Biography
Itzel grew up in San Diego, CA and much of their desire for community and change comes from growing up in a predominantly latine and working-class neighborhood. Throughout her career, they have gained a deep passion for grass-roots organizing and community revitalization. Itzel comes to SDA after organizing in San Diego for neighborhood beautification, community-building events, gun-control, Black Lives Matter, wrongfully incarcerated individuals, and founding a M.E.Ch.A (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán) chapter at their high school. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they learned about disability justice, which helped Itzel embrace their disabilities and find a new sense of community in our changing world. She is enthusiastic about building senior and disability power, and fighting for change. Outside of work, you can find Itzel with her cats Beans and R2D2, and whipping up something delectable in their kitchen.
