Montserrat Arredondo
Phoenix, Arizona | One Arizona
WIthout a lot of fanfare, Montse has been one of the most important driving forces getting people of color registered and to the polls. Because of her year-round work, Arizona is a deciding state for the Senate and the White House in 2020. She became politically engaged in 2010 when the state passed Senate Bill 1070, the immigration enforcement law nicknamed “show me your papers,” because it allowed law enforcement officers to detain or arrest anyone without a warrant if they were suspected to be undocumented immigrants. It was the impact of this law on her community that gave her the push to fight for an Arizona that is better for future generations so people can thrive.
Nearly ten years later, Montse’s work includes immigrant rights, registering voters, increasing the minimum wage and building political power for communities so that they can determine their own future. She is the executive director of One Arizona, a coalition of community groups which focus on Latino civic engagement. The organization has set an impressive goal in 2020 to coordinate 250,000 new voter registrations throughout the state between January and October and to facilitate the biggest voter turnout in Arizona history.
What is the song you will listen to on repeat in 2020?
“Caro by Bad Bunny.”
What are you reading right now?
“There There by Tommy Orange.”
Who is your plus one?
“Alejandra (Alex) Gomez, co-executive director of LUCHA (Living United for Change in Arizona). LUCHA has been a force in the great movement work being doing here in Arizona. Alex is very intentional about what we’re going to win. She asks the hard questions and we’ve been better for it.”
Join the Movement
She the People is creating a politics we have not yet seen, one grounded in love, justice, and belonging. Join women of color across the country in making our voice and votes matter in 2020 and beyond. Are you ready?