Eric Alipio (he/him) was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area to a Diné mother and a Filipino first-generation immigrant father. Eric arrived in Seattle, Washington in 2016 to attend the University of Washington, where he earned his BA in English and minor in Art History. Here, he began his journey in and fostered his passion for community building, community organizing, and social justice activism.  ​

Since graduation in 2020, Eric continued to work closely with the American Indian community in Seattle by working for a local Native-owned small business. By 2023, Eric’s involvement includes work as a featured author in a newspaper covering a social justice issue concerning Native people, a selected community design partner for a major park renovation in Seattle, an invited author of a written article for the City of Seattle on Indigenous identity, and a selected workgroup member for King County’s Comprehensive Plan Equity Workgroup.​

He is passionate about writing, painting, photography, and graphic design. If not working on his art, you can usually find him enjoying the outdoors, reading, or cooking.

Bridget Brako-Kusi is a distinguished professional renowned for her adept program management and advancement expertise. Her accomplishments span various domains, including impactful donor engagement, where she excelled in fundraising for campus initiatives and skillfully devised persuasive marketing materials. In her role as Hiring Events Program Manager at Microsoft, Bridget managed software engineering hiring events with precision, ensuring seamless coordination between interviewers and candidates. Her meticulous approach led to effective tracking of hiring metrics, swift resolution of candidate queries, and the creation of comprehensive reports. Bridget's proficiency extends to the realms of database management and gift processing, where her meticulous attention to detail shines. A fervent advocate for social justice and education, she has demonstrated her commitment through leadership in mentoring and workshop facilitation. ​

Bridget's international experience as a Girls Self-Discovery Project Coordinator in Ghana showcases her exceptional ability to secure substantial funds and flawlessly execute complex projects. With a proven record of excellence across diverse domains, Bridget stands as a testament to achievement and dedication.

Tatiana Brown (she/her) has been in the Seattle community for the last two years. Moving from Virginia to pursue her graduate studies at UW, she has felt this has been a period of large growth. Both in her community network and in understanding the larger systems we operate in/must disrupt. At the Evans School of Public Policy, Tatiana focuses on social and economic policy – exploring the connections between creating sustainable societies and regenerative economies. At the School of Public Health, Tatiana concentrates in Health Systems and Policy to better understand how social determinants of health impact our health outcomes on the community and population levels. She also helps lead the Campus Sustainability Fund on UW’s campus that engages in Justice-centered sustainability through capital investment and education. ​

Overall, Tatiana seeks systems change and local capacity building for solutions to inequity and injustice. She carries theories like Just Transition and Political Determinants of Health into her work. We must invest in the power of communities of color. She feels policy is one of our greatest tools for change and is excited to better understand how to influence it within our community. She aims to model community leaders, co-creating solutions with their community. 

Sibongile Chadyiwa currently works as Joint Committee Chair for the Washington State Coalition of African Community Leaders (WSCACL) This is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting African immigrants and refugees in Washington state. In her role, she manages programs that empower African communities, particularly in the areas of outreach education, employment, health, culture and heritage.​

In addition, Sibo serves as the Grant Manager Trainee for WSCACL, helping guide the organization's decision-making processes and strategic planning.​

Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures. She is also an avid cook, experimenting with recipes from a variety of international cuisines, and enjoys playing golf whenever she can.​

Through her work at WSCACL and her diverse interests, Sibo is committed to making a positive impact in her community and beyond.

Jordan Cotton (He/Him) is an educator, writer and social justice advocate raised in Federal Way, Washington. Shortly after beginning his teaching career in New Orleans, Louisiana, Jordan obtained his master’s degree in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Servant Leadership from Gonzaga University. Jordan is currently entering his 6th year of teaching within the Federal School District. Multicultural leadership, storytelling and the innovation of culturally relevant curriculum inspires his work as an educator.  ​

Additionally, Jordan lends his gifts to his community as a Black Student Union club advisor, senior counselor for the Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL) and member at his church Upon the Rock Ministries and Training Center (UTRM). ​

“You are the light of the world. A city set on top of a hill cannot be hidden.” 

