Erika Hernandez

As a first-generation Xicana college student pursuing Chicane and Latine Studies at the University of Minnesota, Erika Hernandez is determined to create safe and brave spaces of solidarity and self-empowerment for and by brown Latine youth. From a stranger in her own land to the student president of the Latine student organization at Minneapolis College, Hernandez’s most recent work is centered on the Raíces Youth Development Program at Centro Tyrone Guzman. Through her community-driven advocacy and leadership, her desire is for her youth to see their potential to unapologetically reclaim their space and stories. As the most recent board member of COPAL MN, Hernandez has been accepted to represent the organization at the 2019 cohort of the Movement Politics Leadership Program by TakeAction MN. Hernandez is excited and humbled by this opportunity and is looking forward to learning and collectively work towards building and achieving a sustainable and equitable Minnesota for all.