MICOP, is thrilled to introduce you to their newest staff for the Santa Maria office. MICOP started expanding its work in the northern region of Santa Barbara County over the last three years. In 2017, MICOP hired their first staff member in Santa Maria who started doing outreach and education on immigrant rights. After convening local Santa Maria indigenous leaders, MICOP made the decision to open thier first office space in 2019. And now in 2020, they are pleased to add a Program Director, new Labor Organizer and a Caseworker. MICOP look forward to continuing their work with the indigenous community in this area and strengthening their partnership with stakeholders, community based organizations and more!
Ana Huynh,
Program Director
Ana Huynh has been an active agent for social justice for over 15 years. Ana migrated to the U.S. at an early age and navigated the public education system and society as an undocumented immigrant. As an English-learner and first-generation college student, Ana experienced and overcame obstacles that many members of our community still face today.
While advocating for her daughter’s right towards equitable education, inclusion of all students and families became a passion that sparked her leadership in the Santa Barbara and Santa Maria communities. Cultural relevance, language access, multilingual/multicultural safe spaces and quality education -with and for indigenous students and families- has been the drive of the committed and hard work, where she thrives. Ana continuously creates opportunities to generously share her enthusiasm with others, empowering them to use their voice to speak up and advocate for their needs through dialogue and community building. Enjoying life with her daughter and husband is what Ana loves doing most when you don’t see her out there avidly learning, sharing and creating change.
Fernando Bautista, Labor Organizer
Hello, my name is Fernando Bautista Martinez. My parents and I are from San Juan Mixtepec, Oaxaca, Mexico. We moved to Santa Maria California in 2005 where we have been living since then. I graduated from Santa Maria High School in 2015 and moved to Turlock, California to pursue a degree in Psychology at California State University, Stanislaus where I recently graduated. I am proud to be part of the Oaxaqueño community and be able to assist my people in any way I can. During my free time, I like to play the accordion and keyboard. I also enjoy outdoor activities with my family. I am excited about this new opportunity to become part of MICOP and assist our community.
Francisca Camarillo, Caseworker
Hello everyone! My name is Francisca Camarillo and I am so excited to be part of the team! I am currently working on my Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies at Cal Poly SLO. I am passionate about serving my community and love learning and meeting new people along the way! In my free time I like to go to the beach with my family and play soccer! Right now I am working on creating websites for students and teachers and am working with undocumented students at Cal Poly SLO. I started volunteering with MICOP in 2018 here in Santa Maria. I have always loved being involved with the community from education, to local policies, and health. This passion has led me to become part of this team. And let me tell you, the work you all do is inspiring. I am so elated to be part of this great team and look forward to meeting all of you!