Denis Maronga (He/him) was born in Nairobi, Kenya, and is now living in shoreline, a suburb In Seattle. As an undocumented artist in Washington, he leveraged his art to network and build a community. Denis is the visionary founder and CEO of Kicheko, a Seattle-based non-profit organization. With a mission to amplify his impactful work as a community advocate.  ​

Denis represents minority & POC representation through collaborations with Microsoft, Seattle drum school, Seattle art museum, Friends of Waterfront, Bill and Melinda gate’s foundation, Seattle Seahawks and more.  Denis established Kicheko two years ago. Despite funding challenges, he has selflessly funded most of his projects, striving to expand and make a greater difference in his community. 

Dayjha McMillan (they/she) is a dreamer and schemer, committed to the lifelong practice of playing as a healing endeavor. A Leo sun, Aquarius moon, they are always striving to understand “balance” and how it appears in their daily passions. ​

Having graduated from Western Washington University, she self-created an interdisciplinary focused B.A. titled: Law, Diversity and Justice: Critiquing the American Dream using Critical Race Theory, Counternarratives, and Feminist Theory, with a minor in Education and Social Justice. ​

Dayjha is currently in the Community Impact Fellowship with RVC working at Collective Justice NW and is a published author with Haymarket Books in Abolition Feminisms Vol.2! ​

When not working, Dayjha is a lover of all things sensuous and textile, playing Chef as a love language for loved ones, owner of an exquisite book collection– they are currently learning how to (re)love reading. She can be found enthusiastically attempting (several times) to make a crochet sweater, looking for the nearest spot to buy a Yerba Mate as an afternoon pick me up, and writing because her life depends on it. ​

Faisal Mohamed (he/him) was born in Mogadishu Somali and raised in Fargo, North Dakota. Faisal has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from North Dakota State University and is currently pursuing a commercial real estate development certificate from Cornell university. Faisal has 8 years of domestic and international corporate work experience, spanning multiple sectors of global supply chain management. Faisal has served as an ambassador of the South Side Chamber of Commerce from 2020- end of 2022. Starting January 2023, Faisal has served on the board of directors of the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce. Faisal also serves on the King County Equitable Development Initiative work group. ​

As a business partner, Faisal was instrumental in the planning, development, and operationalizing of the management of the SeaTac International Mall, a 9000 sq ft, mixed-use facility with 30 BIPOC multicultural small businesses. Currently, Faisal owns and operates Core Consulting which is a BIPOC led technical advisory firm. Core consulting first handedly understands the importance of policies and development expertise that address short- and long-term systematic roadblocks that have historically plagued marginalized and underrepresented communities. Faisal has a passion for community development projects and policies that address the growing gentrification and displacement crisis throughout the country. In his spare time, Faisal enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, playing basketball and traveling. ​

Mpiima Mugambe is the founder of Immigrant Guide, a community-focused, non-profit organization based in Washington State dedicated to aiding asylum seekers, refugees, and victims of human trafficking. Drawing from his personal experience as an asylum seeker, Mpiima established this organization during his tenure as a social work graduate student at the University of Washington, emphasizing the critical importance grassroots community-driven initiatives play in strengthening neighborhoods and addressing minority communities' issues.  ​

With experience spanning 14 years and five countries, Mpiima is a social worker and a community leader with a particular emphasis on conflict resolution and social change. His innovative approach, integrating art with social interventions, has seen its implementation in areas such as the Northern Uganda-Kenya-South Sudan-Southern-Ethiopia conflict corridor. In 2009, Mpiima extended his commitment to conflict resolution through arts by co-founding Rafiki Theater, a non-profit now making waves in Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan. 

Michelle Nelson was born in eastern Washington and raised in Seattle. Michelle is a proud fourth-generation community organizer and activist. Her great-grandmother the daughter of a slave had a street named after her in East St. Louis and her great aunt was named one of the 500 people to know in 1950 Los Angeles. Both are recognized for their work in the community. She’s continuing a legacy whose core values are centered on equity and justice. ​

The Social Determinants of Health defines her approach to working in community. Believing in respecting, affirming, and protecting the dignity and worth of everyone. One of her current passions is food equity.​

With 23 years of community organizing and non-profit experience, Michelle values the relationships and cross-cultural partnerships that have allowed her to fulfill her passion and commitment to social and health justice.

