Introducing our new directors Lyrica and Mariella Mendoza

We are excited to introduce you to our new directors, Lyrica and Mariella Mendoza! Both Lyrica and Mariella bring with them several years of experience in not just environmental movements, but also in migrant justice organizing, racial justice organizing, and autonomous mutual aid strategies. We are excited for them both to draw from their experiences and lived wisdom, to continue to build a powerful youth-led movement in the Colorado Plateau.

Lyrica is a second generation Guatemalan immigrant with settler, immigrant, and Indigenous (Maya Mam) roots. She grew up among the diverse landscapes of the Colorado Plateau, and now feels most responsible to these communities and landscapes in the Southwest and her ancestral homelands of Guatemala. She comes into this work from the intersection of Indigenous sovereignty, migrant justice and climate justice. Lyrica believes that the most powerful tool we can possess in this moment is the ability to imagine an alternative future, one rooted in joy, care, and liberation. She graduated from Northern Arizona University with bachelor degrees in Political Science and International Affairs. She enjoys hiking, reading, cooking, cats, and being with friends.

“I come into climate justice work from the conviction that a future where our communities and landscapes are cared for is possible. I believe in the power of young people to envision new systems of care and reciprocity that replace outdated and crumbing systems of power that exploit frontline communities and degenerate land that is wrongfully occupied “

Mariella Mendoza is an illustrator, writer, and direct action trainer; born in Lima, Peru, raised in northern Utah, lovingly calling Salt Lake City home. Their work centers their personal experiences as an undocumented immigrant, and abolitionist perspectives on autonomy and liberation. Community taught, and proud of it, they have had the honor and privilege to partner up with community leaders and local organizations across the salt lake valley. Their murals, illustrations, and essays have given recognition to critical issues, including indigenous sovereignty, migrant rights, and LGBTQIA+ visibility, while continuing to bridge local narratives. As a community organizer, and as a teaching artist Mariella’s work has marched on the streets of New York City, San Diego, and Standing Rock. Mariella is currently studying illustration and graphic design at Salt Lake Community College. They enjoy bicycling to class, making tea, camping in the nearby canyons, and gardening.

“We at Uplift are committed to not just climate justice, but to the empowerment and defense of our communities. We are at the frontlines of this work as youth from rural regions, as youth from marginalized communities, and as young leaders in the movement. As we ramp up our COVID-19 response, we are developing digital strategies to continue this work, and mutual aid strategies to continue to reach our rural communities. In this moment we cannot forget our most vulnerable communities who are impacted the hardest, and most importantly we cannot give up.”