Lorraine DeGuzman

Lorraine is the daughter of Filipinx immigrants. Born on a naval base in San Diego, Lorraine learned about the stark realities of imperialism at an early age. As a feminist studies major, Lorraine yearned to heal from the trauma and wounds of white supremacy, colonialism and capitalism. Wide-eyed and ready to learn, she moved to the Oakland, CA and started as Development Coordinator at the Coalition on Homelessness in San Francisco. There Lorraine learned about the rich history and local organizing efforts in the Tenderloin and South of Market neighborhoods and participated in outreach efforts in homeless shelters and encampments. Lorraine helped build resources at South of Market Community Action Network (SOMCAN) and simultaneously helped organize working-class, immigrant Filipinx families. Shortly Lorraine got connected with Gabriela, an anti-imperialist, feminist organization fighting for national democracy in the Philippines and organized with Gabriela for 2 years. Lorraine joined Causa Justa :: Just Cause (CJJC) in 2013 as Resource Organizer and later Development Director, where she raised resources to fight like hell against gentrification and displacement and to build the power of Black and Latinx families. Lorraine got her political and organizing grounding, learning about transformative organizing and visionary frameworks like Community Futures. Lorraine enjoys tending to her garden, meandering and birding with a strong cup of herbal tea, and biking to new places.