Marie Antoinette Perez was born and raised in the island of Guam, surrounded by her Chamoru-Palauan family and the larger Guamanian community. She worked for a few years in the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services in the STI/HIV/Viral Hepatitis C Program, participating in outreaches and health education efforts. Through her personal and professional experiences, she became more aware of the complexities of living in a U.S. Territory, particularly how years of colonization created systemic issues that negatively affected the health and wellbeing of the people of Guam. Her time spent as an undergraduate in Whittier, CA and as a post-baccalaureate student in Honolulu, HI, broadened her understanding of just how widespread health inequities are within the U.S. for Indigenous Peoples.​

Marie’s love for her Pacific Islander heritage and her passion for health advocacy motivated her to pursue her Master in Public Health at the University of Washington, Seattle, with a focus on Health Policy. Her work focuses on children’s welfare and domestic violence prevention. ​

Outside of her school work, Marie enjoys reading, writing, and paddling for the  Wakinikona Canoe Club. 

Vinod Sharma (he/him) was born in India and moved to Washington in 2006 and it’s been his home for 17 years now. As an Engineering graduate started working for Boeing and currently working with Microsoft as Sr Program Manager. Worked with NGOs in India and USA for education of underprivileged children and as an activist for homeless people. I have also been part of the National Alliance for People movement and various political campaigns. ​

In my free time I like to write blogs and spend time with two kids. 

Shereese Rhodes is committed to making use of every opportunity she has to support and change the community by elevating her voice.  She has been offered places at the tables in many arenas and organizations, PSESD Early Learning and PSESD Race and Equity, One America, South king county Discipline Coalition, UPLAN, SPEB to mention a few.  She is honored and humbled and believes she has the responsibility to accept on the behalf of her children, the community and those who do not have a voice.​

She enters spaces with authenticity and grace, knowing this is a way to change community and the world for children that look like her, for Brown and Black boys, for Native American children we must all be at and stay at the table. She practices speaking her truth to the power of systems that oppress, divide and perpetuate racism, including the school to prison pipeline. She is humbly committed yet very passionate about this work on behalf of her son, her nephews, her daughter and all children that those coming behind them.

Marina Van Pelt grew up on the Pueblo de Cochiti reservation in New Mexico. She was fortunate to grow up on her indigenous ancestral lands learning her tribe’s culture and traditions from family and community members. She is a proud member of Pueblo de Cochiti and the Confederate Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation. Marina deeply cares about indigenous social issues and has purposefully chosen to work in native communities since graduating college. She worked at Bernalillo Public Schools as a student success coordinator to support native students’ academic success and develop culturally relevant college career readiness programming. Afterwards she worked as a Prevention/Health Promotion Specialist at Acoma Pueblo’s Health and Human Services Division in New Mexico. ​​

She recently moved to Seattle to attend the University of Washington School of Public Health. She is pursuing a Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in Health Systems and Policy. Her career goals are to help promote the health and sovereignty of tribal communities and advance American Indian/Alaskan native public health research using community based-participatory research. In her free time, she loves to hike, paddle board, and hang out with her dog Ollie.

Austin Candanoza brings a lifetime of experience in the competitive sports world and community service. A former collegiate (and now professional athlete), he emphasizes the power of sports and service to engage with the youth of our community. More specifically, he utilizes his athletic background to create an environment here to promote a healthy lifestyle, a challenging (and productive) environment, and assisting our youth to achieve their aspirations through fitness training and long-term planning. He is a huge proponent of collaborating with other organizations within the Vancouver community. 

For the past decade Austin been engaged in providing mentorship/resources to the Latino and African American communities in South Los Angeles. These types of services included; athletic and self-defense training, exposing inner city youth to identifiable figures who are successful within their very community, and collaborating with corporate entities to provide resources to youth (athletic gear, proper nutrition, access to job opportunities).  

Given all my experience working with youth in Los Angeles, now returning to Vancouver he has created a non-profit gym for underserved youth. His gym/after school program has become an essential part of the community, the demographic he serves is incredibly unrepresented in our city. To be specific, his program serves Latino, African American, and the Pacific Islander communities. In addition to offering athletic programs, his organization provides housing and employment services, vocational training, and resource brokerage. All our services are person centered and client driven for the various BIPOC communities we serve.   

