Following the murder of his son in 1995, Azim Khamisa founded the Tariq Khamisa Foundation (TKF.org), which started a subsequent forgiveness movement that has reached millions.

He has received over 80 local, national and international awards amongst which are: In 1997 he received the National Crime Victims Special Community Service Award presented by President Clinton and Attorney General Janet Reno, In 2002, he received Search for Common Ground’s pres­tigious award alongside Desmond Tutu and Ted Koppel In 2004, he participated in the Synthesis Dialogues with His Holiness the Dalai Lama which was hosted by Pope John Paul at his summer palace in Castelgandolfo, Italy and in 2006 he was given the “Spirit of Crazy Horse Award” from the Reclaiming Youth Network alongside Mohammad Ali. In addition, Azim has been the recipient of the California Peace Prize in 2003 and the Pepsi Freedom Heroes Award in 2006. He has received several other Peacemaker of the Year awards.

Azim has served as TKF’s founder and leader for over 27 years. He is an emissary of peace and an international inspirational speaker with over 700 keynotes, including one to 300,000 people at the Lincoln Memorial at the Stand for Children Rally organized by the Children’s Defense Fund, as well as a speech to the United Nations General Assembly at the High level forum on the culture of peace.

Azim serves on the Board in the capacity of Vice Chair for the Institute of Noetic Science (www.noetic.org). IONS was founded 49 years ago by Edgar Mitchell who was the 6th man to walk on the moon and is a leading global institution on researching consciousness.

With a strong passion to share his message with the youth and to inspire nonviolent leaders become proactive as peacebuilders, Azim, in addition, has given over 1,000 presentations to over a million students worldwide. He is a published author of five books: Award-winning Murder to Forgiveness (being made into a feature film) ; From Forgiveness to Fulfillment, From Fulfillment to Peace and The Secrets of the Bulletproof Spirit: How to bounce back from life’s hardest hits co-authored with Jillian Quinn and published by Random House. His 5th book “Leadership for the greater good – A guide for truth to power champions” recently released in May 2020. He has been featured countless times in local, national and international media. In November 2018, Azim spoke for the TEDWomen conference that has been viewed by over 1 million viewers: go.TED.com/azimandples.

Azim was born in Kenya of Eastern roots and educated in England in mathematics and finance and has over 45 plus years’ experience in international finance. Azim lives in La Jolla, California and is the proud father of daughter Tasreen and grandfather of Shahin, Khalil and Miya.

From technology to artistry to production to show design to wellness, there are few people who understand the complete spectrum of the music industry. Laura Escudé is one of these rare individuals. She’s the creator of The TransmuteTM Accelerator under the umbrella of The TransmuteTM Academy, Founder of Electronic Creatives and an Ableton Certified Trainer since 2008. To sum up, Laura Escudé is a Future Classical artist blending music, tech, and consciousness. Synthesizing her skills as a classically trained violinist and technical prowess as an avant-garde electronic producer, Escudé infuses neo-classical & sleek futuristic style with raw emotion elicited with her musical machines.

Based in Los Angeles, Escudé is an artist, innovator, entrepreneur and live show designer with a deep understanding of complex technology, a profound passion for music and art and a unique talent for fusing the two. Career highlights include performing in the GRAMMY Premiere band, programming and designing shows for Kanye West from 2009-2017, opening for Miguel on his 2015 Wildheart tour and building a thriving international business populated by top-tier professionals.

But while Escudé’s life and work are dynamic, her ultimate goal is simply to inspire.

As an artist, Escudé executes this mission through music. She’s released myriad albums, singles and EPs under the name ALLUXE, synthesizing her skills as a classically trained violinist and her prowess as an avant-garde electronic producer. Now making music under her own name, Escudé released the Transmute EP, her most intimate work to date, capturing the sound and feel of a woman who’s examined the darkest parts of herself and come out the other end transformed. Escudé’s live performances are known for their sleek futuristic style and the raw emotion she elicits from her musical machines. She’s done official remixes for artists, including M83 and Poliça, with her violin playing featured on albums by Big Grams, Kanye West, Jay Z and many more.

Technology is a second language for Escudé, who became the world’s first Ableton Certified Trainer in 2008. In 2012, she founded Electronic Creatives, using her skills to hire and train programmers and playback engineers for artists including Logic, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Big Sean, Charli XCX, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Electronic Creatives has hosted several playback engineering training programs over the years, with the latest being MASTERTRACK Worldwide.

These creative applications of technology have made Escudé one of the world’s most in-demand live show designers. She’s brought massive productions to life for artists including Kanye West, Jay Z, Bon Iver, Missy Elliot, Herbie Hancock and television megabrand American Idol. Escudé toured extensively with these shows, collaborating with artists to create fresh, thrilling experiences for audiences worldwide.

