Andres Ramirez has over 20 years of experience advocating for Equity in BIPOC communities through community organizing and policy advocacy. His diverse policy expertise and keen understanding of the strengths and needs of BIPOC communities make him an effective advocate. He has led multiple efforts assuring that land use, transportation, housing, and environmental policies are developed and implemented equitably.
Some of the successful campaigns Ramirez has led include the LADOT Community Ambassador program (Vision Zero), Electro Bici (Pacoima e-bike library), and South Central Power Up (South LA e-bike library). He serves as the Executive Director of People for Mobility Justice. He also serves on LA County Metropolitan Transit Authority’s Policy Advisory Council, the Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) advisory council, and the Interagency Equity Advisory Committee for CalTrans/Cal Sta/CTC.
Río Oxas was born in Yaanga Village, also named Echo Park, Los Angeles. Oxas’ mother is from Kuxkatan (Tonacatepeque, El Salvador) and their father from Tiquisate, Guatemala. They are Two-Spirit and their lineages are Nawat-Pipil and Mayan, among others. Oxas’ primary focus is remembering ancestral knowledge as a tool to address emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual imbalances which are often dictated by inequalities and intentional design.
Oxas is a co-visionary and Principal of RAHOK, a family-owned business illuminating the interdependence of race, ancestors, health, outdoors, and knowledge. They host weekly Danza events, bike rides, and bike camping events to support health and spiritual connection. Oxas recently became a caretaker of Xanich (“nest” in Tule Yokut). At this collectively held land in Tulare County, collaborators are co-creating a livable space for generations to come.
Xóchitl Cortez is a passionate and visionary leader. Raised in East Oakland and a cancer survivor, she has firsthand experience with the severe environmental pollution that afflicts low-income communities of color. Cortez holds a BA in American Studies focusing on Public Health from UC Berkeley and an MBA from Mills College. With her extensive community development and health advocacy background, she brings a unique and powerful perspective to the fight for environmental and social justice.
Cortez is the founder and executive director of Frontline Catalysts, an organization committed to advancing environmental justice, social equity, and community empowerment. Her work empowers young activists to lead the charge in sustainable development and transformative climate justice inviting them to address local environmental challenges and advocate for policy. This approach educates and instills a sense of agency. The organization’s effectiveness stems from its deep connections to the communities it serves, ensuring authenticity and trust in its initiatives.
Maria Ruiz uses her background in communication to connect San Joaquin Valley residents to resources supporting a transition to clean vehicles. As an asthmatic, she knows how significant the impact of air pollution can be and she is dedicated to including underserved populations in California’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs). She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from California State University, Fresno.
Ruiz works on the Climate Equity and Environmental Justice team at the nonprofit Central California Asthma Collaborative in the San Joaquin Valley. She helped develop, and now leads, the EV Equity Program which connects residents with EV education and incentive application assistance. She also works with members of the Clean Vehicle Empowerment Collaborative to educate communities about EVs and incentives, preparing bilingual educational workshops and materials to ensure that information is accessible.
Natalie Espinoza applies her knowledge of the interconnectedness of people and their environments to advancing environmental justice and sustainability in underserved communities. She is the daughter of Mexican immigrants and holds a degree in Environmental Science and Policy from CSU, Long Beach, with minors in Geography and Anthropology. Her commitment to environmental justice is intertwined with her dedication to ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities.
Espinoza has over a decade of experience in energy- efficiency program education and engagement. She facilitates the Environmental Justice Advisory Committee for The Energy Coalition (TEC) and recently contributed to the EPIC Grant-funded Bassett Avocado Heights Advanced Energy Community project, serving an environmental justice community in the San Gabriel Valley. Espinoza also leads community engagement with Community-Based Organizations for TEC and implements the Los Angeles County-administered Healthy Stores Refrigeration Program to address food deserts.
Shante Walker has a deep-rooted connection to frontline communities and has dedicated her career to addressing environmental injustices. Walker grew up in South Los Angeles and draws on her experiences with the impacts of pollution and inadequate infrastructure to create site- specific projects. Her environmental justice work involves understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by frontline communities in adopting alternative and renewable fuels, advanced vehicle technologies, and sustainable practices.
Walker’s work at The Niles Foundation includes: spearheading projects in sustainable food and agriculture, clean energy technology, and clean mobility; collaborating with diverse stakeholders to develop equitable environmental solutions; and advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being and environmental rights of frontline communities.