Jesse Villaraldo (He/him) is a trailblazing first-generation Mexican-American who is passionate about aiding underserved youth and championing the rights of laborers. With a deep-rooted commitment to fostering inclusivity, he dedicates his energy to uplifting the diverse fabric of his community, both in Vancouver and his hometown of Okanogan, WA.

Jesse envisions the creation of a culturally enriched haven for first-gen youth aspiring to higher education in Okanogan. Having worked in the fields of Eastern Washington, where the backbone of agribusiness relies on the labor of migrants and diverse workers, he ignites change as a staunch advocate for labor rights, relentlessly striving to enhance working conditions and safeguard workers' well-being.

Eager to absorb wisdom from mentors and experts, Jesse's goal is to channel this knowledge into nurturing the forthcoming generation of community youth. With a solid four-year foundation in foster care system and social services, his collaborative spirit and unwavering dedication shine. During his undergrad at Washington State University – Vancouver, he also contributed his time to the Clark County Juvenile Justice Court Mentoring Program, demonstrating his commitment to uplifting the next generation.

Jesse holds a 2019 B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice, a testament to his steadfast ambition to work with youth. His participation in the Community Leadership Institute promises to equip him with invaluable skills and insights, amplifying his leadership prowess. As a proud member of an exceptional cohort of leaders, he eagerly anticipates honing his skills and embracing the transformative journey ahead.

Josh Butler is a second-generation Filipino-American that hails from the Pacific Northwest. He graduated from Central Washington University with a double Bachelor’s in sociology and political science in 2019. He has since been employed to help foster positive outcomes for disenfranchised youth on both a micro and macro level. Josh’s passion and work are driven by his belief that anyone can succeed if given the proper infrastructure at all levels to thrive. With an emphasis on social and political change, his unwavering belief in this ideal continues to push him forward.

He is currently employed as the Youth Outcomes Manager for Janus Youth Programs. Josh’s primary role is recruitment and facilitation for Youth-By Name List (YBNL) Case Conferencing. YBNL Case Conferencing is a recurring, problem-solving meeting, bringing key members across Clark County together in collaboration to remove barriers and access stable housing for youth and young adults (12-24) faster.

Outside of Josh’s passion for social work, he enjoys exploring his interest in the arts, particularly film and music. Josh is an avid fan of David Lynch and his work, citing him as his primary influence to start writing more actively.

Layla Afu is a second generation Tongan and Chuukese American who was born and raised in Vancouver, Washington. She is a Vancouver Public School graduate (Hudson's Bay, Class of 2011) and went on to study political science at the University of Washington where she received her bachelor's degree. After working in Highline Public Schools as an Americorps team member for two years, she moved back home to earn her master's degree in education (with an emphasis on professional school counseling) at City University and currently works as a school counselor at Fort Vancouver high school.  

Layla's experiences growing up in a Pacific Islander family that immigrated to a predominantly white area, paired with her work in Highline schools shaped her desire to want to work with communities who have been historically marginalized. She is passionate about helping these communities access more educational opportunities and working to build better systems where these communities can lead healthy and sustainable lives.   

In her free time, she enjoys paddle boarding, hiking, spending time with her loved ones and corgi, and eating.  

Leticia Lares (she/her), is a Mexican-American born in California and moved to Washington in 1992. She is a Loan Readiness Advisor for at a Community Development Financial Institution that works with the underserved business owners including the BIPOC, Hispanic, immigrant, women and veteran communities and business owners.

She enjoys helping small business owners who have traditionally been underserved without structural support like outside financing or mentoring. She holds a Bachelors in Business Administration with 12+ years experience in accounting and finance.

Leticia has volunteered as Latino Business Advisory Council with the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce, Board of Director at Centro Cultural of Washington County, and Executive Board Member at The League of United Latin American Citizens.

She believes in sustainable community development through improved economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection. She plans to be in a position where she will lay long-term groundwork to achieve solutions based on grassroots needs.

In her free time, she likes spending time outdoors, listening to podcasts, meeting new people and trying new foods.

