Instituto Welcomes the 2025 Monzón Fellows
21 Arizona leaders to embark on a five-month fellowship to accelerate their community impact
Like a monzòn – a powerful shift in the wind’s direction – 21 leaders are rising to meet this pivotal moment in Arizona’s history. Our state and country stand at a critical crossroads, facing uncertainty and mounting challenges affecting our communities. We know that our work is far from over, and the need for bold, values-driven leadership has never been greater.
This year’s Monzón cohort answers that call – bringing fresh energy, deep community roots, and the determination to lead Arizona through this defining moment. Instituto is proud to announce the 2025 cohort of Monzón Fellows: changemakers rooted in community, driven by purpose, and ready to shape the future of our state.
Representing seven counties – from Apache to Yuma – and bringing together civic engagement directors, mutual-aid organizers, city volunteers, and cultural workers, this cohort brings a broader range of experiences and perspectives than ever before.
Over five months, fellows will gather in different Arizona cities to learn from one another, deepen their leadership, and root themselves in the communities that shape our state. Each session blends strategic skill-building like organizing, policy, data, and more—with healing practices and space for reflection.
The 2025 Monzón Fellowship will empower fellows with the skills, tools, and relationships needed to move Arizona toward a more thriving and equitable future. Selected from a highly competitive pool of over 200 applicants and nominations, these fellows were chosen for their leadership, potential, passion, and commitment they bring to building power with communities in our state. The fourth Monzón Fellowship cohort is ready to lead with the clarity, vision, and resilience this moment demands.
Please welcome and meet the 2025 Monzón Fellows. Discover their stories, the impact they’re making, and what excites them most about the journey ahead.
1. Natalie Washington
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Location: Phoenix | Maricopa County
Organization: YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix
Job Title/Role: Equity Programs Coordinator
Bio:
Natalie Washington is an Afro-Indigenous LGBTQIA+ woman from Oregon and Hawaii. As the equity coordinator for YWCA Metro Phx, she advocates for racial justice, young women, and aging communities. Natalie has a Master's degree in Aging from ASU and a dual Bachelor's degree from Grambling State. She's a part of Greater Phoenix Urban League Young Professionals (GPULYP) and Young & Empowered Women.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
What excites me most about the Monzón Fellowship is its dedication to empowering changemakers and fostering systemic change. The fellowship's focus on leadership development, strategic planning, and advocacy aligns perfectly with my goals of promoting social equity and justice. I'm eager to collaborate with like-minded individuals and learn from their experiences.
2. Karla Vera
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Location: San Luis | Yuma County
Organization(s): City of San Luis Vision Group, Humane Society of Yuma
Job Title/Role(s): Community Organizer, Volunteer
Bio:
Karla, a proud native of San Luis, Arizona, a border town to Sonora, Mexico, is an aspiring law student preparing for the LSAT while actively working with community organizers to improve her hometown. With a strong background in leadership, including serving as the Student Government President at Arizona Western College (AWC), as well as valuable internships with the United States Agency for International Development and the Arizona House of Representatives, Karla is committed to pursuing a legal education to advocate for her community. Her role as Campaign Manager for Arizona State Rep. Mariana Sandoval ignited her passion for mobilizing, community-building, and advocacy. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, drinking coffee, baking, spending time with people she loves, and volunteering at the Humane Society.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
Being accepted to this fellowship alone excites me, and being surrounded by other fellows, mentors, the Monzón team, and past fellows is super thrilling. Building power and community with other Arizonans from different counties in our State is something I look forward to. I'm excited to grow as a leader as a person. I want to learn everything I can from the people who make this fellowship so special. Then, I want to give back to my community and implement all I learn. I see the fellowship as a group that provides a space for individuals who are hungry for a better Arizona, which makes me feel certain that I'm in the correct place.
3. Janae Stevenson
Pronouns: they/he/she
Location: Maricopa County
Organization: Care in Action & National Domestic Workers Alliance
Job Title/Role: Lead Organizer
Bio:
Janae is a Black Queer Enby that was born in Ruston, Louisiana, but Arizona is home. They come from a background of community organizing and is currently the Lead Organizer for Care in Action and the National Domestic Workers Alliance. Janae is grateful to be a part of this fellowship and fight with their fellows.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
I’m most excited to meet other fellows, connect around issues, and get to know my community of fellows. Especially now, it is essential to ensure we are here for each other.
