Meet The Team

Maria Teresa is a 3rd generation Phoenician – the grandchild of Mexican migrants and Black church leaders. M. Teresa graduated from Arizona State University with an Interdisciplinary degree in Justice Studies and Music, merging two loves. They build as an organizer because she knows there is something better for all of us. She is an inaugural Electoral Justice Fellow with the Movement for Black Lives and a member of Mijente. Teresa is an avid gardener, and spends their free time enjoying the sun and views of South Mountain from her backyard. 

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Guadalupe is a sister, doula, organizer, auntie, advocate, and educator. Raised by parents deeply engaged in the movement, Guadalupe is a community-rooted strategic organizer who brings a thoughtful lens to the work of race and social justice. Guadalupe actively works at the grassroots level to fight for farmworkers’ rights, advocate for reproductive freedom, and coordinate mutual aid for those excluded from vital resources. She enjoys trying new ice cream flavors, traveling around the world with her spouse, and cuddling her 2 puppies and cat.

Cassandra is the Director of Beyond Tomorrow at The Resource Center! With over 17 years of experience in grassroots organizing, they have helped build multiple campaigns and organizations, mobilizing white people to engage in racial justice work. Cassandra is an experienced trainer and facilitator in organizing, direct action, and de-escalation. They are driven by their abolitionist spirit and energetic toddler.

Brayan Adonix goal is to help formerly incarcerated individuals with resources that will elevate them to overcome any barriers from them being previously incarcerated. He loves his work and it brings him immense joy to see people's faces when he helps them with their legal issues. Brayan is a proud Phoenician and in his downtime loves collecting sneakers! 

Fernanda is a first-generation college graduate from ASU. She grew up on the southwest border in Nogales, Sonora, and moved to Phoenix to start high school. There she became interested in civic engagement and advocacy work thanks to a youth leadership development program in her senior year of high school. Learning about Arizona politics and the way it has affected low-income and communities of color inspired her thinking and eagerness to be vocal in social action.

Kierra is passionate about learning and building relationships in service to Black and other marginalized communities. She holds a bachelor's degree in political science and interdisciplinary studies from the University of Missouri and a PhD in gender studies from Arizona State University. When they're not working, Kierra cuddles with their dog and watches science fiction and fantasy.

Meet Eldin, our Operations Coordinator! He is a first-generation Latino who is committed to making the world a better place. Eldin is thrilled to be part of a team that prioritizes people in every aspect of work and empowers Communities.

Gissele Moran M. is the Legal Clinic Director for The Resource Center's Free Legal Clinic! She loves to support her community by advocating for people with different legal situations. When not in the office, she loves to do make-up and spend time with family!

Berenisse comes from a 9-year background in healthcare and has a passion for helping others. She is dedicated to making her community thrive in a holistic way, and hopes that the work she does continues to impact others in a positive way for generations to come!

SaTavia is one of our amazing Legal Organizers! She has a passion for helping others and enjoys volunteering and giving back to her community. She loves the work she does and hopes to keep impacting her community in a positive way.

Nicole has over a decade of experience in the behavioral health field, specializing in working with individuals involved in the criminal justice system. Nicole has a deep passion for helping others achieve their personal and professional goals by fostering connections within the Community. When not working Nicole enjoys time with her family or in the mountains in her Jeep. 

When Olivia is not Creating content and running our Communications Team she is getting her education! Currently, she is at Arizona State University, getting her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts. She is a second-generation Black Chicana whose home is the Town of Guadalupe. She strives for change that lasts beyond this lifetime and the liberation of her people!

Natalie was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and is one of our amazing summer interns. While still in high school, she wants to help change our Community for the better. Her inspiring career goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner. She enjoys working as a general intern, supporting all programs because it helps develop her skills that she can utilize when she becomes a nurse.

Olivia is a proud Phoenician and studies Public Health at Grand Canyon University. She is working as a Communications Intern at The Resource Center and is excited to support her community and learn. When she is out of the office, she is an avid reader who also enjoys video games and creating art.