Paul Porter was born In Portland, Oregon and has lived in the Pacific Northwest his entire life. He is a strong advocate for social justice and racial equity. Throughout the past decade he has held several positions throughout the education system. Such as Evergreen high school At-Risk-Advocate, Black Student Union Advisor, Diversity, Equity, and inclusion committee member, Evergreen High school basketball coach, and Clark College I.T. Technician.  Paul’s academic background, and experience with the justice system combined with his professional experience in community engagement, has equipped him with a deep understanding of the complexities of systemic racism. 

At the age of 19, he served 3 years of a 5-year sentence.  Upon his reintegration into society, he has dedicated his life to his community while being a voice for the voiceless.  Throughout his years he has had the opportunity to work closely with groups from diverse backgrounds, and develop a strong skill set in community outreach and program development. Playing an active role in campaigning for policies that promote equity and justice for marginalized communities. He is deeply committed to addressing the issues of racial inequality and injustice. Believing that it is vital to work towards a more equitable and inclusive society.  

In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family, taking advantage of the Pacific Northwest and its beautiful hikes, while looking forward to every taco Tuesday. 

Phung Ojala was born in a small village of southern Vietnam where she learned the harmony of a homogeneous community that is immersed in their cultural history. In 2007, she moved to the United States in the Pacific Northwest and got married.  After settling in Vancouver, Washington, she now considers this as her second homeland.  In 2016, she achieved an Associate Degree in Business. 

As an immigrant, Phung was challenged by adapting to a new environment and a culture that is so different than what she grew up in.  She also became aware of many Vietnamese who were born in an America and did not have a connection to their family native traditions and lacked the Vietnamese cultural awareness.  In her own life, she struggled to find a good balance between the American and Vietnamese cultures.  Language, she learned, was key in tying together the cultural origin through communication – especially with young children. 

Phung found her passion in serving the Vietnamese community youth to learn their family language and empowering their culture heritage.  She then volunteered as a board member with the Vietnamese Community in Clark County in 2022.  Currently, Phung works as community outreach and engagement staff for Youth and Family Link. In addition, she is also a volunteer instructor teaching Vietnamese language at the Viet Innovation Club (VIC).  At VIC, she believes by teaching youth their native language it will help inspire them to keep their culture alive. Phung’s goal is to help Vietnamese community become more culturally aware and not to forget their origin. 

Meet Rose Mendoza, a dynamic force driving transformative change in her role as the Program Manager for Latino Leadership Northwest. With a background in public health, fueled by an unwavering commitment to community well-being, her passion for advancing Latino health equity and cultivating social connections is deeply ingrained, culminating in her esteemed nomination for the 2022 Iris Award, a testament to her significant contributions throughout Clark County, Washington. Beyond her professional achievements, Rose has newly taken on the role of Chair of the Central Vancouver Coalition, further solidifying her position as a community advocate, and influencing positive development.

While professionally driven, Rose also displays a zest for adventure, often embarking on expeditions to seek out the legendary bigfoot – a charming reflection of her dedication to exploration and empowerment. 

Ruby Sparks is a bilingual Vietnamese-English speaker. As an enthusiastic Community-Based Worker (CBW) for Youth & Family Link/SWACH, she is dedicated to bringing positive change by understanding the specific needs, and challenges impacting our community, so we can work together to create a better future. 

As a Vietnamese immigrant, she serves as a bridge between cultures. With a friendly, adaptable nature and a deep appreciation for diversity, she warmly welcomes new experiences and builds strong connections. She strives to enhance the lives of individuals and families while promoting public health. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped the Vietnamese and other communities access vaccines. This led her to pursue a Community-Based Worker position, actively participating in local events and collaborating with organizations to provide essential services including vaccines, health screenings, and more. Her CNA license enables her to support the community's healthcare needs. 

As an interpreter, she bridges language barriers, facilitating communication and equitable access to resources. Beyond healthcare, she enjoys volunteering her time teaching Vietnamese, making floral arrangements, and serving as a balloon artist and decorator at events. 

Her passion for dance has led her to volunteer with both Mexican and Vietnamese dance groups, attending performances and celebrations. Through her diverse skills and passion for bringing people together, she aims to build bridges, connections and empower others, guided by her slogan: From Arts to Aid, Bridging Cultures, Weaving Connections of Support. 

