We are a collective Chicanx and Indigenous community taking up space in all spheres of decision making that impact our community. This is our legacy and our right.
WHO WE ARE
Photo source
Our History
For 50 years, our organizing has been volunteer-led and we draw specifically on the Chicano Movement of the 1960’s and 70’s for continued leadership and to remain rooted in our values. Our members maintain deep community relationships and have led countless efforts to address issues that affect Pueblo and the surrounding areas. We are both sustained by veteranos of the Movement and we continue to attract younger generations interested in fomenting their own sense of belonging and building the kind of community where our needs are met.
Our Founder
Local grassroots social justice activist, the late Rita J. Martinez, left a legacy of justice efforts to uplift our community. Luckily, she also planted and cultivated seeds in many people, organizations, and efforts that are now blooming. She passed on several batons for others to grasp and continue the work.
As a founder of the nonprofit, El Movimiento Sigue, Rita set in motion the goal of having a long lasting effort in Pueblo that would continue organizing, educating, and doing systems change work with folks impacted by marginalization and historic neglect — primarily Chicanx, Indigenous, and immigrant people. Since the fall of 2020, El Movimiento Sigue (EMS) has been involved in several efforts to do exactly that.
Our Objectives
to provide opportunities for participants to engage in conferences, educational trainings, and other learning opportunities unique to people of color and historically excluded communities
to sponsor, host and/or participate in events and activities that promote social justice
to preserve and celebrate Chicanx/Indigenous cultures and their history
to commemorate individuals who were significant contributors in El Movimiento
to collaborate with other community entities
Our Board
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Dra. Victoria Obregon
President
Dra. Victoria Obregon shows her heart work through organizing in her community as a Proud Chicana. If you can’t find her organizing, she is in a classroom doing what she loves teaching.
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Tomás Martinez Ortega
Treasurer
Tomás is a lifelong Chicano Activist in Pueblo, CO with more than 15 years of experience working in child welfare. He currently serves as Board President of the East Side Child Care Center and as Treasure of El Movmiento Sigue. He is passionate about building stronger communities and created positive change in Pueblo.
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Denise Torrez
At Large
Denise is a native Puebloan and retired elementary school teacher. She has a passion for equity and social justice. She has served as EMS president since the organization formalized as a 501c3 in 2020.
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Judy Baca
At Large
Judy is a lifelong educator who recently retired after 43 years as a Professor and Chicano Studies chair at Colorado State University - Pueblo. She has been active in the Pueblo Chicano community for decades.
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Dra. Deborah Martinez Martinez
At large
Deborah is the CEO of the publisher Vanishing Horizons and is an author who explores the history of the Southwestern United States. She worked in higher education admissions and recruitment for over 20 years.
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Dra. Velia Rincon
At Large
Dr. Velia Rincon is a first-generation Chicana, daughter of parents from Chihuahua, Mexico, who became a longtime educator, school leader, and advocate in Pueblo, Colorado. She earned degrees from Colorado State University Pueblo, the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership. Now a Director at Servicios de La Raza, she continues to serve her community through education, leadership, and advocacy.
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BreeAnna Guerra Rodriguez
At Large
Bree is a proud Chicana born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado. Centered in her love for comunidad, family, and culture, she is deeply committed to social and enviromental justice, recognizing that all forms of resistance are vital to perserverance and liberation. Her scholarship, advocacy, and passions are rooted in indigenous maternal activism, movement solidarity, and cariño-centered education.
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Erica Medina
At Large
Erica is an attorney, former public defender, and proud Chicana born and raised with strong roots on the Eastside of Pueblo. She is an advocate for transformative justice and dreamer of a new world where people and culture are valued over property.
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Risa Mondragon Luzardo
At Large
Born and raised in Pueblo, CO, Risa brings a deep love for her community and for her Chicana and Indigenous heritage. With a background in Sociology and community engagement, she has spent more than a decade working alongside youth and families in Pueblo’s nonprofit community. Her work is rooted in love for her city and a commitment to Chicanx and Indigenous identity, liberation and justice.
Our Staff
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Chela Lujan
Community Organizer
Chela Lujan believes in the transformative power of acts of service, direct action, community building and the imperative of creating a better and beautiful world for future generations. Through the treads of ceremony and familial love, and rooted in the practice of voluntary mutual aid, she strives to be a catalyst of change.
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Naomi Garcia Murillo
Program Manager
Naomi is a Pueblo Native and has been a Dental assistant for the past 14 years. She grew up a child of the movement and is proud to continue her family's legacy.
Our Wisdom Circle
"We honor and recognize the veteranos of our Movement. These are the folks who will serve as a consilio, as a Wisdom Circle, to guide the organization's values so we stay true to the work of those who came before us. Our board of directors will call on them periodically to give wise counsel. They are the face of and the heart of El Movimiento Sigue."
L-R Back Row: Carmen Arteaga, Maria Vega Clark, Deborah Espinosa, Juan Espinosa, Vicente Martinez Ortega, Bernie Esquibel Tennant, Shirley Romero, Dario Madrid
Front Row: Velia Rincon, Neva Martinez Ortega
Honoring those who have passed
“Do one thing for the movement each day.”
— Rita J. Martinez, 1955 - 2020
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
The movement starts with you! Donate, Volunteer for one of our events or become a member of El Movimiento Sigue and help your community thrive today and for generations to come.