Our Team Gives Thanks
By John Broadway
This year has felt like one long fight: a fight against the usual enemy of systemic racism and injustices, plus the invisible foe of COVID that exacerbates these injustices while threatening our physical, mental, emotional, and financial well-being.
Born of injustices against Indigenous people, Thanksgiving is understandably, not something everyone chooses to celebrate. However, during challenging times, expressing gratitude is more important than ever — not just for a holiday — but to keep us invigorated in our long, arduous fight.
The Inclusive Action team took time to reflect on the different aspects of the organization that make us grateful. The amazing people involved in our work stood out to many.
“I’m so thankful for the people I get to work with every day here at Inclusive Action. Every day, I work alongside people who are really committed to our community and to systemic change. I’m also thankful to all our partners who are selfless and focused on good work. Sometimes the work can be exhausting, but if you’re standing for justice alongside the right people, it’s really powerful and regenerating! — Rudy Espinoza, Executive Director
“I am really grateful for our amazing team, how well they work together, and how much dedication is given to the work we do. With our small but mighty team, we have been able to accomplish a great deal. Also, I am grateful that throughout the turmoil of this year, the policy team and I have been able to make valuable partnerships that we wouldn't typically have had the chance to.” — Lyric Kelkar - Senior Associate, Policy & Research
“There is some good that has come from the calamity of the pandemic and this Summer's uprisings. I'm thankful for the thousands of activists that continue taking to the streets to pressure governments and corporations to change their racist, capitalist ways. I'm also thankful for our partners in philanthropy who expanded and adapted their priorities to meet the immense need of the communities we serve. On a personal note, I'm thankful that I get to learn from, serve, and work alongside communities of color who are simply trying to thrive and form a better life for themselves and others. While working on the Street Vendor Emergency Fund, I've met amazing community members who have volunteered their time and efforts since the pandemic started to help their neighbors. It's really inspiring to see.” — Marco Covarrubias, Associate, Operations and Development
“I am grateful for our community. For our volunteers who take the time to connect individuals to immediate aid, for our funders who make that aid possible, for our clients that share the aid with others in equal need and lastly for my amazing team members who works empathically to try to improve the lives of our clients and the ecosystem we inhabit.” — Maribel Garcia, Senior Associate, Economic Development
The uplifting, optimistic tone of our team members are the result of realizing that even in dark times there’s always something to be grateful for. When everything is great it can be easy to overlook the amazing people and support system we have around us. Amid great struggles, it is imperative to recognize and appreciate the amazing people who support us, the ones who help push us back in the ring when we are exhausted.
“ I'm so grateful that I got the chance to join the amazing Inclusive Action team three months ago. It's been incredible learning journey so far and I feel lucky that I get to work with a passionate, brilliant, and caring team every day to serve our community members and fight for economic justice. I’m thankful that I get to think about organizational culture and systems to support our team members and programs to thrive. I’m proud of our virtual team retreat, where we created space to process a difficult year, reflect on our org culture and journey towards anti-racism.” — Eva Luc, Director of Operations
All her goals revolve around a community-oriented culture: we put the needs of people above all else. This aspect of our work culture — focused on empathy and relationship-building — is something many team members expressed gratitude for.
“I love that I get to learn from my clients and build community every day. I am most grateful for our team's ability to create access and opportunities for our clients, and for our clients' humbling lessons in ingenuity, loving kindness and generosity. Our people-first approach has enabled us to support our clients with their businesses and further empower them to become local mutual aid leaders in their respective communities.” — Erika Hernandez, Associate, Economic Development Initiatives
"I'm grateful for being part of a team that's committed to changing the landscape of economic justice in Los Angeles. Working closely with clients in the underwriting process is one of the aspects of my role that I appreciate the most. I am able to build a connection with clients while I learn about their stories, business, and future plans. This connection allows me to then offer a more holistic approach to the technical assistance piece of our work. — Andrea Avila, Associate, Economic Development Initiatives
“I'm incredibly grateful to be part of IAC and to do this work. There is so much to accomplish, but I am happy with the impact we make every day. Our clients use our people oriented technical support to promote their business or pay their bills and that makes a big difference in their lives.” — Laura Gonzalez, Economic Development Initiatives Fellow
"I am grateful for my empathetic and talented team members who thoughtfully pivoted this year to truly listen and from those conversations create new initiatives and collaborations to help our clients who come from underserved communities. Also, the support from friends, partners, and donors really inspired me to continue on and reminded me we aren't alone in the fight." — Julie Jung, Associate, Communications and Development
Our people oriented approach is ingrained in our culture; and that directly influences our accomplishments and the impact we create in our community. Other team members expressed their gratitude for being part of these impactful accomplishments throughout this turbulent year.
"I am grateful for being able to help develop and complete a meaningful project like the LA101 Guide; a resource that demystifies the government of the City and County of LA, and puts forth steps on how to hold elected officials accountable, and ultimately, create change in our communities. Knowledge is important." — Prince Osemwengie, Associate, Policy and Research
“I am grateful for the opportunity to build and learn from my colleagues and the community members we serve. Being part of the cash card distributions to vendors who struggle through economic hardships, and conducting research to facilitate access to County Vending permits is work I am honored to be a part of.” — Fernando Abarca, Policy and Research Intern
“I am grateful to learn and work alongside colleagues and clients here at IAC who are committed to creating the future we want to live in. I’m especially grateful to the vendors, volunteers and partners that I worked with to get aid into the hands of our community members during this pandemic through the LA Regional COVID Fund and LACDA COVID relief loans.” — Katt Ortiz-Manalo Aubry, Economic Development Initiatives Intern
When we’re facing an uphill battle, it’s easy to dismiss our accomplishments. However, this is the most important time to appreciate them because that acknowledgement can invigorate us with the confidence and energy to keep going.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to tell Inclusive Action’s stories. Bringing to life the amazing people, mission, and accomplishments behind Inclusive Action is meaningful to me because these stories can be used to create connections and inspire the change I wish to see in our community.” — John Broadway, Public Allies Fellow
Even if you are not celebrating a holiday, we hope you are inspired to express gratitude. Whether it be for the people, support, or culture around you, or maybe for the accomplishments and progress you have made: gratitude is imperative to keeping us in our long, arduous fights.