It was while on tour that Escudé learned the challenges of staying healthy on the road. In 2016, tour burnout landed her in the hospital. She was exhausted, stressed, and not sure how to get better. It was a low point that forced Escudé to take a break from work and focus on her health. This physical, mental, emotional and spiritual process involved letting go of unproductive habits and thought patterns, facing her fears and giving up aspects of her life that didn’t serve her. Escudé was soon not just better, but for the first time in her life truly thriving.

The experience inspired Escudé to help others, particularly live performers, optimize their own health and well-being. In 2017, she launched The TransmuteTM Retreat, a week-long workshop incorporating yoga, meditation, nature, live performance workshops and community performances. In 2019, she launched The TransmuteTM Accelerator online course to help artists accelerate their live performances using technology, and in 2021 launched The TransmuteTM Academy, a community dedicated to Ableton Live + Music Tech Courses & Events to help artists continue their growth in music and business, in addition to The TransmuteTM Academy Masterclasses with special guest presenters 2x month. The TransmuteTM Accelerator is a year-long program, with launch events featuring top industry experts, such as Suzanne Ciani, The Album Leaf and Sudan Archives.

Escudé released a new EP titled “ENOUGHNESS” in May 2021. ENOUGHNESS was born out of her deep journey of quiet reflection and recovery during the past year, an exploration of self love, and emerging the other side with a deeper enjoyment of life. For Escudé, music is the most inclusive space. It is her intention for this EP to be a journey and space to cultivate knowing, healing and for transformation.

With all Escudé has achieved in the realms of music and technology, it’s clear why she’s been called “the best in the world at this job.” Escudé continues to propel forward this three-tiered platform of Future Classical music artistry, tech and consciousness and it just keeps getting better.

Alyosha Barreiro is a dynamic electronic music artist, sound explorer, and speaker who blends the ancient with the modern. With a background from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Alyosha has captivated audiences across Mexico and internationally with his innovative approach to electronic music, combining live instruments with cutting-edge sound design.

Upon returning to Mexico, Alyosha embarked on a solo project that merges electronic music with traditional instruments, creating a unique auditory experience. His work has earned him a reputation for delivering powerful performances at some of the most iconic venues and festivals.

Alyosha’s notable achievements include:

Glastonbury Festival, England, 2023
Vive Latino, Foro Sol, CDMX, 2019, 2023
Zen Experience Tulum, Tulum, Mexico, 2023
Teatro Juárez, Guanajuato, 2019
Museo de la Música de Viena, Puebla, 2019
Puebla Sensorial, Zócalo Puebla, 2019
Cumbre Tajín, Veracruz, 2019
Hollyfest, Charlotte, USA, 2019
Fiesta Mexicana, Milwaukee, 2018
SXSW, Austin, TX, 2018
Auditorio Nacional, Mexico City, 2018
Weltmuseum Wien Reopening, Heldenplatz, Vienna, Austria, 2017
ADE (Amsterdam Dance Event), Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2017
September 15th Celebration, Veterans Park, Los Angeles, CA, USA, 2016
Rotofest, Cuenca, Ecuador, 2016
FILAH, Anthropology Museum, Mexico City, 2015
Posh Festival, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, 2015
Vth Sun Inaugural Festival, Texcoco, State of Mexico, 2014
XXII Ambaró Festival, Atlacomulco, State of Mexico, 2014
XX Festival Luminaria, Atizapán De Zaragoza, State of Mexico, 2013
XXXI Arts and Culture Festival, Toluca, State of Mexico, 2012
The Bicentennial Independence Celebration, Mexico City, 2011
Central Stage at the Angel de la Independencia, Mexico City, 2010
The Day of the Dead Celebration, Zócalo, Mexico City, 2010
Interactive Economics Museum (MIDE), Mexico City, 2010

Throughout his career, Alyosha has been commissioned to create music for significant events such as the inauguration of the Estela de Luz and has performed in front of over 100,000 spectators at the Bicentennial Celebration. His performances span across Mexico, the USA, Latin America, and Europe, reflecting his global appeal and the universal resonance of his music.

Cristian E Bettler is a Mexican-American entrepreneur and film producer renowned for his critically acclaimed works, including “The End of Poverty?,” “Pirate for the Sea”, “The Big Fix,” “Down to Earth,” “Hecho en México,” and “Water Wars.”

With a history of co-founding successful companies in media, digital distribution, and technology, Bettler’s work has always revolved around the nexus of Technology, Entertainment, and Education.

With a track record as a producer and distributor of over 300 independent films and documentaries, Bettler is renowned for seamlessly merging technology, education, and the arts.

He is also the co-founder in numerous media, digital distribution, and technology companies, including Conscious Media, Good Vibe Media, and Cinema Libre Studio.

Beyond the silver screen, Bettler is known for his skill in creating immersive environments that seamlessly blend technology, education, and the arts, serving as a catalyst for human progress through shared narratives. Bettler

has gained recognition for his expertise in designing immersive multimedia experiences and content strategies for prominent brands such as Puma, Hurley, Billabong, and Air France.

