Meet our 2021 - 2022
Rising Fellows
Angelica Alarcon (she/her)
A first-generation college student studying Business Administration and minoring in Community Development at Portland State University, Angelica was born and raised in the South East Multnomah community witnessing firsthand the impact that neighborhood organizations can have on the future of her community. She is inspired to persist in her goals and plans to graduate summer of 2022 with her Bachelor’s Degree and become an advocate for youth leaders in her community. In her free time, you can find her sipping coffee in Portland’s local coffee shops and walking her dog, Peanut.
Mabelline Galindo (she/her)
A first-generation Mexican-American from the city of Fairview, some of Mabelline’s hobbies include: exercising, trying new foods, listening to music, and collecting photo cards. She is 19 years old and is a second-year student at Portland State University. Her major is in Global Studies with a focus on International Affairs and Business. Prior to joining the Rising Fellows cohort, she has participated in the Safe and Strong campaign through OHA, the 2020 Census Campaign: WeCountOregon, and the 2020 Gresham City Council electoral campaign. She assisted the Hispanic community of Multnomah County through the Oregon Workers Relief Fund/Quarantine Assistance and as an Interpreter for COVID-19 vaccination events. As someone who has lived all her life in Multnomah County, she has observed the way communities have grown and have been deprived of high-quality education, housing, and health services. Due to the hardships she has seen in her community, she is looking forward to better understanding how community organizing and government structures work in hopes of putting her new knowledge to use for positive change.
Adrianna Herrejon (she/her)
A 22-year-old, first-generation college student who grew up between Mexico and the US, Adrianna has lived her life in multiple places throughout Multnomah County. She graduated from Gresham High School and continued her education at Mt. Hood Community College, studying Arts. Passionate about sports and helping others, she spends her extra time volunteering at Soccer clubs helping at-risk youth find outlets and support through sports. She loves visiting museums and going out to enjoy nature, whether that’s a hike through the Gorge or a nice picnic at Mt.Tabor.
Lucia Faith Lopez (she/her)
Luci grew up in East Multnomah County attending school in the Gresham and Reynolds School Districts and completed her General Associate’s Degree at Mt Hood Community college in 2020 for General Studies. In addition to working with East County Rising’s Fellows program, she is a School Health Assistant at Winterhaven Elementary school in SE Portland. Luci’s hobbies include working with the community, painting, and attending music events. Luci will be 21 in 2022.
Jessica Monje-Perez (She/her/ella/they/them/elle)
Jessica grew up in East Multnomah County and attended the David Douglas School District all 13 years of her education prior to college. As a proud Ford Scholar and first-generation college Latina, she graduated from Pacific University in May 2021 with a double Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish and Politics & Government and a minor in Latinx Studies. In addition to her work with East County Rising’s Fellows Program, Jessica works as the Administrative Coordinator for the seniors program at Centro Cultural of Washington County called Edad de Oro. Jessica enjoys volunteering at community events, where she can interact with others in her community. She turned 23 years old in November of 2021.
Erika Zuel (She/her)
A lifelong resident of East Multnomah County, Erika recently graduated from the University of Oregon as a first-generation college student, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Human Services. She also attended both David Douglas and Centennial School Districts, graduating from the latter in 2018. She hopes to continue her education in the near future by pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Health. Erika is driven to help improve and work for the communities that make up East County, striving for a safer and inclusive community. When not involved with the cohort, Erika enjoys volunteering around the community as well as listening to music, cooking, and spending time with her family.