A message from Paulina Gonzalez

I'm thrilled to begin this new journey with SAJE and to help nurture the organization in its 'second phase' of leadership.

As I've been meeting with some of you over my first couple of months, I've heard a number of you say “Wow, you've got some pretty big shoes to fill” by following in the footsteps of founding director Gilda Haas. That is certainly true.

Over the past 13 years, Gilda poured her heart into building an organization that exudes personality, wasn't afraid to tackle the big issues (and take on some of the biggest and baddest opponents) and, often, won great victories.

A new leader could be daunted by those accomplishments, or inspired and strengthened by them. I choose to be inspired and strengthened. I gather strength by honoring the work and sacrifice of those community members, staff, board, and allies who have gone before me and built the strong foundation on which the next phase of leadership will be built.

New leadership always brings new energy, new personality, and a new vision, but it does not change the mission of SAJE. As working families in Los Angeles are struggling now more than ever in this moment of economic crisis, our organizing work is more important than ever.

I grew up in a working class neighborhood in southeast Los Angeles, and know firsthand the issues faced by the Figueroa Corridor. My father was a union activist in a garment factory and my mother was a leader in the campaign to oppose eminent domain in our neighborhood. The apple didn't fall too far from the tree, so to speak, and it came as no surprise to anyone around me when I chose to make economic justice my life’s work.

I am excited and honored to begin this new journey with SAJE, and to join SAJE members and staff in the next chapter in the fight for a healthy and safe Figueroa Corridor in which families live free from the fear of displacement and gentrification. I look forward to working with you.

We have a lot of important work ahead of us, and as SAJE looks to the future and we enter this exciting new chapter together I welcome your suggestions, your vision, your needs, and, always, your support.

Thank you, Paulina