Instituto Announces the 2023 Monzón Fellowship cohort
21 Arizona leaders to embark on a seven-month fellowship to accelerate their community impact in the 2024 election year and beyond
Every other year since the start of Instituto in 2019, we set out to recruit a group of emerging leaders who are building political power with communities across the state to join a one-of-a-kind seven month Monzón Fellowship.
The 2023 and third Monzón cohort represent seven counties from Navajo to Yuma County, and their backgrounds span from former elected officials to nonprofit directors to community organizers. For the next few months, they will build relationships amongst progressive leaders, we will support them to run the most impact campaigns, and together we will invest in new ideas to fill gaps in our political infrastructure.
Please welcome and meet the 21 Monzón Fellows of 2023, know their stories of community impact, and what they look forward to in this fellowship.
1. Tearanie Chinn
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Location: Gilbert, Arizona | Maricopa County
Organization: Rural Arizona Engagement & Rural Arizona Action Deputy Education Director
Bio:
Originally from Gary, Indiana, I am a proud graduate of Jackson State University, where I fully leaned into my passion for educating others. I have served as a middle and high school educator in both rural and urban school settings for over 10 years, served our United States Military Personnel overseas providing education services to deployed service members in Germany, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Qatar, and gained local organizing experience through working with Rural Arizona Engagement and Rural Arizona Advocates in their youth campaigns geared towards participatory research action. My life and career experiences have solidified my passion for defending democracy in all the spaces she occupies.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
I am looking forward to connecting with other like-minded individuals and learning from them, as well as the fellowship. I look forward to the in-person cohort sessions and seeing areas of Arizona that I may not have experienced before. I’m looking forward to soaking up any and all knowledge provided.
2. Vianey De Anda
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Location: Phoenix, Arizona | Maricopa County
Bio:
“I began volunteering with my local organization when I was just 16, as a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient, the immigrant movement brought me into this space. But it was the real-life impact that kept me here. Since then, I witnessed the great change that community organizations can create when driving local issues. I had the pleasure to contribute to grassroots efforts by providing digital support to dynamic organizations throughout Arizona.”
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
I am beyond excited to meet the cohort and looking forward to visiting new Arizona locations that I have not been to before. I can't wait to learn about the history of organizing and how we can create a better future in the advocacy space!
3. Rebecca Denis
Pronouns: she/they
Location: Phoenix, Arizona | Maricopa County
Organization: Operations & Finance Manager at Poder in Action
Bio:
Rebecca Denis (she/they) is a self-proclaimed "desert brat" who grew up on the westside of Phoenix and wants to ensure that the valley is a place that is safe and healthy for all people. She is passionate about intersectional social justice, mental health and creating a world where we not only learn to heal from our trauma, but create new ways of being that eliminate and mitigate traumas in our communities. She believes in the deep power that our communities have and want to make sure people know how to harness and find the fire inside of them to create the world that we deserve. She loves the outdoors and being in nature, is a music and concert lover and travel junky in her free time.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
I am most excited about learning from my fellow cohort members and having a space to share our stories and unique experiences to better understand what drives and motivates us in our work. I also look forward to all the collective knowledge and skills shared and absorbed amongst our cohort. I feel privileged to have an intentional and guided space to invest in my own growth and leadership while doing so in the company of others who are in a similar season in their life. I feel grateful for the accountability and support that will be provided in this process and I am eager to see how this time together will help us all become better organizers and partners in our local movement eco-space.
4. César Fierros Mendoza
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Location: Tucson, Arizona | Pima County
Organization: Director of Communications at Living United For Change in Arizona
Bio:
Cesar Fierros was born in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in Tucson. He graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor's degree in Law and Public Policy, where he began his political journey as an Obama organizer during his early college years. Fierros later transitioned to congressional work, starting with Congressman Grijalva in Arizona and then moving to Washington, D.C., to work with Congressman Gallego as part of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) program. During this time, Fierros focused on public policy issues and gained valuable experience in the political sphere.
After completing the CHCI program, Fierros returned to Arizona to lead voter registration efforts for Voto Latino during the 2016 presidential campaign. Due to his success in this role, he was recruited by several political campaigns and community advocacy organizations to lead field and outreach operations in Southern Arizona. Fierros' abilities in these areas earned him a position as Regional Director for David Garcia's gubernatorial campaign, where he led the Southern Arizona campaign efforts and played a crucial role in winning 14 out of 15 Arizona counties in the gubernatorial primary.
