My journey into activism: answering the call

“The road ahead is uncertain, but silence is not an option.”

Activism runs deep in my veins. My mother, a passionate advocate for historic preservation and civil rights, took me on a hiking protest to oppose development on the Santa Susana Stagecoach Mountain Trail Pass with then-Councilwoman Joy Picus. Thanks to their efforts, the trail, rich in Native American history, was saved and is now protected as a historic site. As a child, I saw firsthand the transformative power of organizing and protesting.

My own activism took longer to bloom. Bernie Sanders’ presidential run in 2016 inspired me, but I stayed on the sidelines. When Trump won, I was filled with disbelief and despair. It felt like a jarring reversal after the hope and promise of the Obama years. What seemed like a fluke soon revealed consequences that would reshape the nation for years to come.

Hope, Interrupted

Soon, I took part in the Women's March and felt a spark of hope. But then, in March 2020, the pandemic struck. As a small business owner, I was terrified of losing everything. And the Trump administration’s lack of compassion left me feeling hopeless. My livelihood, like that of so many others, was on the line.

Then, during Biden’s presidency, I held onto cautious hope. I rebuilt my business, and watched others close their doors. I was forced to take on massive SBA loans to survive, all while hearing slogans like “America is built on small businesses,” which honestly felt hollow. I was exhausted and drained, and ready for period of renewal.

As the 2024 election approached, I never imagined Trump could win again .

Then I read Project 2025, and I was appalled. The idea of such a divisive, authoritarian vision being seriously considered for America's future was unfathomable. That moment ignited a sense of urgency in me, and I could no longer stay silent.

So, when Kamala Harris announced her candidacy in late 2024, I joined her campaign. I spent hours phone banking, driven by the possibility of a woman president and a vision that reflected my own values. But even knowing the bleak vision of Project 2025, I underestimated the strength of the political right. I disengaged for a time, disheartened by the vitriol and division. In hindsight, I realized this silence reflected a broader failure: many in the Democratic Party had disconnected from crucial conversations and overlooked the deep frustration that fueled Trump’s rise.

What We Failed to See

Trump’s supporters, including disenfranchised young Black, White, and Latino men, felt unheard by both parties and turned to him as a voice for their anger. His victory wasn’t just about his base—it exposed the ground we had failed to cover. From the beginning of Trump’s presidency, the damage to our democratic foundations was clear. It was hard to hold onto hope, as the country seemed to be slipping into a dystopian nightmare.

I knew I had to take even further action. After hearing David Comfort, a longtime activist, speak on a Mobilize call, I reached out to him. Together, we launched our Indivisible group, Central LA. Using his foundational ideas for Democracy Action Network, we built structure and momentum. Soon, our grassroots group had committees with clear goals and strategies to fight for democracy.

The Power of Showing Up

Our first protest came together in just two weeks. We gathered 500 people in West Hollywood, and the local press took notice. Our reputation grew, and we quickly organized our second major event: the March to Save the Constitution. This march and rally featured twelve powerful speakers, including Congresswomen Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Maxine Waters, Laura Friedman, West Hollywood Mayor Chelsea Byers, State Senator Ben Allen, as well as notable activists and celebrities such as Frances Fisher, Eric Roberts, and Martin Sheen. To top it off, I had the honor of serving as MC for the two-hour event, which drew nearly 2,000 people.

Through these efforts so far, I have learned that meaningful activism is rooted in community. Movements thrive when people unite around a shared purpose, grounded in trust and connection. It’s not about experience; it’s about passion and showing up, again and again. Grassroots activism is hard work that is incredibly rewarding.

Find Joy in the Resistance

Whether it’s organizing protests, marches, mutual aid, or policy advocacy, the impact of our work depends on the strength of our relationships. 

We must intentionally build inclusive, resilient communities that empower people to show up authentically and consistently. In times of fear or political unrest, it's the community that keeps us grounded and reminds us of our collective power. 

Watching our nation edge closer to authoritarianism has been heartbreaking. This is not the America I know or believe in. In this critical moment, we must come together. We must organize, educate, and uplift one another. This means supporting trusted advocacy groups, staying informed, and continuing to raise our voices—peacefully, boldly, and consistently.

Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez held their Los Angeles rally today. On inclusivity, AOC said, “all our welcome, no matter if you know all the right words to say.” And Bernie reminded us to find joy in the resistance as we build community. 

The road ahead is uncertain, but silence is not an option. Together, we can protect the values that define a free and just society—and build a future grounded in dignity, accountability, and hope. And hopefully, joy.