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Lorena Manzo, Chair, representing Causa. Lorena came into the movement as a member of Mujeres Luchadoras Progresistas in 2003, later become staff. She served as the coordinator of the CAPACES formation process in 2005 before joining the Causa staff in 2006. Lorena has served on several CAPACES committees. Currently she is Causa’s lead organizer.
Sandra Hernández, Treasurer, representing Latinos Unidos Siempre. Sandra is a first generation immigrant from Mexico, her family moved to Salem when she was ten years old. Sandra graduated from North Salem High School and later attended Willamette University, becoming the first in her family to graduate and earn a B.A. in Politics. As someone who is very passionate about providing leadership development and positive mentor-ship for youth of color, Sandra has always been inclined to serving youth and their families. She now works as the Director of Latinos Unidos Siempre (L.U.S.), a social justice, Latinx- youth-led organization based in Salem. Through L.U.S., youth are given political, social and cultural education to develop civic engagement and leadership skills. Sandra also serves on the board of Beyond Toxics, an environmental justice organization based in Eugene, Oregon.
Levi Herrera, representing Mano a Mano Family Center. Levi graduated from McNary High School and attended Chemeketa Community College and Portland State University. He and his family have lived in Salem since 1992. He currently serves as a member of the Salem-Keizer Budget Committee, the Marion County Public Safety Coordinating Council and the Community Advisory Group to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Unit of the Oregon Department of Education. He is a member of the Marion County Children & Families Commission and the Salem Mayor’s International Council. Since 2008, he has served as Executive Director to the Mano a Mano Family Center, an organization dedicated to helping strengthen families, founded in 1988.
Rebeca Velásquez, representing Mujeres Luchadoras Progresistas (MLP). Leaving behind roots in Michoacan, Mexico and born out of Mexico City, Rebeca arrived in Salem, OR after migrating to US in 1995. She began working as a farmworker and at the local canary. When she became a mother of two she was a stay-at-home mom and began volunteering at the rallies protesting the mushroom farms. At these rallies she met members of MLP in 2004. She became a part of MLP through their wreath making program. In 2006 Rebeca began coordinating MLP and a few years later even got her own radio show on Radio Movimiento. She has had her show every Monday afternoon since 2010. Her third child was born in 2012 and though she stays busy she enjoys participating and collaborating with the sister organizations. Currently she is the Director of MLP.
Reyna Lopez, representing Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste (PCUN). Reyna is a leader and proud daughter of immigrants from Mexico, who came to Oregon in the late 80’s following the migration of farm work in the Marion County area. She is currently the Executive Director of PCUN, which was started by farmworkers and is now Oregon’s longest standing Latinx led organization. Reyna grew up in Salem, Oregon and graduated from Willamette University with her BA in Political Science and Sociology. For over a decade Reyna has been a fierce leader and advocate for the Latinx community in Oregon. Today, Reyna is also leading national efforts as a member of the board of the center for Popular Democracy, and the Secretary Treasurer of the Working Families Party.
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