Following the 2018 midterm elections, Fierros became the Communications Manager for Living United for Change Arizona (LUCHA). In this role, he was responsible for crafting a robust communication campaign to help defeat Donald Trump in 2020. Fierros' expertise in strategic political communication and field operations has made him an invaluable asset to the organizations and campaigns he has worked with throughout his career. Currently, César is the Director of Communications for Living United for Change in Arizona!
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
To be at the top of your game the learning must never stop. I'm thrilled to be part of the Monzón Fellowship to continue developing my leadership, campaign management, and communication skills. While also making long-lasting connections!
5. Itzimba Figueroa
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Location: Phoenix, Arizona | Maricopa County
Organization: Outreach coordinator at Council on American Islamic Relations Arizona
Bio:
I am a proud graduate of the School of Social Transformation at ASU and a Certified Civil Litigation Bilingual Paralegal from ABA-accredited Phoenix Community College. I bring insight to the CAIR AZ team through my experience in nonprofit organizing and youth volunteer programs. I am an advocate for human rights through the vessels of higher education, empowerment and accountability. I also serve as the Educational Awareness Chairperson for the Young Professional Child Help Chapter. In addition, I am honored to continue to serve as Board Member at Cultural Coalition, a Mesa-based organization that brings community together through art and cultural education. I believe everyone can be an agent of social change through education and awareness.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
I am thrilled to learn about different perspectives and angles on how we can empower and uplift our community. I am excited to take the knowledge I learn within the Monzon to multiply it at a wider scale with my community. I am interested in working through some of the issues I currently face while doing outreach. I want to be a better servant to my community.
6. Bruce Franks Jr
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Location: Mesa, Arizona | Maricopa County
Bio:
Ferguson frontline activist from St. Louis, Missouri who now lives in Phoenix and organizes with Mass Liberation Arizona. I served in the Missouri Legislature for two terms as state representative of the 78th district. After passing legislation and allocating millions of dollars to directly impacted communities, I resigned to concentrate on my mental health. I was also nominated for an Oscar in 2020 for the short documentary "St. Louis Superman" detailing my life and the passage of a key piece of legislation.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
I'm excited about being in an amazing thought partnership with so many other amazing people. I'm excited to learn as well as share my lived experience in order to serve our community better.
7. Cinthia Garcia
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Location: Tucson, Arizona | Pima County
Organization: Special Staff Assistant at Pima County Recorder's Office
Traigo conmigo a mi familia, mis ancestros, y todo mi corazón a este poderoso espacio y estoy orgullosa de estar compartiendo esta experiencia con todos ustedes. Vengo de una familia de estatus migratorio mixto, creci en los barrios de Tucson, Arizona, y he sido testigo directa del increible poder comunitario que tiene mi barrio. Mi enfoque es crear espacios con empatia y compasión donde todos puedan estar en una comunidad donde puedan crecer y florecer. Esta es mi pasión y esto es lo que llevo conmigo dondequiera que voy.
—
I bring my family, ancestors and my whole heart into this powerful space and I am proud to be sharing thus experience with all of you. I come from a mixed immigration status family and grew up in the barrios in Tucson, Arizona, and I have witnessed first hand the amazing community power my barrio has. My focus is creating safe spaces with empathy and compassion where all folks from all backgrounds can be in a community where they can grow and flourish . This is my passion and this is what I bring with me everywhere
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
I'm excited to meet the fellowship cohort. I'm ready to grow and learn. ¡Sin miedo al éxito!
8. Erin Hiebert
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona | Coconino County
Organization: Labor Organizer at American Federation of Teachers
Bio:
I currently work as a labor organizer for the University Union of Northern Arizona, a wall-to-wall labor union that organizes all workers at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. UUNA-AFT is an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers, one of the largest teachers' unions in the country that represents over 1.7 million public and private employees throughout the United States. As a former public school teacher, I have always found labor unions to be the hubs of connection and radical organizing that fuel my love for community and my hope for change. As an active community member in Flagstaff, Arizona, I have spent years organizing with my community around issues of housing injustice, the defunding of public education, the misuse of city funds, police brutality, and labor injustice.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
I am honored to be welcomed into a network of leaders who care about creating Arizona communities rooted in radical care and economic justice. The opportunity to come together with other folks who are committed to engaging in deeper learning around how we can better uplift ourselves and our communities is incredibly exciting to me!
9. Jordyn Hodges-Wilson
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Location: Gilbert, Arizona | Maricopa County
Employer: Community Manager at City of Phoenix - office of Vice Mayor Yassamin Ansari
Bio:
Born and raised an Arizona native, I am a progressive political operative that has an extensive background in field and political work. My passion is to ensure that progressive candidates have the support that they need to run for office and win in areas that are underserved. I am focused on uplifting and advocating for BIPOC, LGBTQIA and other overlooked communities to create a truly more equitable space for all.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
I am excited to connect with and learn from other like-minded individuals in the progressive space, and broaden my views on what I think I may know regarding equity and community. I am ready to step outside my comfort zone and get more perspective on how I can serve my community.
