Born in Mexico City and raised in the Hudson Valley, Susie grew up watching her parents navigate a new language to provide a better life for their family. Inspired by their resilience, she pursued her passion for the arts, earning her MFA in Fine Art at Universidad del Claustro de Sor Juana before moving back to New York in 2009.

Susie has collaborated with Arts-Mid Hudson, curating exhibits centered on migration and queer Latinx identity. As the Executive Director of Adelante Student Voices, she aims to be a catalyst for change for undocumented youth, transforming learning environments to be more equitable. Through her advocacy within the school district, Susie is committed to expanding access to higher education for undocumented students by driving essential reforms.

Iridian Lucas Garcia is a DACAmented organizer residing in the Hudson Valley who works to uplift organizations that support and empower immigrant communities. As a DACA recipient, she experienced firsthand the systemic barriers undocumented students face to achieve a higher education. So as an organizer, she knows that the way to rectify those barriers is to change the systems in place through political advocacy and organizing. Iridian is currently also working as the Coalition and Member Engagement Coordinator at Columbia County Sanctuary Movement, an organization that services and organizes immigrant communities in the Upper Hudson Valley and Capital Region.