new generations of leaders.
This event is free and open to the public. Advance registration is required.
About the Film
This inspiring documentary chronicles the extraordinary life of Judge Emily Vasquez, the first Latina appointed in 2001 to the Sacramento County Superior Court in its history.
Through intimate interviews with family members, friends, colleagues, and mentees, A Job in the Shade explores Judge Vasquez's remarkable journey from the agricultural fields of California to the courtroom. The film highlights a lifetime of service, leadership, and mentorship while demonstrating how education can transform lives and expand opportunities for future generations.
Through her strength of character, hard work, and keen intellect, Judge Vasquez defied the odds. Judge Vasquez has made it look easy with her many accomplishments but her many achievements did not come easy (not when you one of the first and come from humble beginnings). Her parents were poor, immigrant farmworkers from Mexico. As a child, she lived in labor camps and worked in the fields when school was not in session to help supplement the family income. She spent her early years living in tents and one-bedroom shacks with everyone, including her parents sleeping in the same room as her siblings. The bathroom was an outhouse. From her childhood in California’s Central Valley, working alongside her poor farmworker parents, to her groundbreaking legal career, Judge Vasquez’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education.
Event Media Notice: Photographers will be taking pictures and/or videos of the event and its participants; if you want to opt out of being included in any public photography or videography, please notify an event organizer.
Accommodations: If you require an accommodation for effective communication (ASL interpreting/CART captioning, alternative media formats, etc.) or information about campus mobility access features in order to fully participate in this event, please contact [email protected] with as much advance notice as possible and at least 7-10 days in advance of the event.
This event is open to all UC Berkeley community members, regardless of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or any other protected class status. UC Berkeley is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that welcomes participants from all backgrounds.
Parking & Transportation
Parking is not included with event registration. Unless otherwise indicated, attendees are responsible for making their own parking arrangements.
Street parking and public parking garages are available near International House, but availability may be limited. We encourage attendees to allow extra time for parking and walking to the venue.
- For the most current information about campus parking, parking availability, and public transportation options, please visit the UC Berkeley Parking & Transportation website before arriving.
- Public transportation: International House is accessible by AC Transit and is within walking distance of the UC Berkeley campus and nearby BART stations.
- Accessibility: Accessible parking and drop-off options are available near the venue. Guests who require accessible parking or other accommodations are encouraged to contact the event organizers in advance.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
