OUR COMMITMENT
We recognize and are committed to addressing the profound toll of systemic oppression on individuals and communities. We acknowledge how emotional exhaustion, burnout, and trauma can erode resilience, limit civic engagement, and obstruct the pursuit of long-term change. Grounded in the belief that healing is essential to meaningful systemic transformation, we prioritize a whole-person and systems approach. Through this, we aim to foster stronger, healthier communities rooted in mutual support and collective growth.
Our Journey
Creiselda J. Varela
With over a decade of experience in meaningful community engagement, particularly with underserved and historically marginalized populations, Cresielda has channeled her deep passion for her community into serving as a trusted advisor and messenger within Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) communities.
Cresielda's educational foundation underpins her work in community advocacy and public policy. She holds an associate degree in Social and Behavioral Science, a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, and a master’s degree in Public Policy, equipping her with a deep understanding of social systems, human behavior, and the policymaking process. Additionally, her certifications in Conflict Resolution, Restorative Justice, and Peer Support enables her to navigate complex challenges and design practical, equitable solutions.
Cresielda has collaborated with community-based organizations, nonprofits, and government agencies to bridge communication gaps, foster collaboration, and empower communities. Her leadership in organizing impactful community events has helped educate stakeholders, meet immediate needs, and advance long-term goals across multiple sectors. Guided by a deep commitment to closing systemic gaps, Cresielda continues to design inclusive, community-led policies and equip underserved communities with the tools and inspiration necessary to drive holistic, sustainable change.
Beyond designing inclusive policies and community-led initiatives, Creiselda extends her work into the realm of wellness and collective healing. Guided by her belief that “systems may not always grant us justice, but healing can,” she leads Impactful Freedom’s wellness and healing workshops to help communities and organizations navigate trauma, burnout, and emotional exhaustion. Her approach acknowledges the profound toll of systemic oppression while centering culturally rooted healing practices that rebuild resilience, strengthen connection, and cultivate self-sourcing. By weaving systems change with whole-person and whole-community wellness, Creiselda creates environments where people feel restored, supported, and empowered to pursue long-term transformation.
SERVICES
• ADVISORY SERVICES
• COMMUNITY PLANNING
• FACILITATOR
• WELLNESS & RESILIENCE TRAINING
• COMMUNITY SPEAKER
Real Feedback. Real Impact.
What Our Community Is Saying About Us...
Testimonial from, President of Underground Scholar Initiative
“Working with Creiselda at UC Riversides Underground Scholars Initiative was an inspiring experience. She demonstrated exceptional leadership, helping the organization sustain and grow. She played a pivotal role in securing our first grant and led efforts in program evaluation and the final reporting, ensuring the long-term success of our initiatives. Her strategic vision and commitment to advocacy made a lasting impact on our organization and the community we serve.”
"She [Creiselda, at CJV Consulting] definitely kept the mood up/positive. Was captivating with her personality. Overall, would like to hear her speak again."
Testimony from a Wellness Workshop Participant
Testimony from Riverside Community Health Foundation
"It’s no secret that Creiselda radiates the very energy she seeks to instill in her participants—you feel it the moment she enters the room. Her ability to break through emotional walls and help youth de-stress is not only remarkable but deeply necessary. At the start of the session, it was clear that the youth were apprehensive. Yet by the end, their shift in energy spoke volumes—they recognized the value of the experience. Creiselda masterfully blended healing with education, creating a space that was both instructional and transformative. What stood out most was her intentional approach to laying the foundation for a youth-led, adult-supported program. She didn’t just facilitate a session; she planted seeds for sustainable empowerment. The fact that youth kept coming back after so much vulnerability speaks for itself."
"I like the tools we've learned like the box breathing, ocean breathing, ho'oponopono, and lot of the de-stressing/grounding strategies. I think they are really useful to know and a lot of the healing circles provide a time to focus on myself in the present." - Youth (Age 16)
"I really liked the methods she introduced me to, especially when she told us to pick cards and tried to resonate with it. I also really liked the breathing techniques." - Geraldine (Age 13)
"My favorite part to learn were the grounding techniques. They were really relaxing and helped in opening up." - Wendy (Age 24)
Testimony from Riverside Community Health Foundation
Youth Participants