Organizer Spotlight: Ana Delia and Lorena

June is Immigrant Heritage Month so we wanted to take some time to spotlight a few organizers in our partner states that have been on the ground furthering equity, equality, and progress for those that immigrate to the United States. Our Organizer Spotlight series are some of the team’s favorite sends because we get to introduce you to leaders like Ana Delia Espino with the Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice and Lorena Quiroz with the Immigrant Alliance for Justice and Equity in Mississippi. Both are amplifying the voices and contributions of immigrants and advocating for policies that typically get overlooked. Get ready to be inspired by them! More information below… - Groundwork Project --------------------------------------------------------------- What kinds of challenges and opportunities do you see when it comes to organizing in immigrant communities? "I believe that when we come together as a community we gain so much. The challenge in Alabama is distance. Alabama is still a very rural state. We are challenged with finding ways to build a network of community leaders who have the ability and time to get together for meetings and planning sessions to then return to their towns and have the same conversations at a microlevel for implementation. We are building a network and that takes time, a precious resource when our communities seem to always be under attack." What is the most important piece of advice you would give to young organizers coming from immigrant backgrounds or are first-gen themselves, based on your experience? "Believe in yourself and in your lived experience, make space for people with different backgrounds and skill sets. Remember that everyone has something to bring to organizing. We are worthy and we matter." [Read Ana Delia’s full interview here]( [FULL INTERVIEW]( ⚡Ana Delia’s Organizing Lightning Round ⚡ ⁂ The song you’re currently playing on repeat ⁂ Nadie va a pensar en ti mejor que yo Ed Maverick and norteño version ⁂The self care practice you can’t do this work without ⁂ SAVERS from The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod ⁂Person you most hope to see run for President in your lifetime ⁂ Stacey Abrams ⁂Your hopes & dreams for 2022 in five words or less ⁂ Humanity to learn to embrace rest Keep in touch with ACIJ by following them on socials! [ACIJ TWITTER]( [ACIJ INSTAGRAM]( [ACIJ Facebook]( What is your favorite thing about doing this work? "Sharing this work with my daughters, organizing with my children and loved ones as they watch history in the making as we transform Mississippi. Building with people that feel like family because we understand what we want for our people. I'm in love with my tribe." What is the most important piece of advice you would give to young organizers coming from immigrant backgrounds or are first-gen themselves, based on your experience? "Don't be afraid to be your authentic, unapologetic self, don't be afraid to hold people accountable when they are being harmful, and don't forget to surround yourself with community that will hold you accountable when you get too big for your britches, because you will." [Read Lorena’s full interview here]( [FULL INTERVIEW]( ⚡Lorena’s Organizer Lightning Round⚡ ⁂ The song you’re currently playing on repeat ⁂ Cancion Bonita by Carlos Vives & Ricky Martin ⁂ The self care practice you can’t do this work without ⁂ Monthly mani-pedi with my daughters ⁂ Person you most hope to see run for President in your lifetime ⁂ Sasha Lewis, my daughter ⁂ Your hopes & dreams for 2022 in five words or less ⁂ Joy, Love and Abundance Keep in touch with IAJE by following their work on socials! [IAJE FACEBOOK]( [IAJE INSTAGRAM]( [IAJE Twitter]( --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- >Founded by Joe Kennedy III, Groundwork Project invests in year-round, local community organizing in places Democrats have gotten used to writing off. With a focus on Appalachia, the Deep South, and the Plains, we support local advocates and activists working to build durable political infrastructure and secure power for those historically excluded. [CONTRIBUTE]( Individual contributions will be allocated as follows: $5,000 per calendar year to a bank account that operates as a Federal PAC, and the remainder to the Non-Contribution Account of our PAC. --------------------------------------------------------------- We want to respect your boundaries while keeping you informed. Too many emails? Instead of unsubscribing, check out our [Email Lite Program](. We will only send you the most important messages each month. [Sign up for Email Lite here.]( If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please [unsubscribe](. Paid for by Groundwork Project, www.groundworkproject.com, not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. Groundwork Project 124 Washington Street, Suite 101 Foxboro, MA 02035 United States