Meet SJPLA’s Community Events Coordinator
Welcome to the team, Petrona! As someone who's transitioned from being a program alum to a staff member, how do you plan to celebrate this new chapter in your journey with us?
I’m so excited to start this new journey with SJPLA and join a team of incredible people! My time in the Systems Change Fellowship Program was transformational. I was introduced to the possibilities of liberatory practices within ourselves, the workplace, and our relationships to one another. I am celebrating this new chapter by carving time for celebration with my loved ones and buying cute home decor. Additionally, I have been non-stop listening to “Chances” by Kaytranda and Shay Lia and to keep the celebration going I will be attending 3 concerts next month.
What's a recent event or program you've attended or organized that left a lasting impression on you, and why?
As I transitioned from my previous role to this one, my former team organized a farewell party for me. I felt so appreciated and affirmed by many of the high school and college students that I had the pleasure of meeting, learning from, and simply being in community with. It was a regrounding experience that reminded me of the impact of having BIPOC representation, leadership, and the necessity of critical mentorship. I hope to carry the wonderful memories of that afternoon and my time at Kid City Hope Place by continuing to uplift and center BIPOC youth.
What experiences have been influential in shaping your values?
Being born and raised in South Central Los Angeles to Guatemala Maya migrants has been foundational to shaping who I am. My mother has always instilled in me the value of education echoing the sentiment that education is the only thing that can never be stolen from us. This value led me to attend UC Santa Barbara where I had the immense opportunity to leave my hometown and everything I knew. As a chronically online teenager, I had always been passionate about social justice activism but it was until I left my hometown that I truly understood the magnitude of the social inequities my community and I face. Simultaneously, I began to embrace my Maya Chuj and Q’anjob’al identity, dedicating myself to educating and uplifting indigenous migrant communities, histories, and legacies. This small part of my life journey has inspired me to make a commitment to fostering spaces of joy, solidarity, and liberation.
Lastly, we believe in the importance of self-care and finding joy. What activities or practices bring you joy and help you recharge outside of work?
I love to recharge by setting intentional me time. I make sure to set aside at least one hour a day for myself either to just simply scroll on tiktok, watch tv, or find new music to listen to. I have gained a deep appreciation for live music so attending concerts brings me immense joy! I also enjoy catching up with my friends from a phone call, running errands, trying new places, or tagging along to library study sessions.
