In the Community

  • Human Services Commissioner

    Serving on the Covington Human Services Commission, shaping local policies and programs that center community needs.

  • Precinct Committee Officer (PCO-47)

    Engaging voters, advancing grassroots political education, and connecting legislative priorities with community voices.

  • Coalition Steering Member

    Supporting efforts led by survivors to end the practice of solitary confinement and advance human rights in the carceral system.

  • Grassroots Lobbyist

    Using scientific research to inform legislative efforts and advocate for human rights through direct community-driven lobbying.

  • Communications & Digital Organizer

    Delivering messaging and creating digital content to mobilize communities for systemic change.

Micaela giving testimony in the House Committee with a microphone, smiling, in front of a blue tablet in a room with green chairs.

Ending Solitary Confinement

Serving on the Steering Committee of Survivors Opposing Solitary, a coalition to end solitary confinement, set me on the path to become the scientist my community needed. In this space, surrounded by directly impacted leaders, organizers, and advocates, I saw the urgent need to bring science into the fight for justice.

As the coalition’s scientific voice, I utilize neuroscience research to amplify the voices of those with lived experience and lobby the legislature to reduce institutional harm, lower recidivism, and reimagine Washington’s correctional system as one centered on healing and not punishment.

Two women standing on a path in front of a large domed legislative building with trees and flowers on either side, under a clear blue sky.

Mentorship

I mentor emerging leaders, students, and early-career advocates at the intersections of scientific inquiry, activism, and systemic change.


My mentorship work includes elementary school outreach, serving as a research aide mentor and support, and helping mentees develop project concepts that connect research and advocacy.


I believe in building new generations of scientists, organizers, and community leaders who center both knowledge and justice.

Micaela with a 'Research is Essential, Fund Science' sign on a street.

Community Activism

My organizing work spans direct action, policy advocacy, coalition building, and systemic reform. As a first-generation Mexican-American and daughter of an immigrant, I carry an innate drive to show up for mi gente, my people, and work in service to community.

Rooted in lived experience and informed by research, I organize alongside movements for food security, housing justice, immigrant rights, civic engagement, and social justice organizing, and the fight to end harms caused by the criminal legal system.

This activism is not just personal, it’s purposeful, which is what makes it powerful. It’s fueled by community, grounded in evidence, and committed to transforming the systems that have long failed those most impacted.

  • "We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community."

    Cesar Chavez

  • "There is immense power when a group of people with similar interests gets together to work toward the same goals."

    - Idowu Koyenikan

  • "We don't heal in isolation, but in community."

    — S. Kelley Harrell

  • "Caminamos preguntando."

    - Zapatista saying
    (We walk while questioning, meaning: we learn and build community as we go)