Yulil Alonso-Garza discusses why she is running for IVC board of Trustees

"I think women of color like myself need to create opportunities in order to represent those communities of color.."

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - Yulil Alonso Garza is an educator and teacher at Calexico Unified School District who is running for a seat in the IVC Board of Trustees.

Garza was the first Associated Student Body (ASB) Latina at Central Union High in 1990. "I think it was then when I realized my civic duty to get involved in my community," said Garza.

Garza says she is running her campaign on a progressive platform. Advocating for low-income, undocumented, and homeless students.

 Voting in local school board elections remains consistently low. It is even lower in people of color who are more likely impacted by inequity in education.

"I think women of color like myself need to create opportunities in order to represent those communities of color," she said.

“Homelessness at the college level, how is a student suppose to focus on getting their two-year degree in a short period of time when they don’t even have anywhere to stay.”

Garza says the board should reflect the school’s demographics. 

The enrolled student population at Imperial Valley College is 91.3% Hispanic or Latino.

“When we have a situation and don’t have a member of our heritage or our culture represented only half our story is told.” 

Garza says to bridge the gap there needs to be outreach. 

“Doing outreach to our high schools the students, and believing our students are capable of having dual enrollment in college classes and local high schools.”