Sherry Pablo (she/her/hers) is a second-generation Filipina-American born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. Sherry lost her sight as a young adult due to an unexpected illness and her lived experiences navigating healthcare systems and spaces motivates her work on improving the accessibility and experience of healthcare for the disabled community. She believes people with disabilities are missing in leadership roles in many areas of society due to misconceptions, low expectations, and lack of opportunity. Sherry promotes the inclusion of universal design principles and lens on accessibility in program planning and implementation so the disabled can participate equally in the community.

Sherry earned a master's degree in public health from UC Berkeley and spent her summer practicum as an administrative intern at PeaceHealth in Vancouver within its medical group. She has lived in Vancouver since July 2022 when she began an administrative fellowship at PeaceHealth and is now in her second year with the Quality and Patient Safety team under Clinical Excellence. Prior to this she served multiple terms with AmeriCorps first as a health educator in school-based health at a network of federally qualified health centers, and then as VISTA Lead working on a statewide coalition-based program addressing the opioid epidemic. She wants to continue to grow her leadership skills with CLI and build connections that continue to open doors and opportunities for disabled and other marginalized groups.

Outside of work Sherry loves to read, listen to live music and concerts, travel, and explore the PNW. She is a member of the local Clark County chapter of the National Federation of the Blind and participates in recreational outings in the Portland Vancouver area with the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes.

Tanika Siscoe (she/her) is an activist, and devoted advocate, passionately dedicated to advancing racial and social justice. Tanika's advocacy journey began at a young age, consistently standing against inequity and advocating for historically marginalized communities. Her unwavering commitment is evident in her efforts to cultivate communities marked by equity and free from violence. With a keen understanding that real change requires action, she has consistently translated her beliefs into tangible initiatives that drive transformation. 

She holds a Master's of Science degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice, with a focused concentration on Race and Gender Inequalities. Her graduate field project, titled "Youth and Measure 11 in Oregon: The Impacts of Mandatory Minimums," delved into the intersection between the justice system, youth, and the far-reaching consequences of mandatory minimum sentences. Her research has contributed to tangible policy change, notably impacting Oregon's justice system's treatment of youth. She is currently the Director of Prevention at YWCA Clark County. At the core of her beliefs is an unshakable conviction that domestic violence can be prevented. With a seven-year history advocating for and collaborating with youth, her commitment transcends mere advocacy; it extends into the realms of community building and public policy transformation.  

Tanika's passion for community-driven change has led her to join the Community Leadership Institute. She is eager to learn from her peers, foster new relationships, and contribute her perspective as a young Black woman striving to center racial equity in her community. In her free time, Tanika enjoys laying in the sun, gardening, cozy gaming, and attending as many concerts as possible. 

Tasha Slater (she/her) is passionate about social change and community collaboration, with a strong focus on housing and youth initiatives. Growing up biracial, Mexican and white, Tasha's background has fueled a mission to tackle inequality and celebrate diversity. Coming from a family of migrant workers, she knows firsthand the challenges faced by marginalized communities. 

Tasha has a BA from the University of Puget Sound, with a double major in Psychology and Business. Born and raised in Yakima, WA, her roots in Washington have anchored her commitment to making a difference in our community. Over the past decade in Vancouver, Tasha has been actively involved with various nonprofits, dedicating her efforts to youth development and housing initiatives. 

Recently, Tasha has embarked on a new journey, contributing her previous experience in nonprofit work to the City of Vancouver as an Associate Housing Project Coordinator. In her free time, Tasha enjoys spending quality time with her family and two dogs.  

Vicky Salas was born to Mexican immigrant parents. During one of her visits to Mexico, she learned about her Purepecha heritage and is proud of her ethnicity. As a Vancouver native, she witnessed Vancouver develop into its current metropolitan state. Vicky values environment conservation, affordable housing, and social justice. She was raised to serve and improve the community in any capacity.

Vicky opposed injustices from a young age and continues to do so. While Vicky was pursuing her A.A. at Clark College, she represented the voice of BIPOC students on many committees. Afterward, she attended WSUV for a year, during that time she partook in the student government. When she attended the University of Washington, Vicky was a member of various student organizations including MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán). In addition, she was a proxy for the Latinx Student Commissioner in the University of Washington Student Senate.

Vicky is the Secretary of the Vancouver Metro LULAC Council and serves on multiple committees. When she has downtime, she likes to sing, care for her plants, and play with her cat.