4. Andrew Simek
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Location: Avondale | Maricopa County
Organization: Office of Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari (AZ03)
Job Title/Role: Field Representative and District Operations Manager
Bio:
Born and raised in Arizona, Andrew is deeply committed to public service and community engagement, striving to be a bridge between government and the people it serves. As the Field Representative and District Operations Manager for Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari, he works closely with local leaders, organizations, and constituents to address critical issues impacting working-class, immigrant, and communities of color. His passion lies in ensuring that historically underserved communities have a seat at the table, advocating for policies that promote economic opportunity, housing accessibility, and equitable governance.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
I'm excited to collaborate and grow alongside like-minded individuals who share a commitment to progressive, sustainable change. I look forward to listening, learning, and strengthening our collective advocacy. Let’s get to work!
5. Tito Romero
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Location: Tucson | Pima County
Organization: Flowers & Bullets Collective
Job Title/Role: Co-founder and Farm Manager
Bio:
Community Organizer, Seed Keeper, Husband & Papi.
Having family from Sasabe, Sonora, and Cuyamelito, Honduras, has really shaped the way Tito views the world, tackles injustices, and builds community. He is the Co-Founder of Flowers & Bullets Collective in Tucson, where they explore sustainable ways of living, building community, growing crops, and creating safe spaces in the Barrio Centro community where he grew up.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
I’m excited to learn from others who share similar interests or values and sharpen my management and fundraising skills. I look forward to networking and building community.
6. Carolina Quintero
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Location: Maricopa County
Organization: Opportunity Arizona
Job Title/Role: Digital Communications Coordinator
Bio:
Carolina is a first-generation immigrant from Sonora, Mexico. She advocates for working families as the Digital Communications Coordinator at Opportunity Arizona. With a background in research, combatting disinformation, and creative writing, Carolina is a passionate and committed communications leader for Arizona communities. She is excited to meet the cohort, explore Arizona, learn how to create real change, and positively impact the people of Arizona. In her free time, she enjoys reading, going to coffee shops, hanging out with her pets and family, and being in nature.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
I'm most excited to learn and expand my knowledge on how to bring justice to our communities in Arizona. I'm also looking forward to meeting the cohort and learning from experts.
7. Alejandra "Ale" Pablos
Pronouns: she/they
Location: Tucson | Pima County
Organization: CA Dignity Not Detention Coalition & Contractor with Immigrant Legal Resource Center
Job Title/Role: Coalition Coordinator, Tucson and Phoenix Language Justice Collective Interpreter
Bio:
Ale is a daughter of immigrants, a lawful permanent resident (LPR) who got caught in the deportation machine. She comes from a mixed-status family of Mexican descent, and she is the oldest of her cousins. Ale is an educator who has worked with young kids all her life. She grew up with a single parent, a mother, and who migrated up north and across states to follow her dreams. In the Dreamer movement and inside detention, Ale felt left out of the Dreamer narrative. She realized how this society disposes of people who didn't get legalization, who have abortions, who are queer, and who challenged roles. Ale builds power with Red de Defensa, doing language justice work and sharing her incarceration and abortion story as a form of resistance.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
I really hope to connect and network with brilliant people through this cohort and past alums. Learning from others always gives me more insight and expands my range of skills and perspectives.
8. Olivia Mabry
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Location: Tempe | Maricopa County
Organization: Arizona Democracy Resource Center
Job Title/Role: Communications Director
Bio:
Olivia is a second-generation Black Chicana from Guadalupe, fiercely committed to creating transformative change for her people. Her activist journey began early, deeply influenced by the profound effects of SB1070, which ignited her passion for creating real, lasting impact. This devotion has fueled her work, where she has fought to amplify the voices of Queer and BIPOC communities. As Communications Director at ADRC, she launched the Communication Internship Program, empowering youth to become influential decision-makers in the community. She’s also contributed to pivotal ballot initiatives and campaigns, where she built coalitions, crafted strategic communications, and worked to drive meaningful progress.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
Starting the Monzón Fellowship feels like the sign I’ve been waiting for. As I approach graduation this May, I may not have all the answers about what comes next or how things will unfold, but I know that this new season in my life is exactly what I need. It’s a chance to uncover a new side of myself and a stepping stone that will guide me toward the bright future I've been dreaming of. What excites me most about the fellowship is the opportunity to dive deeper into my passions, connect with like-minded individuals, and develop the skills I need to make a meaningful impact in my field. This fellowship provides guidance and mentorship and opens doors to new experiences and challenges that will shape the person I'm becoming.
