Delegation Explores Environmental Justice and Arts in Movement:
Minneapolis, MN, August 4, 2023 – COPAL MN, in partnership with Minnesota State
Representative María Isa Pérez-Vega (District 65B) and four other elected officials, is embarking
on a transformative journey to Puerto Rico from August 5th to August 12th, 2023. The
delegation consists of five elected officials, four COPAL staff members, and seven staff from
partner organizations including Minnesota Environmental Partnership and Latino Economic
Development Center, who are all committed to transforming environmental and social policies.
The delegation to Puerto Rico seeks to bridge the gap between global perspectives on
environmental justice and local organizing for social change. By engaging with Puerto Rican
communities, we aim to learn from grassroots resilience, address environmental challenges, and
empower communities in Minnesota and beyond.
Francisco Segovia, Executive Director of COPAL MN, stated, “As we embark on this journey to
Puerto Rico, we are driven by the power of solidarity. Witnessing firsthand the impact of climate
change and colonization on the island’s ecosystems and communities will fuel our determination
to advocate for equitable and impactful policies in Minnesota. This experience reinforces our
commitment to fostering global solidarity and empowering communities for meaningful social
change.”
“As a Puerto Rican of the diaspora, I believe it’s crucial to continue educating our communities
throughout the United States, and the island of Puerto Rico about the island’s status and history,
while building solidarity with movements for justice and decolonization,” said Rep. Pérez-Vega.
“It is important to highlight and support the leadership and voices of Boricuas on the island, most
importantly the Boricuas struggling to keep Puerto Rico their home…struggling to keep a Puerto
Rico of and for Puerto Ricans,” she added.
Follow the delegation’s journey through COPAL’s social media channels using the hashtags:
#COPALMN #COPALMNinPuertoRico
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
If you have local contacts on the ground who would like to connect with our team while they’re
traveling, please reach out to:
Clara Ugarte Perrin | claraup@copalmn.org
Rosie Thale | rosiet@copalmn.org
About COPAL MN
Established in 2018, COPAL is a member-based organization that works to build collective
power, transform systems, and create opportunities for Latine communities to live with dignity in
Minnesota. We mobilize community members to take civic and communal action to advance
positive change on issues that impact our lives every day, including healthcare for all, dignity for
workers, environmental justice, immigration and public safety reform, and high-quality
education for all. We envision a future where Latine communities have the skills and knowledge
to lead significant change in our communities and beyond to create a Minnesota where we all can
thrive.
About Rep. María Isa Pérez
María Isa Pérez-Vega is a lifelong Minnesotan, raised on the West Side of Saint Paul. She is a
cultural community organizer, international recording artist, and youth worker representing
Minnesota House of Representatives District 65B.
In order to adhere fully to Minnesota campaign finance regulations detailed in Minnesota
Statute § 10A.071, elected officials are financing their own involvement in the delegation
