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Meet The Team
Sasha
Ritzie-Hernandez
Executive Director
Sasha Ritzie-Hernandez is an Afro-Indigenous, non-binary immigrant and the Executive Director of Somos Familia, a Bay Area-based organization dedicated to building leadership in Latinx families and communities to create a culture where people of diverse genders and sexual orientations can thrive. With over a decade of experience in education organizing, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and family engagement, Sasha brings deep expertise in coalition building, transformative justice, and bilingual program development. Sasha is a former Senior Parent Organizer at the Parent Leadership Action Network and served as Coalition Coordinator for the Bay Area Coalition for Education Justice. Sasha has led initiatives across East Oakland schools, mobilized families for systemic change, and trained hundreds of parents, youth, and educators. At Somos Familia, Sasha has expanded culturally responsive programming, implemented healing-centered support groups, and strengthened partnerships with schools, grassroots collectives, and statewide networks. Sasha has also worked closely with LGBTQ+ families, transmasculine leaders, and Spanish-speaking immigrant parents to build resilience, leadership, and care-centered policy advocacy. Sasha is a proud auntie, a salsa-dancing volunteer in their niece’s classroom, and a firm believer in joy as a form of resistance.
Alex Gonzalez
Community Health Educator
Alexander (he/him/el) is a dedicated and passionate professional who was born in Mexico, where he spent most of his formative years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Gender and Women's Studies from UC Berkeley, graduating in March 2020. In his current capacity as a Community Health Educator at Somos Familia, Alexander excels in coordinating and facilitating impactful workshops that address complex topics related to gender and sexuality, fluently communicating in both English and Spanish. His commitment to fostering understanding and promoting inclusivity in these domains is exemplary. Notably, Alexander is a co-founder of a Trans Latinx Men Support Group in Spanish. His extensive experience spans over 15 years, during which he has championed various causes, including immigration reform, housing equity, climate action, and LGBTQ+ rights. With a proven track record of advocacy and education, Alexander is poised to continue making a significant impact on the diverse communities he serves.
Collegiate Interns
Gabriel Oropeza
Our dedicated student interns at Somos Familia bring fresh perspectives and energy to the team. They assist in various projects, gaining hands-on experience in community advocacy and non-profit operations. Their contributions are invaluable in supporting our mission and fostering a more inclusive community.