Staff
KEVIN AL PEREZ
he • him • his
President
Kevin Al Perez is a proud queer Guatemalan, born and raised in San Fernando Valley, CA. Kevin's movement work began together with his mother who introduced him to local community work like neighborhood council meetings, union meetings, and school advocacy work as a child. It is through these local involvement Kevin was empowered and encouraged to practice community organizing and strategizing for social change throughout his lifespan. Kevin became hugely involve in school organizing and social justice throughout his educational career. Kevin graduated with a B.A in History & Queer Studies in California State University, Long Beach and a Master in School Counseling with a PPS Credential at California State University, Northridge.
Recently, he served in the Los Angeles Unified Human Relations Commission for diversity and equity, was part of the Resist Foundation Grant-Making panel which redistributed resources to frontline grassroots groups across the U.S, and in June 2023 recognized as a California State Capital Pride Honoree. Kevin hopes to create a brave San Fernando Valley for all our LGBTQ+ community members to thrive and turn up for social justice.
Email: kevin@somosfamiliavalle.org
Damiana Cano
She • Her • Ella
Community Organizer
Damiana Cano is a community member born and raised in the North East San Fernando Valley, with roots in Jalisco, Mexico. She has been a long time organizer with Somos Familia Valle, beginning her journey as a founding member of the Somos Familia Valle Youth Council in 2016. Since then Damiana has continued to organize community events, mutual aid funds, and demonstrations in support of her communities. She has a B.A. in Comparative Ethnic Studies from UC Berkeley in 2022 with a personal focus on Queer & Trans histories and Chicane studies.
Damiana is a proud Chicana trans woman who aims to build on the legacies of trans and immigrant organizers who have come before her. At the core of Damiana’s work is her values for abolition and liberation of people affected by colonialism. One of her current goals is to strengthen her communities’ networks of resilience and solidarity. On her free time, Damiana can be found relaxing and enjoying the sun, going to a museum, or dancing with her friends.
Email: dcano@somosfamiliavalle.org
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