OUR MISSION
We build power for racial, economic, and health justice for children and families in Contra Costa County.
Meet the Staff Team
Rhea Elina Laughlin
Executive Director
rhea@risingjuntos.org
Rhea Elina led her first action at age 7 and has since dedicated her life to building political power alongside low-income communities of color for racial, immigrant, economic, and health justice. She believes in the power of our people to uproot unjust systems and radically transform our communities.
Gabi Rivas
Policy Advocacy Manager
gabi@risingjuntos.org
Gabi Rivas was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles. Since the age of 18, Gabi has been in the East Bay, advocating alongside immigrants and families of color, for health, economic, and racial justice. Gabi loves partnering with the community, building power and advancing policies towards their vision.
Cecilia Pérez-Mejía
Lead Community Organizer
cecilia@risingjuntos.org
Cecilia Pérez-Mejía immigrated to the U.S. at 13 years old and has been living in Contra Costa ever since. Cecilia has been a community organizer since 2017 and enjoys organizing within her own community. Cecilia is passionate about helping community members be the best leaders and advocates they can be.
Join the Membership
Rising Juntos is led by a volunteer membership made up of resident leaders across Contra Costa County. Our multicultural, intergenerational membership brings lived experience with systemic injustice and deep understanding of community needs. Rising Juntos members are the experts and driving force of our work.
Our Story
Rising Juntos builds on two decades of community trust and organizing in Contra Costa. Formerly known as the West, Central, and East County Regional Groups, Rising Juntos was founded to create an intergenerational, multicultural people’s movement responsive to community needs.
Focused on children and families, Rising Juntos is uniquely positioned to deepen our impact and achieve the community’s vision. Led by and for the community, we are dedicated to building leadership and power for just systems and neighborhoods.
Donate Now
Support Your Community
It takes all of us to build our movement!
Your contribution will help create healthy, safe, and equitable communities for children and families.
Rising Juntos is fiscally sponsored by Urban Habitat, a 501c3 organization.