Itzel is a queer, indigenous, first-generation, woman of color, born and raised in Puebla, Mexico until ten years old when her family came to Los Angeles. She completed a B.A. in Environmental Studies at UC Santa Barbara where she learned more about the impacts that systems of oppression, colonialism and more have had on her communities, and since then has grown professionally into a skilled capacity builder, community organizer and convener, excelling in collective impact, community engagement, advocacy, relationship building, communication, and facilitation. Her areas of expertise include environmental justice, displacement and relocation, water justice, immigration rights, education justice, and working with Promotoras (experienced, trusted community leaders).

Itzel first became involved with LiKEN in 2017 working as a research assistant with Julie Maldonado and providing support for the Rising Voices Center for Indigenous and Earth Sciences. She is extremely excited to have the opportunity to return to LiKEN and continue building on the Rising Voices programming and efforts, especially in relation to environmental and social justice as it is both her personal and professional commitment to continue working with community and defending Mother Earth and all her relatives. Currently, Itzel resides in Pico Rivera, CA - traditional homelands of the  Tongva and Chumash - with her partner, three cats and dog. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family, dancing, and visiting Mother Nature to reconnect and reground herself.