9. Sadiya Khan
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Location: Phoenix | Maricopa County
Organization: AZ Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander for Equity (AZ AANHPI for Equity)
Job Title/Role: Youth Leadership Program Director
Bio:
Sadiya is a Bengali-American woman from West Phoenix. Her career has focused on advancing social change through community organizing, art, and youth mentorship. Sadiya currently works as the Youth Leadership Program Director at AZ AANHPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander) for Equity. In her role, she works to empower and mobilize AANHPI youth through mentorship, advocacy-based programming, and leadership development. Rooted in her experiences as a South Asian woman, her work centers the voices and leadership of marginalized youth in building a more equitable world. Sadiya is excited to grow alongside leaders who are also committed to creating change in Arizona.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
I’m really excited for the opportunity to grow alongside other values-aligned leaders across Arizona. I’m looking forward to being in community with people who are committed to creating change and doing critical work in their own communities. I'm also excited to explore topics around program design, leadership, and healing practices that can strengthen both my work and personal growth!
10. Kat Jutras
Pronouns: Kat/she/her/hers
Location: Mesa | Maricopa County
Organization: Alliance for Safety and Justice
Job Title/Role: Director
Bio:
Kat is an advocate for system reform and has nearly a decade of experience in criminal justice and civil rights restoration. As a Director and Managing Partner, she has held various roles in organizing and program development at national and statewide nonprofits. Kat helps individuals with conviction histories regain civil rights and access housing and education while advocating for mass incarceration reduction and victim support. Kat serves on multiple committees and boards for justice reform organizations in Arizona. Trained as a victim advocate, community health worker, and paralegal, she is committed to lasting change in her home state.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
I'm excited about the opportunity to connect with impactful changemakers who are doing incredible and important work in Arizona. The fellowship’s focus on building power with communities across Arizona is especially inspiring because it emphasizes collaboration, empowerment, and the idea that real, lasting change comes from within the communities themselves. This fellowship offers the chance to learn, grow, and connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference. I hope to build connections that will accelerate the work of building more equitable, just, and empowered communities.
11. Eniola Idowu
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Location: Tucson | Pima County
Organization: Computing Research Association
Job Title/Role: Research Associate
Bio:
Eniola is passionate about integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and social justice into research and evaluation, focusing on intersectionality and equity within underserved populations. As a Research Associate for the Center for Evaluating the Research Pipeline at the Computing Research Association, she leads evaluations aimed at broadening participation and increasing diversity in STEM. Eniola has extensive experience in evaluating behavioral health disparities, sexual health education, and school-based mental health systems for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ youth communities in Arizona. She holds a BS in Psychology and an MPH in Health Behavior Health Promotion from the University of Arizona.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
What excites me most about the Monzón Fellowship is the opportunity to connect with a community of like-minded changemakers who share a commitment to driving positive social impact. I'm eager to strengthen my leadership skills and gain practical tools that will help me create meaningful, community-centered change. The fellowship’s focus on collaboration, mentorship, and empowering individuals to lead with purpose deeply resonates with my passion for public health, educational policy, and social justice. I'm excited to not only learn from the experiences of others but also to contribute my own insights and experiences in the hope of sparking new ideas and solutions that can drive lasting transformation.
12. Jose Hernandez
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Location: Laveen | Maricopa County
Organization: Poder In Action
Job Title/Role: Finance & Compliance Manager
Bio:
Jose was born and raised in Phoenix as the oldest son of immigrants. He has 20+ years of experience in sales & sales leadership. He’s lived in the Midwest & the South during his previous career. He left his career in 2021 after he lost his brother to state violence and his father to COVID. He landed in movement work with Poder in Action as the Finance & Compliance Manager as he pursued giving back to his community in some form or manner, which has led him to a path of wanting to give more with his skill sets and experience.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
I’m excited about the introduction of items relevant to the space. I look forward to the knowledge and interactions.
