Happy Women’s History Month! We’re continuing our #WeCanWednesday with one of our newest additions to the sdACLU squad! We’re proud to announce hiring of Imperial Valley native Crystal Quezada to its staff. As the ACLU SDIC’s Senior Community Advocate in Imperial County, she will increase the civil rights organization’s presence in the region and strengthen relationships with the community, partner organizations and grassroots groups. Read about her from her own words below.
Name, title, and primary areas of focus.
Crystal Quezada, Senior Community Advocate in Imperial County. My primary area of focus at the moment is to be a strong advocate for social justice issues in my community. I look forward to collaborate with community leaders and elected officials to provide better opportunities to the people of the Imperial Valley.
What drives you to do the work you do?
Inequity. Inequity is what we often see in rural areas and communities of color. Imperial County is predominantly Latino, low-income, and has the highest unemployment and teen pregnancy rates in the state. For many decades, this region has been marginalized and has lacked basic services such as access to health care, high wage jobs, and an equitable education. I feel that with everyone at the table, we can prioritize issues that will result in a better quality of life for the residents of the Imperial Valley.
What do you think San Diego & Imperial Counties will look like if/when you are effective with your work?
My goal is to help bring change to the region so that we have the best rural region in the state and in the nation that provides needed services to its residents. Additionally, I hope to help change the region so that it operates fairly and resources are prioritized to benefit the community at large.
How can others support the work you do to help get us closer to a more equitable San Diego & Imperial Counties and maybe the world?
I think that by being hopeful, working together, building strong relationships, and allowing people to share their perspective is imperative to bring change to the region.
Do you have a favorite quote?
“We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community… Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sake and for our own.” - Cesar Chavez
What’s your favorite amendment?
The 15th and 19th Amendment. It is imperative that we continue to protect the right for all people regardless of race or gender to be able to vote. It provides people the power to participate in an electoral process and select their leaders in government, ensuring that our constitution protects people’s right to vote and we defeat any laws that seeks to disenfranchise any group of people from voting.
Read more about here on our website: https://www.aclusandiego.org/aclu-san-diego-imperial-counties-hires-distinguished-imperial-valley-native/