BRENDA OCHOA

"Give me a group of BIPOC students and I will give you back radical critical researchers and students who demand more from their school and everyone around them."

There’s not a lot of people you would know that both have a brave heart and a critical mind. The beauty of one’s insides doesn’t just stay in your body and illuminate your being, but what could be more beautiful is how you help others through the many things you do, whether it be for your family, for your friends, or for your community. 

Brenda identifies as Xicana and uses she/her pronouns. She is currently participating from Seattle, WA which is on the unceded territories of the Suquamish, Duwamish, Stillaguamish, and Coast Salish people. She comes to this work as a student, a partner, an older sister, a daughter to Mexican parents who pursued the American Dream. She works for Equity Institute and is also the co-founder of Sisterhood Nation alongside Kim Jansen. 

Brenda’s work revolves around equity, diversity, anti-racism, social and racial justice, environmental justice, and women empowerment. She does this via mentorship, facilitation, and project management. She’s currently serving Lake Washington SD, Orcas Island SD, and Lopez Island SD. Always happy to support colleagues doing the same heavy anti-racist work. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her partner and both her dogs as well as doing many outdoor activities. She also enjoys resting and grounding deep spiritual practices.