Jesenia (she/her/ella) has over 15 years of experience dedicated to intersectional liberatory movements centering racial and gender justice.  She is currently the Senior Resource Strategist at Solidaire Network where she works to mobilize resources for and build trusted relationships with movements advancing gender, racial and climate justice.  Prior to Solidaire, she held the role of Program Officer for NoVo Foundation’s Initiative to End Violence Against Girls and Women, where she led the United States and Global South movement-building portfolios and oversaw the foundation’s accompaniment and capacity strengthening program.

Previously, Jesenia has served as a tenant rights advocate; led projects advancing the rights of criminalized survivors of violence in New York City; and co-designed narrative power building campaigns alongside currently and formerly incarcerated women. As a member-organizer with the Coalition for Women Prisoners, she contributed to the successful campaign to pass the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act.

Jesenia brings with her the values of collaboration and solidarity in her work towards collective liberation.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Wesleyan University and a Master of International Affairs, with a concentration in Human Rights, from Columbia University.  She currently serves on the board of Grassroots International. A daughter of immigrants from the Dominican Republic, she was born and raised in Harlem and makes her home in Brooklyn, NY with her family.

What Liberation Means to Jesenia

Tell us why you do what you do.

I am guided by the belief that movements for social justice will get us to the liberated world we need for every person and the Earth to thrive. I see my role in mobilizing resources to people and communities most impacted by the systems and structures created to oppress and harm, as one way to contribute to this re-imagined world.

What’s most important to you about being part of Solidaire?

Being in beloved community with people who are committed to justice, equity and building trusted relationships. I am excited by Solidaire’s values and principles and the intentional ways it embodies them in how we organize donors and move resources.

What does liberation mean to you?

It means that every person is living each moment free from violence, full of joy, and thriving in the unique way they envision it for themselves. Justice, equity and wellbeing are abundant and celebrated.