We are writing with exciting news about our organization. In the past couple of weeks, we hired a new CUSLAR Coordinator, Yéssica Martínez. Welcome Yéssica! In the middle of the intensified US attacks against multiple Latin American countries, the work of CUSLAR is more urgent than ever.

Yéssica Martínez is a poet and educator originally from Medellín, Colombia. She migrated to the U.S at 10 years old and grew up in Queens, NY. In 2015, she graduated from Princeton University with degrees in Comparative Literature, Creative Writing and Latin American Studies. She holds a masters in Creative Writing from Cornell and continues to be involved with local, migrant-led organizing efforts in New York City. See her personal message below:

“As a Colombian migrant of undocumented experience, I am excited to support an organization that has brokered powerful solidarity networks challenging the dividing restrictions imposed by the border regime. The coordinator role promises to be a meaningful, politically-aligned role that combines my academic, artistic, organizing and mentorship practices. In the coming months, I am most excited about connecting with and reactivating our alumni network, helping to connect the knowledge of former Cuslareñes to our current student organizing. I look forward to building strong relationships with our board members, connecting students and alumni, and working to ensure CUSLAR’s long-term sustainability. To learn more about my story and creative work, please visit my website at yessicamartinez.org”