How and where did you get your start in organizing?
I come from a very politically active family back home, grew up knocking doors and mobilizing people to come out to vote in our little town in Honduras. Then, my experience coming to the U.S. being detained for more than three months impacted my life greatly. Being released to be economically exploited to work in the mansions of Beverly Hills changed the way I see my life in this country. Most of my life I have seen the way our work is exploited for cheap labor and how racism impacts our communities and my work is to continue to fight along with those most impacted by immigration, exploitation and racism. The injustices that many workers and immigrant families confront every day is what keeps me involved and organizing for the change needed.

What is the most important advice you would give to young organizers, based on your experience?
I would share my experience that organizing is not easy, it is a lifestyle commitment that would bring you to experience life in many ways and aspects of humanity. You can enjoy organizing when you build an open mind to humanity with different versions of yourself.

⚡ Isabel’s Lightning Round ⚡

 ⁂ Your ultimate hero ⁂ 
My grandfather gave his life while organizing against injustices towards our indigenous communities in Honduras. He will always be my hero to remember.

 ⁂ Favorite podcast or book at the moment ⁂ 
How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

 ⁂ Song you’re playing on repeat ⁂ 
“Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart”

 ⁂ Your hopes and dreams for 2023 ⁂ 
To build sustainable systems and economic development opportunities for our most economically impacted communities of color.

Why did you want to join the Keep Paying Your Organizer program? What are you most excited about?
I wanted to join this program because I believe that organizing should happen more than during the election season. I wanted our communities to know that their voices matter all the time. We should always be lifting up the voices in the communities that we live and work in. I am excited to continue to engage in my community and show that their voices always matter. I am excited to build partnerships among the other organizers and collaborate on future projects.

What is your proudest organizing moment?
I could say my proudest achievement as an organizer is writing a bill that is now a law in Massachusetts and creating my own nonprofit at an early age to combat sexual violence, but in reality it’s not, it was the journey to get there. I helped create a movement of students who changed college campuses forever. I saw these students transition from “how can we create change and no one will listen” to “I can have an impact in my community for the better.” There was nothing more powerful than young folks going from talking about it to take steps towards it. Not only did I find my voice but I saw thousands of students in Massachusetts also find theirs. Students found that change was a tangible goal that they could achieve.

⚡ Danielle’s Lightning Round ⚡

 ⁂ Your ultimate hero ⁂ 
My grandma & sisters

 ⁂ The self-care practice you can’t do this work without ⁂ 
Painting my nails and gym!

 ⁂ Favorite podcast or book at the moment ⁂ 
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

 ⁂ Song you’re playing on repeat ⁂ 
“Marry You” by Bruno Mars

 ⁂ Your hopes and dreams for 2023 ⁂ 
To continue to build strong relationships in my community, to make more resources accessible in my community, and to see the world become more accepting of others.