the heart behind the meaning
about us
MARIPOSA equips the youth of the Central Coast to become leaders and advocates in immigration work. We are developing the next generation of legal experts to be grassroots community advocates, ensuring the protection and support of our local families. And we are training grassroots organizers on the complex legal systems our neighbors must navigate. We train young individuals to become non-attorney Accredited Representatives, providing an accessible pathway for those who cannot afford law school right away to become legal advocates. By nurturing the talents and passions of our youth, we are creating a region where families are safeguarded, connected, and thriving. Together, we envision a future where our trained youth continue to serve, within our organization and beyond, sustaining the strength and unity of our community and achieving humane comprehensive immigration reform.
Board of directors
Ivan Vega
President
Therese Pritchard
Board Member
Edith Antico
Treasurer
Michael Albers
Board Member
Maricela Morales
Secretary
Araceli Centeno
Board Member
The co-founders
Vanessa Frank
Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Vanessa Frank has been an advocate for social justice since before entering high school. After graduating from Stanford Law School, Vanessa has been helping Tri-County residents move into legal status for over 10 years. Building on this legacy, Vanessa Frank Law is becoming MARIPOSA.
Michelle Carballo Agustin
Oxnard, CA native, Michelle Carballo Agustin was raised in a mixed-status home where she developed a passion for advocating for her community. In an effort to understand the systems that created her family’s circumstances, she earned her BA in Chicana/o Studies from California State University, Northridge and her MA in Latin American Studies from Cal State Los Angeles.