In recent times, he co-founded Oomph Technologies, a visionary venture studio dedicated to harnessing the potential of cutting-edge technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Extended Realities (XR), and Web 3.0 (W3). Oomph Technologies focuses on incubating and accelerating innovative technology solutions and uplifting stories that contribute to the betterment of humanity.

It is my honor to serve as Golden State Republican Women President.  This year promises to be transformative to Republican women in California and we are excited to start the groundwork!

These last two years have seen unexpected changes in California and in our country which have led to a decline in our culture and traditional way of life.  We are now committed to blunt the attacks on our republic and to restore in our state the values of faith, family and freedom we have long cherished.

In contrast to the current progressive culture which continues to divide Americans, creating  a growing sense of malaise and discontent, GSRW offers hope for a brighter tomorrow… and that tomorrow begins today!

There has never been a time when our message has been more needed nor more welcomed!  California is looking for strong leadership and direction that will guide us back to the personal freedoms and opportunities that once made our state golden.

As divided as Californians appear to be, there is much more that unites us.  Our citizens want secure borders, quality education, safe streets, a return to law and order, free and fair elections, respect for our military, police and first responders, and the freedom to practice our faith openly without fear. Republicans highly value the dignity of the individual and of all human life.

Our basic tenets bind us together and have weathered the test of time throughout our country’s history.  Yet as world history goes, we are still a young nation.  We have relied on our Constitution and foundational documents which have kept us strong and free for over two centuries.

There are those whose primary aim, however, is to destroy our government, our laws and our very way of life.  Our inaction makes them bolder and more dangerous than ever! That is why there is no greater urgency than at this time to unite with one goal and one voice.  We must motivate, educate and activate.

We in Golden State Republican Women welcome women of all ages, all ethnicities, and all stripes of Republican values and we ask you to join us in this fight.  Unity is our strength and together we must and we WILL win!!  A win for California is a win for the United States of America.

More About Golden State Republican Women

In 2023 a group of 47 politically active Republican women in California saw the need for a new statewide Republican women’s group in the state.  Our group wanted to participate in politics by pulling together thousands of women in the state of California who share our same values, are interested in and excited by conservative politics, have a positive mental attitude, and the ability to be kind to one another.

At this pivotal time in California history it is vitally important that all Republican women have a voice and a platform to work with the California Republican Party to effect critical changes that will restore our state to its values of faith, family and freedom.

On August 2nd and 3rd, after many planning meetings on Zoom, and after naming our organization the Golden State Republican Women, we met in person to gel together our desire to found a strong Republican women’s statewide organization.  Lead by President Janet Price, 1st VP Gretchen Cox, and other hard-working women, the Golden State Republican Women pored over ideas, wrote a set of Bylaws, voted on a logo, and met in sub-committees to discuss and plan the foundations of our alliance.

Golden State Republican Women (GSRW) applied for a charter at the California GOP, and was accepted to apply.  There was a floor vote on October 1, 2023 at the CAGOP Convention in Anaheim and GSRW obtained our charter on that date!

We further plan to:

Bring dozens of independent Republican women’s clubs together as a unifying organization and support our wonderful, hard-working Republican officials and candidates in California.
GSRW will provide the opportunity to engage with, support, and influence Republican legislators, representatives, political experts and other local, state, and national leaders.
GSRW will conduct leadership training events.
GSRW will continue to provide regular legislative updates on bills, vital statewide information, a quarterly newsletter, and an informative website.
And Golden State Republican Women will work hard to attract young, Republican women,  as well as women of all ages and ethnicities in California to our organization.

The 18 Founding Clubs of Golden State Republican Women and Their Regional Locations

REGION 2 – Thank you to Regional Director Tabitha Gomez
Chico Evening Republican Women 
Sacramento Republican Women

REGION 4 – Thank you to Regional Director Barbara Hallmeyer
Clovis Fresno Republican Women
Kings County Republican Women
Merced County Republican Women

REGION 5 – Thank you to Regional Director and 3rd VP Nancy Wofford
Conejo Valley Republican Women 
Westlake Village Republican Women
Simi Valley / Moorpark Republican Women
Thousand Oaks Republican Women

REGION 6 – Thank you to Regional Director and Parliamentarian Pro Tem Valerie Evans
East San Gabriel Valley Republican Women
Valley Unity Republican Women

REGION 7 –  Thank you to Regional Directors Val Emick and Gale Hunt
San Bernardino Republican Women
San Gorgonio Pass Republican Women

REGION 8
Capistrano Valley Republican Women
Fullerton Republican Women
La Habra Republican Women

We wish to thank each of these Founding Clubs, because they have been the “wind beneath our wings”.  These ladies have been the most supportive, active, willing to help, and exceedingly kind “Republican Women” as can be possible!  Thank you so much!

We also wish to thank our Planning Committee members, without whom we would not have been able to take up such a monumental task.  Thank you, Ladies!  We’re going to bring conservative values back into state leadership in California!  Now let’s go get ’em!