13. Llama Habern
Pronouns: They/He/She
Location: Cornville | Yavapai County
Organization: Rural Organizing Initiative
Job Title/Role: Co-Founder
Bio:
Llama is a queer, trans, disabled community organizer located in Yavapai County. In 2023, Llama utilized their background in data analysis, candidate training, voter contact, and field organizing to co-found the Rural Organizing Initiative (ROI). It’s a 501c4 nonprofit corporation that promotes full participation in democracy by educating communities on how and why their participation has an impact and supporting and promoting candidates for city and county offices.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
I'm really looking forward to meeting so many people who are working on the ground to change the landscape in Arizona!
14. Xavier "X" Gonzalez
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Location: Phoenix | Maricopa County
Organization: Tempe Community Action Agency (TCAA), Gabriel's Angels (GA), Treasures 4 Teachers (T4T), Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence (AzCASE), New Pathways for Youth (NPFY)
Job Title/Role: Sr. Manager Economic Mobility at TCAA, Board Member at GA, Board Member at T4T, JEDI Committee Member at AzCASE, Caminos Advisory Committee Member at NPFY
Bio:
X is a first-generation Latino, born and raised on the west side of Phoenix, with roots in Delicias, Chihuahua. Passionate about building stronger, more equitable communities, he brings a background in nonprofit leadership, education, public service, and strategic partnerships. He has worked with impactful organizations such as Tempe Community Action Agency, Gabriel’s Angels, Treasures 4 Teachers, the Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence, and New Pathways for Youth. He always seeks meaningful ways to collaborate, innovate, and uplift others through mission-driven work. Fun fact: he has a twin brother — and a life goal to pet as many dogs as possible! 🐕
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
I’ve supported Instituto for years because I truly believe in what it stands for — uplifting voices and creating real change in our communities. It feels good to roll up my sleeves and be part of something bigger than myself. I’m looking forward to growing alongside other leaders and doing my part to move the work forward here in Arizona.
15. Cristal Franco
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Location: Ajo | Pima County
Organization: International Sonoran Desert Alliance (ISDA)
Job Title/Role: Business Opportunity Manager
Bio:
Cristal is from the rural Southwestern desert and currently resides in Ajo. She manages a coworking, microfunding, and economic development program for a community development nonprofit, the International Sonoran Desert Alliance (ISDA). In her position, she enjoys the variety of multicultural business support, bioregional food systems revitalization, and arts and culture work she engages in the borderlands region.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
Being a part of a changemaker cohort and joining a greater network of fellows here in Arizona. Support is so important, and I appreciate participating and contributing to this evolving, relationship-building program.
16. Haley Creighton
Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs
Location: Flagstaff | Coconino County
Organization: Arizona Students' Association
Job Title/Role: Northern Regional Director
Bio:
Born and raised in Arizona, Haley has lived in Flagstaff for seven years since beginning their studies at Northern Arizona University in 2018. In 2024, Haley ran for Arizona State Senate in Legislative District (LD7) to champion issues that matter to them and others — young people, queer and genderqueer individuals, progressives, and anyone whose voice is often left out of government. They are passionate about a wide range of issues, including queer rights, reproductive justice, immigrant protection, and voting rights. Haley is excited to learn and grow during their time in the fellowship.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
I'm so excited to connect with other people across the state and to strengthen my skills as an organizer, advocate, and leader!
17. Linnette Corrales
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Location: San Luis | Yuma County
Organization: Arizona List
Job Title/Role: Training Director
Bio:
Born in Yuma, AZ, and raised in San Luis, Mexico, Linnette is the oldest of six and stepped into a leadership role early, helping her mother raise their family. She became the first in her family to earn both a university and a master’s degree. After spending five years as an educator and working on five local campaigns in Yuma County, she continues her journey as a wife and mother to a spirited toddler. A passionate advocate for women’s rights, children’s rights, and reproductive freedom, her story is rooted in resilience—and she carries that fire into everything she does.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
What excites me most about the Monzón Fellowship with Instituto is the opportunity to grow alongside other changemakers committed to justice and equity. As a community organizer in rural Yuma County, I’ve seen the deep-rooted injustices in our school systems and the daily impact of not having equal access to resources in rural Arizona. This fellowship offers a chance to sharpen my skills, uplift local voices, and drive meaningful change in communities that are too often overlooked. I’m eager to learn, connect, and help build a more just and inclusive Arizona.
