Meet Our Semilla Project Leadership

Eli Cuna is an immigrant from Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico, a mother to Wiyakpa and Colibrí, and a nationally recognized organizer working at the intersection of immigrant rights, climate justice, and economic justice. For more than a decade, she has helped build and strengthen national organizing infrastructure, mobilizing immigrant youth, workers, and families to advocate for policies such as DACA and broader immigrant protections. Her leadership centers the belief that communities most impacted by injustice must be the architects of the solutions that shape their future. Through movement building, leadership development, and systems change strategies, Eli works to advance community power, immigrant dignity, and a deeper relationship between people, land, and collective well-being.

Aline M. Castelan Gonzalez is an organizer and strategist focused on building spaces where community members and youth can lead, organize, and express themselves authentically. As an immigrant from Tulancingo, Hidalgo, Mexico with deep roots in New Mexico and Arizona, her work is grounded in identity, care, and collective responsibility. Drawing from experiences in the service industry and being the first in her family in the U.S. to graduate from college, Aline brings a strong commitment to creating pathways and opportunities for others. She is passionate about nurturing community-led initiatives that cultivate joy, autonomy, and meaningful connection.

Emmet T. Yepa (Jemez Pueblo) is dedicated to strengthening youth leadership and community advocacy across New Mexico. Grounded in his Native and Indigenous heritage, he integrates cultural knowledge and land-based learning into his organizing and policy work to uplift community voices. Emmet earned his degree in Native American Studies from the University of New Mexico, focusing on Leadership and Building Native Nations, and has been actively involved in initiatives that promote sustainability and civic engagement. He is passionate about empowering young people to advocate for their communities and ensuring that policies reflect the needs and priorities of those most impacted.

Erendira Navarro Diaz is committed to supporting strong and sustainable communities through financial stewardship and service. With five years of experience in her work, she is motivated by the impact that financial knowledge and stability can have on people’s lives, from saving and investing to overcoming debt and building long-term sustainability. Originally from Gómez Palacio, Durango, Mexico, Erendira is especially passionate about uplifting and empowering the Hispanic community through civic participation and leadership. She believes community power comes from people organizing, working together, and making decisions that strengthen their collective future.

Keegan Allen Rose is dedicated to reconnecting communities with the outdoors through experiences that combine practical skills, cultural teachings, and land stewardship. Inspired by a deep connection to community and environment, his work focuses on creating outdoor learning spaces where people can build knowledge, confidence, and relationship with the land. With a background shaped by curiosity, service, and hands-on work, Keegan sees the outdoors as a classroom where both teaching and learning happen together. He hopes his work helps communities rediscover their connection to nature and the wisdom it offers for building stronger, more sustainable futures.

Alexis Gomez is passionate about connecting people to nature and creating welcoming outdoor spaces for communities that have historically been left out of environmental fields. Raised in Rio Rancho by parents from Mexico, her journey into environmental work was shaped by a lifelong love for animals, the outdoors, and a desire to see greater representation in these spaces. Through outdoor education, tree planting, and community programs, Alexis helps families and youth build confidence, knowledge, and a sense of belonging on the land. She hopes her work inspires others to protect New Mexico’s natural spaces and encourages young people to see themselves as future environmental leaders.

Carolina Carillo, originally from Guadalajara, Jalisco, is a community organizer dedicated to supporting families and communities of color across New Mexico. Her work focuses on sharing resources, building connections, and ensuring people feel informed and empowered. Through her connection to the outdoors, Carolina believes that access to nature is a fundamental right that builds confidence, healing, and belonging. She is driven by her family, culture, and roots, and is committed to creating a positive and lasting impact in her community.

Deborah Lynn Ortega is a community organizer dedicated to outreach, engagement, and building strong connections with families in Las Cruces. With five years of experience in organizing, she focuses on creating spaces for community voices to be heard through events, town halls, and advocacy efforts. Deborah is especially passionate about supporting youth and working families, ensuring they have the opportunity to speak up and access the resources they need. She is motivated by the impact outreach can have and believes that when communities come together, they can create meaningful and lasting change.

Jesus Alexis Arguello is passionate about working with plants, soil, and community-based agriculture. Inspired by a deep love for gardening and land stewardship, he brings hands-on knowledge from tending his home garden and serving as a youth leader with Enlace Comunitario. His work focuses on expanding community growing spaces and supporting accessible opportunities for people who want to work in green and agricultural spaces. Jesus hopes his work helps inspire current and future farmers in New Mexico to build self-sustaining systems that strengthen communities and connect people to the land.

Victoria Martine is an educator and land-based practitioner dedicated to reconnecting communities with food, land, and traditional knowledge. With a background in environmental planning and sustainability, her work focuses on community agriculture, outdoor learning, and programs that teach people how to grow food, care for the land, and heal through ancestral practices. Raised in Albuquerque with Navajo and Pueblo (Laguna, Zia, Zuni, Santo Domingo) roots, Victoria brings a deep cultural connection to land stewardship and community education. She hopes her work helps expand access to fresh food while empowering communities to reclaim knowledge about growing, preparing, and sharing food.

Alexis Escobar is a visual storyteller passionate about video production and creative media that uplift community voices. Largely self-taught, Alexis developed skills in filming and editing through hands-on experience and a deep interest in visual storytelling. His work is driven by a commitment to amplifying stories from communities that often have limited access to resources and opportunities. Through video and digital media, Alexis hopes to inspire people to share their own experiences, recognize the value of their voices, and see storytelling as a tool for connection and change.