Our Story
Over the past five years, as IVEJ grew into a formal organization with eight staff organizers, we have mobilized across a range of campaigns for social, economic, and environmental justice along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Imperial Valley Equity and Justice (IVEJ) was formed along the U.S.-Mexico border as a volunteer mutual aid and advocacy group in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Our impact
Our campaigns range from COVID-19 vaccine equity and equitable distributions of federal relief funds, to our multi-year effort to secure local jobs and environmental protections from large-scale lithium mining. IVEJ leads mutual aid networks, assists asylum seekers, and is committed to training the next generation of homegrown organizers and visionaries.
Mission
We are artists, organizers, and movement builders—committed to creating a just, fair Imperial Valley where everyone belongs.
VISION
Our vision is simple: an Imperial Valley where families can live, work, dream, and thrive.
VALUES
No sacrifice zones
Solidarity through collective action
Accessibility and inclusion
Community care, mutual aid, and resources for all
We Are IVEJ
staff
Daniela Flores, MPH
Executive Director
Hometown: Calexico
Fernanda Vega
Campaign Manager
Hometown: Brawley
Ericka Veliz
Digital Organizer
& Communications Strategist
Hometown: Calexico
Anahi Araiza
Policy & Community Researcher
Hometown: El Centro
Dylan Castillo
Organizing Manager
& Lead Community Organizer for Environmental Justice Programs
Hometown: Calexico
Sergio Ojeda
Lead Community Organizer for Racial & Economic Justice Programs
Hometown: El Centro
Joey Espinoza
Community Organizer
Hometown: Calexico
Ambar Garcia
Operations Coordinator
Hometown: El Centro
Gael Garcia
Youth Community Organizer
Hometown: Calexico
board
Daniela Flores, President; Jacob Rodriguez, Vice President; Dylan Castillo, Chief Financial Officer; Carmina Ramirez, Secretary; Daniela Vega, Board Member; Luis Flores, Board Member;
Daniela Flores, President; Jacob Rodriguez, Vice President; Dylan Castillo, Chief Financial Officer; Carmina Ramirez, Secretary; Daniela Vega, Board Member; Luis Flores, Board Member;
WORK WITH US
At IVEJ, we strive to cultivate a team culture that is high-energy, impactful, joyous and relationship-driven. We are committed to investing in and cultivating leadership at every level of staffing
OPEN ROLES AT IVEJ:
Activate Imperial Manager
October 2025, Open until filled
[bit.ly/activate-imperial-manager]