18. Erin Cochran
Pronouns: she/they
Location: Phoenix | Maricopa County
Organization: Arizona Department of Economic Security
Job Title/Role: Statewide Homeless Programs Manager
Bio:
Erin began her career in the U.S. Senate during the 2008 housing crisis and found her purpose on the frontlines of Arizona’s homelessness crisis in 2014. Now, as Statewide Homeless Programs Manager, she blends policy expertise with direct service to drive systemic solutions. She serves on committees for two of Arizona’s three Continuums of Care, aligning funding and strategy to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring. With an MPA and 15+ years in public affairs, Erin has worked in government, advocacy, and digital organizing—using even memes to bridge generational gaps. Her mission is to center lived experience, challenge the status quo, and get people housed—period.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
I’m most excited to be part of a community of changemakers who don’t just talk about justice but actively build it. I’m eager to learn from and alongside fellows who are pushing boundaries in their fields, challenging the status quo, and proving that policy and organizing go hand in hand. I look forward to sharing a space where bold ideas have the opportunity to meet real strategy, where shared lived experiences fuel collective action, and where fellow emerging leaders are supported in reimagining systems from the ground up. For me, Monzon isn’t just about professional growth — it’s about strengthening a movement, deepening our impact, and making lasting change together.
19. Triston Black
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Location: Tsaile | Apache County
Organization: Arizona Native Vote
Job Title/Role: Director of Youth Programs
Bio:
Triston is a tribal citizen of the Navajo Nation in northern Arizona. His educational journey includes an M.A. in Indigenous Education from Arizona State University and a dual Associate and Bachelor’s Degree in Diné Studies from Diné College. He grounds himself in his Navajo language and culture as guiding values to strengthen his Navajo way of life.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
I’m looking forward to learning from other fellows and their shared experience in community organizing. I'm most excited to learn from different cultures, backgrounds, languages, and stories others have to share and bring to the circle. I'm very interested in cultural organizing and using our community values and teachings as a strong source of belonging and grounding us in our work as a whole.
20. Brianda Benitez
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Location: Arizona City | Pinal County
Organization: Rural Arizona Engagement
Job Title/Role: Executive Leadership Fellow
Bio:
Brianda is a first-generation Latina, the daughter of immigrants, and a lifelong resident of rural Arizona. Her journey has been shaped by growing up in a low-income community, working in a Title I school, and navigating poverty while raising a family. After witnessing the systemic barriers her community faces, Brianda transitioned into the nonprofit world in May 2022, focusing on advocacy, civic engagement, and grassroots organizing. She is passionate about ensuring underrepresented communities — especially in rural Arizona — have access to the resources, opportunities, and representation they deserve. Brianda is committed to creating real, lasting change for future generations.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
What excites me most about the Monzón Fellowship is the opportunity to grow alongside passionate changemakers who are committed to building a more just and equitable Arizona. I have personally seen the impact this fellowship has had on my mentor and Executive Director, Pablo Correa, and it’s inspiring to know how transformational this experience can be.
I'm eager to step outside my comfort zone, take on new challenges, and develop the skills necessary to create lasting change in my community. The chance to learn from experienced leaders, gain deeper insight into policy and organizing strategies, and build a strong network of advocates excites me beyond words.
This journey will be tough — it will push me in ways I’ve never been pushed before. But that’s exactly why I want to be part of it. I know that the work we do together in this fellowship will directly impact communities like mine, ensuring that rural, BIPOC, and immigrant voices are heard and valued. I’m ready to take that next step, learn all I can, and contribute to this movement for change.
21. Dagoberto "Dago" Bailon
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Location: Phoenix | Maricopa County
Organization: Trans Queer Pueblo
Job Title/Role: Political Director
Bio:
Dagoberto is both sexually queer and gender-queer and knows the power of transformation and change. He started organizing with the Arizona Queer Undocumented Immigrant Project and through collaboration with the Arcoiris Liberation Team. Dago and the other organizers realized they could more effectively organize if they joined. He helped guide the two organizations through a member summit in 2015, where the organizations’ memberships joined to create Trans Queer Pueblo.
What are you most excited about in being a part of the Monzón Fellowship?
I’m looking forward to networking and learning about the work that is going on in Arizona and how different communities are organizing to meet their needs.
We look forward to seeing our Monzón Fellows grow and bring knowledge back to their communities. We wish them well on this journey! Sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay updated with the 2025 cohort.
