At this time, we’re seeing an increase of attacks against workers and those advocating with and for immigrant, refugee, working-class, and communities of color. To build the kind of leadership we need in the future, we need to look towards youth and empower them to build on the lessons and knowledge of historical resistance. The collective action and grassroots power we build together is the only way to fight corporate power, resist racist systems and see a future where everyone can thrive.
The Students for Economic Justice (SEJ) Internship program has trained the next generation of young leaders and organizers who push for social change and economic justice in San Diego and beyond. This intensive full-time, $22 an-hour, six-week program provides college students with political education and trainings on organizing, labor history, and the intersections of race, gender and immigration in local issues that affect working class communities, while providing hands-on organizing experience with community organizations and local labor unions. SEJ graduates have gone on to work for unions, social justice non-profits, as educators, in local government and have run for office in San Diego.
We are happy to introduce the 2025 Students for Economic Justice interns! They are a curious and engaged community-oriented cohort who are eager to expand their knowledge! They constantly offer each other support and are generous with sharing their own experiences and knowledge.
The interns started off this year’s program learning about the importance of having an organizing rap, one-on-ones, and how to create a winning organizing plan. They are learning from so many of our amazing community partners who generously share their expertise on the importance of unions, building worker power, having a racial justice lens, and developing strong relationships. One of our presenters left us with this quote that continues to resonate as we navigate these challenging times together:
Read below and get to know this year’s interns!
Ashley Stacy is a San Diego State University student majoring in political science and criminal justice. She was born and raised in San Diego and has seen firsthand the struggles of surviving in such an expensive city. As a political science and criminal justice major, her passion lies in assisting and advocating for those discriminated against by the system and working towards correcting systemic injustices in the government and the courts. She previously interned at the San Diego branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), where she served as a legal advocate for those who need help navigating the complex legal system and wrote a legal memorandum about police worn body cameras in San Diego to address transparency and accountability. Ashley chose to apply to this internship because socio-economic injustice is a problem many people in San Diego face, and she wants to be a part of the solution. She looks forward to gaining valuable knowledge on socio-economic change that she can bring back to her community.
Benjamin Massinga is a senior at San Diego State University, studying Communication, and hopes to graduate in December. Ben is passionate and committed to his community both here in San Diego and from his hometown of Silver Spring, MD. Having been a resident of San Diego for some time now, he chose to apply to SEJ because he wants to support and empower his community and learn to make systematic change. He hopes to deepen his understanding and presence with advocacy, policy, and community engagement. When he’s not at school or working, he enjoys staying active through exercise, mentoring others, and being a voice for his community. Ben has overcome real life challenges, and is committed to using his experience to inspire and support others.
Daniel Hernandez Duarte Obando Espinosa De los Monteros is a first-generation Chicano growing up in Ensenada and San Diego. Dany will be pursuing a degree in environmental science. He applied to SEJ because he wants to learn more about the intersections of climate and socio-economic injustices. As an aspiring doctor, he hopes to learn how to collaborate with and work for the community that he serves, which in turn will make him a stronger advocate for their health. Dany is improving his advocacy by including more of his poetic speech style, and hopes that his SEJ experience will inspire him to write prolifically.
Grace Rojas-Jimenez is an Indigiqueer Womxn of color born and raised in San Diego, Kumeyaay Territory. They hope to gain knowledge and tools to bring people together and advocate justice for marginalized groups who struggle and face different risks in San Diego.
The power of community organizing has the ability to build, develop and transform minds, actions and environments in these systems of oppression. She chose to apply for SEJ because this opportunity would help her advance her social justice skills to improve the quality of life of San Diego residents, our plant relatives, animal relatives, and Indigenous communities of Turtle Island. Grace hopes to be able to contribute to the land and the people that have given them hope for a better future.
Graciela Clavel was born and raised in the College Area of San Diego. She is an aspiring educator and found her passion in English and History. She recently interned with American Federation of Teachers (AFT) at City College. Drawing from her own experience growing up in San Diego, affordable housing was a huge factor in her childhood and helped her family avoid insecurity in times of growing housing disparity. During her previous internship, she was introduced to the world of organizing and union work. She is thankful she had this opportunity because it was her first ever organizing experience and motivated her to keep fighting for an equitable future for all people. Graciela will be transferring to SDSU in the fall and hopes to teach in the K-12 school system and continue to organize post graduation. She applied to SEJ because organizing is vital to social justice and change. She hopes to learn more about affordable housing in San Diego and the ways it can be more accessible to local communities. Graciela enjoys traveling with friends & family when possible. This year she visited Guadalajara, Mexico, and Yellowstone National Park!
Joan Michelle ‘Jamie’ Esteller is a student at San Diego State University (SDSU) studying Criminal Justice. Born and raised in San Diego, Jaime witnessed the growth of her neighborhoods and its people towards a vibrant future. She is determined to support and work towards social liberation, justice, and equitable economic opportunities. Jaime applied to SEJ to expand her knowledge and skills of community engagement, learn to address the oppressive systems and social attitudes that hinder the improvement for marginalized communities in San Diego. She hopes the SEJ program can help her to make meaningful connections with community and union leaders. She finds comfort in literature, theater, and handmade crafts.
Xochitl Ozomatli G Vázquez, uses They/She/He pronouns and grew up in Mexicali, Mexico, Imperial Valley and San Diego. She chose to apply to SEJ to learn more about organizing and get more connected to organizations doing the hard work of fighting for better communities. Xochitl hopes this internship will help pave the way for their future as a community organizer and gain knowledge with fundraising efforts. In their free time, they love to compost, hike, be out in nature, camp, exercise, do crafts, read, and hang out with their loved ones!
Yvania Marlene Rubio is a political science and sociology student at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). She grew up between City Heights, Tijuana, Ensenada, and Southeast Los Angeles. She has been dedicated to public service and youth advocacy, which led her to organizations like Youth Will and Our time to Act United. At Youth Will, she supported efforts to advance green jobs and sustainable employment opportunities for young people across San Diego. As an At-Large Representative on the City of San Diego’s Commission on Police Practices, she helped develop the Commission’s standard operating procedures to promote transparency and accountability.
Yvania had the opportunity to intern with the District Attorney’s Office at the San Diego Superior Court, where she gained first-hand experience in the criminal legal system. Through Our Time To Act United, she led youth-centered civic engagement initiatives focused on increasing voter turnout and building leadership pathways for San Diego youth. She is passionate about working-class solidarity and believes that local governments have a responsibility to build systems that serve all communities. This summer, Yvania hopes to meet others who are engaged in powerful grassroots organizing and to learn practical strategies for building collective power. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, running, doing arts and crafts, and reading autobiographies.
Thank you to this year’s SEJ sponsors:
- American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Local 1931
- Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 221
- United Domestic Workers (UDW)
If you would like to support the next generation of Social Justice leaders in San Diego, please consider making a donation of any amount that is meaningful to you. Donations support SEJ interns’ wages, training materials, travel costs, and tech needs.
CPI San Diego