10. Lorencita “Loren” Marshall
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Location: Tsaile, Arizona | Apache County-Navajo Nation
Organization: Director of Campaigns and Engagement at Northeast Arizona Native Democrats
Bio:
I am a citizen of the Navajo Nation. I am near the Water People Clan and Born for Bitter Water. I am the Director of Campaigns & Engagement with Northeast Arizona Native Democrats. For the past four years I’ve been a tribal organizer on the Navajo Nation and served in a variety of roles.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
I'm excited about gaining new/different perspectives from others in the field. I'm excited about expanding my network and having access to mentors/peers who will help guide me in my new role.
11. Emmauel “EMMA” Martinez
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Location: Tucson, Arizona | Pima County
Organization: Deputy Program Director for Scale for Change
Bio:
I'm originally from Mexico City but migrated with my family to Phoenix, AZ about 20 yrs ago. I first became involved in the movement back when Prop 300 passed and the DREAM Act was introduced in Congress. Since, I have organized in the immigrant, labor, and now healthcare (reproductive) realms and been part of a handful of IE campaigns. I currently reside in Tucson, where my wife and I are raising our twins. I enjoy spending time with my family, the outdoors and exploring food.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
I am excited to build a community with folks who are in the AZ progressive movement. I am also looking forward to the trainings and to grow my skillset for the upcoming programs and campaigns that I'll be running and supporting.
12. Claire Michael
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Location: Phoenix, Arizona | Maricopa County
Organization: Climate Equity Director at Wildfire: Igniting Community Action to End Poverty
Bio:
Claire is a life-long Arizonan. Currently, she is a climate equity director working to end poverty in Arizona through climate and energy policy advocacy. She has master’s degrees in social work and urbanization and development with special interests in public transportation, housing, and disability justice.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
I am most excited to build relationships with other Monzón fellows. Deep discussions, community, learning from others, and feedback are important to me, my growth, and the quality of my advocacy.
13. Vivian Morrison
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Location: Tucson, Arizona | Pima County
Organization: Deputy Data Director at Arizona Democratic Party
Bio:
I am the current Deputy Data Director for the Arizona Democratic Party, where I help with providing data and analytic services to campaigns, PACs, and party entities. Prior to my work in politics and community organizing, I studied Astronomy & Planetary Science at the University of Arizona and have worked in different Planetary research offices (and even a space mission!). I am thrilled to have the opportunity to merge my technical skills with my passion for progressive advocacy and organizing in my current role, and hope to continue to build power in progressive data technologies. I live in beautiful Tucson, Arizona, where I was born and raised. I love being in nature, yoga/exercise, iced coffees, and rom-coms!
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
I am incredibly excited to be part of the Monzón Fellowship to have the opportunity to build skills throughout 2023 to prepare for 2024 and beyond. I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to learn from and share experiences with other amazing Monzón fellows from across the state!
14. Maher “Mo” Osman
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Location: Chandler, Arizona | Maricopa County
Organization: Development Coordinator at Instituto
Bio:
I'm a first generation Sudanese American and life-long Arizonan. I currently work as the Development Coordinator at Instituto, helping to ensure that other organizations have the capacity and tools to capture and gain as much resources as they can. I am a proud graduate of The School of Social Transformation at ASU where I learned about many different social theories that I now apply to my everyday life, such as a Radical Black Feminist Lense. I also serve as the Program Director at the Sudanese American Community Center of Arizona, not only serving my local Sudanese community but also working nationally with the Sudanese diaspora to coordinate efforts to mobilize Sudanese around the country.
Outside of organizing, I love playing soccer, listening to music, practicing photography, meeting new people, and SMILING :)
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
I'm most excited about making deep & rich connections with other fellows. I've seen what this fellowship has done for other and I can't wait to have my own experience going through the program.
15. Briona Parkinson
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Location: Phoenix, Arizona | Maricopa County
Organization: AZ Political Rep/Lobbyist at American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
Bio:
I have dedicated my life to uplifting those around me through advocacy. My motto is YOU+ME=WE. I have worked in many capacities from lobbying on capitol hill, counting absentee ballots, staffing precincts, serving non-profits through capacity building, and providing social services prior to my role as AFSCME AZ Political Rep and Lobbyist.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
I am excited about building in community and learning more about the great state of Arizona.
