Seeds of Resistance is a program for immigrant youth in south Florida that engages youth using trauma informed approaches. We provide immigrant youth and their families with political education, community organizing skills, and an understanding of immigrant and LGBTQ+ rights. We also provide education on environmental issues that rebuild ancestral connection to the earth and increase collective power and self-determination. We engage in “artivism,” and healing modalities necessary to become effective leaders in our local immigrant rights movement.

Yareliz Mendez-Zamora is the Policy Coordinator for AFSC Florida, working to create tangible change for families who are still navigating a complex immigration system. Born and raised in Miami, Yareliz grew up listening to her family’s immigration stories and constantly draws inspiration from them. She earned her Bachelor's of History and English from the University of Florida, and her Master's in Community and Social Change from the University of Miami.