alterNative is led by Damarys Espinoza and Victor Rodriguez and powered by the profound love and responsibility we have to build a just world for our children, Axuni, Hai’uunari, Maxkirai and for all our relations. Our work is a reflection of how we, as Xicanxs of indigenous descent, understand what it means to be in the world, to be human. Our work is guided by principles of relationships, reciprocity, and responsibility.
Dr. Damarys Espinoza, Founder/DirectorDamarys is a researcher, educator, and community organizer. She works in local government, teaches at the University of Washington, and co-leads grassroots organizations, including Kalpulli Tlaloktekuhtli and the Community Health Board Coalition. Damarys’ work is guided by being mother to Axuni, Hai’uunari, and Maxkirai and being a daughter to Lourdes and Jorge Espinoza, and Xicana of indigenous descent (Naayeri/Cora). Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
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Victor Rodriguez, MSW, Founder/DirectorVictor is a community organizer, social worker, and public health strategist. His labor is focused on transitioning the world from social, economic, and political systems that harm people and the planet to systems that heal, protect, and sustain all life. Victor’s work is dedicated to his parents, children, ancestors, the planet, and future generations. He was raised in Michoacán, Mexico until the age of eight and then migrated to Skagit Valley, where he worked and organized as a farmworker. He is the proud father of Axuni, Hai’uunari, and Maxkirai. Victor is a Xicano of indigenous descent (Purépecha/Mexica) and uses pronouns He/His/Him
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We believe another world is possible
We believe strengthening leadership, organizational capacity, and movement building is key to building the collective power necessary to develop and implement solutions that serve our communities better. We believe in a approach that is relational, intergenerational, and intersectional, and is guided by principles of self-determination.