16. Jaynie Parrish
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Location: Kayenta, Arizona | Navajo County - Navajo Nation
Organization: Founder & President at Arizona Native Vote
Bio:
She is a citizen of the Navajo Nation and grew up in Window Rock and Kayenta, AZ on the Navajo Nation. She takes pride in a significant role in reaching voters who have felt unconnected from mainstream politics. She did this with an approach based on service, not on asking for votes. She consistently helps progressive groups be more inclusive and reach out to Indigenous and rural communities. Jaynie is an alum of Arizona State University and the Harvard Kennedy School.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
Connecting with other organizers, advocates, and communities from across the state. Then figure out ways to strategize and partner to uplift our communities and make Arizona more equitable and just, especially in rural and Indigenous regions.
17. Claudio “Cloud” Rodriguez
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Location: Tucson, Arizona | Pima County
Organization: Director of Policy and Community Organizing at Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona
Bio:
Claudio (he/him) is a migrant from Sonora/Oaxaca, Mexico who set roots in Tucson, AZ. He currently serves as the Director of Policy and Community Organizing for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. As a grassroots organizer, barrio campesino, artist and storyteller, his work focuses on the intersections of migrant rights, environmental justice, and food security. Claudio’s transformation from gangs to gardens helped coined the terms “Armando Barrio, Barrio Campesinxs” a praxis that addresses community development through an assets-based approach that reconnects folks back to the land we reside on and arms the community with the resources and networks needed to create positive social change; by the hood, for the hood. Claudio has a passion for food systems work and an extensive history of developing curriculum and implementing environmental justice programs throughout the southwest region that create opportunities for green infrastructure.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
I am excited to connect with people and organizations across Arizona that share similar values when it comes to building collective power. I look forward to learning new ways to mobilize people and organizations to win positive changes for our communities. I know this fellowship will level up my skills as a leader, mentor, and organizer.
18. Kathleen Stanberry
Pronouns: they/them
Location: Sierra Vista, Arizona | Cochise County
Organization: Operations and Administrative Assistant at Black Phoenix Organizing Collective
Bio:
I’ve lived in Arizona my entire life and fall in love with the diverse ecology every season! Being in community through my job at a BPOC and through volunteering keeps me connected to my home. I hope to use my knowledge and experience to help pave a path toward a regenerative, sustainable future.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
I’m excited to visit the many communities across the state I love! This is a chance to get to know myself and where I fit in.
19. Liz Vasquez
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Location: San Luis, Arizona | Yuma County
Organization: Civic Engagement Organizer at Chispa Arizona
Bio:
A single mom to a beautiful boy named Christopher. Born and raised in Sonora, Mexico, Lizbeth Vasquez immigrated to the United States. Liz has been a community leader in Yuma County since she was 17. She still has the desire to continue with her education. Liz started with Promise AZ in 2010, where they mobilized the community and educated them about the harms of SB-1070—she is currently working as a Civic Engagement Organizer coordinating a youth program Plantando Semillas.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
As a grassroots organizer, I want to continue learning to serve my community better and take advantage of this opportunity. I want to be part of building political power in San Luis, AZ, and advocating for needs in my hometown.
20. Veronica Wollenzier
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Location: Tucson, Arizona | Pima County
Organization: Founder/Director at Housing Initiative Project
Bio:
Ronnie dreams through an abolitionist lens as a housing justice organizer. Her love for her neighbors, and growing exasperation for oppressive structures guides her work with the Housing Initiative Project and Mass Liberation, AZ.
She lives on the unceded lands of the O'odham and Yoeme, and is happiest under the warmth of the Sonoran sun.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
I look forward to meeting my cohort of fellows! I know we will form so many meaningful connections and ideas that will empower us to effectively break up electoral power, and redistribute it to the varying needs of our communities across the state of Arizona.
21. Shelby Young
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Location: Phoenix, Arizona | Maricopa County
Organization: Community Organizer at Equality Arizona
Bio:
I am a qualified and passionate community organizer with over four years of experience in relational organizing, coalition building, and supporting electoral activities in fast-paced environments. As the Community Organizer at Equality Arizona, I build relationships with queer community members, organizations and more to ensure LGBTQ+ voices have a seat at the table in Arizona's political process. I am not just committed to this work; I am passionate. I strive to create a better world for all communities. When I'm not organizing, I spend my time with my partner and my cat, watching Shark Tank or Judge Judy!
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
As a grassroots organizer, I want to continue learning to serve my community better and take advantage of this opportunity. I want to be part of building political power in San Luis, AZ, and advocating for needs in my hometown.
We look forward to seeing our Monzón fellows grow and bring back knowledge to their communities! We wish them well on this journey! To stay up to date with the 2023 cohort, sign-up for our weekly newsletter.
