Community Letter from the AAP team & Board of Directors

(Español abajo)

March 13, 2025

Dear Community,

Alimentando al Pueblo is committed to creating a world and society that our communities deserve. Our programs are acts of love that pour joy back into our communities. To experience joy, especially at a time when it is persistently challenged, is to boldly assert our humanity in a world that frequently seeks to diminish it.

We are aware of the constant political targeting of our Communities and recognize we share a part of the collective responsibility to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of everyone who attends our programs and events. Our team has been diligently participating in Know Your Rights training to further enhance our response to the evolving political climate of the country. In addition we are developing strategies to stay informed and connected with other Community partners.

While we strive to mitigate risks and create a safe space, there are variables beyond our control and we encourage the Community to make a thoughtful decision about attending our programs and events. We remain dedicated to making informed decisions with the best interest of the collective in mind. We are constantly evaluating and adjusting our approach to ensure that we are doing everything within our power to protect and support our communities.

Your safety is and always will be our foremost priority. We are deeply grateful for your understanding, patience and trust as we continue to navigate this journey together. While the path may be uncertain, we remain united in our commitment to the well-being of everyone in our community.

With respect and appreciation,
Alimentando al Pueblo team and Board of Directors

Español

Estimada comunidad,

Alimentando al Pueblo se compromete a crear un mundo y una sociedad que nuestras Comunidades merecen. Nuestros programas son actos de amor que devuelven la alegría a nuestras comunidades. Experimentar la alegría, especialmente en un momento en el que se ve constantemente desafiada, es afirmar con valentía nuestra humanidad en un mundo que con frecuencia busca disminuirla.

Somos conscientes de la constante persecución política de nuestras comunidades y reconocemos que compartimos una parte de la responsabilidad colectiva de garantizar la seguridad, la salud y el bienestar de todos los que asisten a nuestros programas y eventos. Nuestro equipo ha estado participando diligentemente en la capacitación de “Conozca sus derechos” para mejorar aún más nuestra respuesta al clima político cambiante del país. Además de desarrollar estrategias para mantenernos informadas y conectadas con otras agencias de la comunidad.

Aunque nos esforzamos por mitigar los riesgos y crear un espacio seguro, existen variables que escapan nuestro control y alentamos a la comunidad a tomar una decisión reflexiva sobre asistir a nuestros programas y eventos. Seguimos dedicadas a tomar decisiones informadas teniendo en cuenta el mejor interés de la colectiva. Constantemente evaluamos y ajustamos nuestro enfoque para asegurarnos de que estamos haciendo todo lo que está a nuestro alcance para proteger y apoyar a nuestras Comunidades.

Su seguridad es y siempre será nuestra prioridad más importante. Estamos profundamente agradecidos por su comprensión, paciencia y confianza mientras continuamos transitando este camino juntos. El camino puede ser incierto, seguimos unidos en nuestro compromiso con el bienestar de todos en nuestra comunidad.

Con respeto y agradecimiento,
Equipo y Mesa Directiva de Alimentando al Pueblo

Enrique Gonzalez

Racial Equity Planner, King County Hazardous Waste

Enrique Gonzalez is a Racial Equity Planner for King County Hazardous Waste who has been a social justice advocate for many years. He has worked at the Seattle Office of Police Accountability as a Community Engagement Specialist where he focused on developing relationships with community members and facilitated access to the police accountability process. Before that he worked as a Community Advocate and Commissioner on the Seattle Community Police Commission. Enrique traces his roots to the peaceful occupation of El Centro de la Raza, an organization dedicated to race and social justice through advocacy and programing, which his grandmother and father were a part of and where he grew up and worked for 11 years.

Enrique has a degree in American Ethnic Studies (Chicano Studies) from the University of Washington and he speaks Spanish fluently. He also grew up training in Hung Gar Kung Fu which he continues to practice. In his spare time, he enjoys working on his car which he takes to the track from time to time. 

Raquel Gomez

Social Impact Manager, Seattle Credit Union

Raquel Gomez was born and raised Seattle! She is the Social Impact Manager at Seattle Credit Union, formerly with BECU,  and for the past 6 years she has worked with her team to assist her community in achieving their financial goals and dreams. Raquel is one of the Founders of BECU’s Latinx Employee Resource Group and currently holds the title of Cultural Awareness Lead.

When they’re not at work, you can find Raquel actively volunteering within her community, spending time with her family and/or at the Sounders games!