Giselle Lopez Ixta

My name is Giselle Lopez Ixta. I am a mestiza with indigenous Purepecha roots. I was born in Apatzingan, Michoacan. When I was five, I crossed the border with my mom twice. The first time we were sent to a detention center, so we had to cross the border again. I grew up in Woodburn, OR. When I was in fourth grade my family went back to México because my mother received a ten-year ban. For a bit after, my family was separated. Today I work with Oregon Environmental Council, Capaces Leadership institute and Acción Política PCUNista in Woodburn. I am also a Youth Education Advocate. Because I feel so empowered at this point in my life, I can proudly say that I am a queer Xicana. I am now a student at PSU studying Community Health, Xicanx studies, and Spanish. In the future I would like to continue working in community organizing, especially in my hometown of Woodburn.

Fun fact: I enjoy playing soccer.