Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP), a nonprofit funded in 2001 with the mission to support, organize and empower the indigenous migrant community in California’s Central Coast, announced the appointment of Monica E. Fairwell as the new board president of it’s Board of Directors. Ms. Fairwell, who joined the organization’s board in 2019, succeeds Dr. Jake Donaldson, who has served as the President of the Board since 2015.
“I am grateful to MICOP’s community, staff, and board for trusting me to serve as MICOP’s board president for the past 5 years,” said Dr. Donaldson. “MICOP’s work continues to inspire me, and I look forward to supporting this community through the final year of my board term and beyond.”
Monica Fairwell is an attorney who represents injured workers against insurance companies. Monica is proud to serve as an advocate for workers. She enjoys her volunteer work with several organizations throughout Ventura County. Monica attended UC Santa Barbara for her undergraduate degree in Political Science. She then attended Pepperdine University School of Law. While in law school, Monica studied abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Monica also enjoys playing soccer and spending time with her two daughters.
“I truly appreciate the confidence from the board members in being selected as the new Board President,” said Ms. Fairwell. “I want to thank Jake Donaldson for his great leadership and look forward to continuing to work with him on the board. I will do everything possible to continue MICOP’s amazing work to empower our indigenous communities. Because of COVID, our work is even more essential now. We have to work harder than ever to overcome the effects that COVID has had on our communities. Luckily, we are equipped and committed to seeing this through.”
“This is a great opportunity to remind and inspire others to be part of our organization. I am deeply grateful to Dr. Donaldson for his humility and for the last five years of commitment and support to MICOP’s mission,” said Arcenio J. Lopez, MICOP Executive Director. “Equally, I am enthusiastic for new leadership. Monica’s dedication to advocacy and community engagement are imperative for our organization during these unexpected times. As well, I am thrilled to welcome the new board officers, Dr. Rafael Vasquez as vice president, Glenna Shen and Katalina Martinez Soho as new co-secretaries.”