Master of Ceremonies
Valeriana Chikoti-Bandua Estes
She/Her
Valeriana is a former refugee from the Republic of Angola and native to the Ovimbundu peoples. Valeriana comes from a family of freedom fighters, disrupters and organizers who shaped and inspired her journey towards social justice efforts so early on in her childhood. Unfortunately due to Portuguese colonization and a civil war in Angola, Valeriana’s family fled as refugees when she was 3 years old to seek refuge in the Island country of Papua New Guinea in the pacific. Her unique upbringing allowed her to deepen her understanding of organizing through mutual aid efforts due to the comradery that she was exposed to from fellow African Immigrants, Indigenous Pacific Islanders and Asian community members.
Valeriana later moved to the United States in 2007 in pursuit to further her education, and as a result navigated a variety of immigration statuses until she officially became a U.S citizen exactly two years ago after a 20+ journey of navigating a variety of immigration statuses. In addition to her unique background, Valeriana holds a Masters degree in Global Governance and International Security, she is a TEDx speaker, she speaks four languages and she has had a diverse working career that has allowed her to serve as a human rights Diplomat, anti-violence contributor, community organizer in Black Immigrant spaces and currently she serves as the
Executive Director of the Social Justice Fund NW and has been leading her staff for the past 5 years. She also has her own consultancy called Necessary Interruptions where she supports non-profits, educational institutions and small businesses through a range of contributions that range from racial equity audits, wellness and humane orgs practices to management and strategic offerings.
Valeriana is also the co-founder of ETU (pronounced ehh-tu) Swimwear, a business that designs and creates size-friendly and stylish swimwear and accessories. Outside of all of these roles the most important role that Valeriana is most proud of is being a Mommy to two vivaciously bubbly toddlers and a partner Ray her day one ride or die bestie and love of her life.
Food solidarity
Tajinique Ruffin
They/Them
Born in Akron and raised in Burien, Tajinique Ruffin (AKA Taj) is passionate about community care, food sovereignty, mutual aid, and creating spaces where people feel seen and supported. Their work and values are rooted in sustainability, collective care, and showing up for marginalized communities with honesty, compassion, and authenticity. Whether through farming, community organizing, or everyday acts of care, Taj believes strong communities are built by taking care of one another and staying connected to the land, the people around us, and the future we’re shaping together.
Community Organizing
Jonata Lutumba Mbengukanga
He/Him
Jonata Lutumba Mbengukanga is a young community leader, activist, and advocate for the rights of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Born in Angola and currently residing in the United States, he dedicates his life to supporting immigrant families through humanitarian initiatives, community organizing, and the fight for dignity and social justice.
As the founder of the Congolese and Angolan Movement in Seattle, Jonata has worked to foster hope and create opportunities for vulnerable communities, promoting mutual support as well as access to information, food, housing, and basic rights. His journey is defined by courage, solidarity, and the dream of building a more humane future for all.
Abolitionism
Rose Harriot-Sitthivong
She/Her
Rose Harriot-Sitthivong is a Queer, mixed race, Abolitionist, community organizer, youth worker & movement lawyer. She has been supporting her incarcerated loved ones since she was in her teens and is very passionate about the work she has done at Creative Justice with the Inside-Out Project, a project where youth at CJ & self organized, accountable, inside organizers connect/collaborate to stop youth from getting sucked into the system and find ways to get our people inside free.
National Day Laborer Organizing Network/ Immigration
Palmira Figueroa
She/Her
Palmira Figueroa is an immigrant from Mexico, community organizer, and longtime immigrant rights advocate. She currently serves as the Communications Director for the National Day Laborer Organizing Network. For the past 25 years, her passion and work have been rooted in her love for her community. She has worked in the fields of philanthropy, government, and grassroots organizing, always guided by a vision of collective liberation and justice for all people. She believes in community, music, dance, and joy as tools for the sacred resistance in which we are all engaged. Her vision is of a world where every human being is celebrated and every soul understands our connection to one another.