Life & Work with Aura Vasquez of Council District 10

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aura Vasquez. They and their team shared their story with us below:

In the bustling heart of Los Angeles, amidst the city’s towering skyline and vibrant diversity, Aura Vasquez stands as a beacon of change and resilience. Born in Colombia, Aura’s journey from her South American roots to becoming a prominent environmental advocate in the United States is a testament to her unwavering commitment to creating a sustainable and equitable future. 

Aura’s early years were marked by a deep connection to nature and a profound sense of responsibility towards her community. Raised in a family that valued giving back, she developed a keen awareness of the impact of human actions on the planet. This awareness fueled her determination to make a difference, leading her to pursue a career in community organizing. 

One of the most remarkable aspects of Aura’s story is her resilience in the face of adversity. As a former undocumented student, she faced unique challenges, navigating the complexities of pursuing higher education without legal documentation. However, this did not deter her. Instead, it fueled her determination to advocate for the rights of undocumented individuals and highlighted the intersectionality of environmental issues with broader social justice concerns. 

Aura’s passion for sustainable development and social justice became the driving force behind her work. One of her early endeavors involved collaborating with the Sierra Club Beyond Coal Campaign to address environmental issues in underserved communities. This hands-on experience ignited a spark within her, propelling Aura towards a path of advocacy and leadership. 

A pivotal moment in Aura Vasquez’s journey came when she became the youngest Commissioner at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). In this role, she actively engaged with the community, working tirelessly to bridge the gap between environmental policies and the needs of the people. Her dedication to ensuring equitable access to clean water and affordable energy garnered widespread recognition, earning her the respect of both colleagues and community members. 

Aura’s advocacy extends beyond traditional environmental concerns; she is a staunch supporter of social justice and women’s empowerment. Recognizing the interconnectedness of environmental issues with broader societal challenges, she has been a vocal proponent of inclusive policies that uplift marginalized communities. 

In a historic stride, Aura Vasquez is not only a trailblazer in the environmental movement but also the first Afro-Latina running for Los Angeles City Council District 10. Her candidacy breaks barriers, offering a fresh and inclusive perspective to local governance. Drawing inspiration from her Colombian heritage, she brings a unique perspective to the environmental movement, emphasizing the importance of cultural diversity in shaping sustainable solutions. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Aura Vasquez’s journey has been a testament to resilience and determination in the face of formidable challenges. As an undocumented student, she confronted the inherent limitations in pursuing higher education, grappling with financial constraints and restricted opportunities. Navigating the complexities of higher education without the resources available to documented peers demanded unparalleled resourcefulness. 

Engaging with local organizations to address environmental issues in underserved communities posed another set of challenges for Aura. Gaining the trust of community members, navigating bureaucratic obstacles, and effectively communicating the importance of sustainable practices in areas with immediate concerns required a delicate balance. 

Her role as a Commissioner at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power presented its own complexities. Bridging the gap between environmental policies and community needs involved navigating intricate regulatory landscapes and ensuring that policies were not only environmentally sound but also equitable and accessible to all. 

Running for Los Angeles City Council District 10 as the first Afro-Latina candidate underscored the systemic barriers and biases she had to overcome. Balancing her commitment to environmental causes with a dedication to social justice required strategic decision-making and navigating the interconnected nature of these vital issues. 

Despite public scrutiny and high expectations, Aura Vasquez’s story stands as an inspiration, illustrating the transformative power of passion, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to creating a more equitable world. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Aura spearheaded a grassroots effort to fight the targeting of immigrants without a driver’s license. She became the first Latina elected to Wilshire Center Koreatown Neighborhood Council (WCKNC) and the youngest and first immigrant commissioner to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). 

Aura focuses on vital issues such as affordable housing, park accessibility, and educational programs while representing us at the P.I.C.O Neighborhood Council. As a Sierra Club organizer, she led Los Angeles to end its reliance on coal, propelling the city towards a 100% renewable energy future. 

While Aura has been a fearless grassroots advocate for those without a voice, she has also helped businesses reduce their environmental footprint. Aura has worked for a few Fortune 500 companies helping reduce customer energy costs and reinvest the savings into infrastructure improvements. 

After integrating the environmental policies she has long championed into the daily business practices of a major companies, Aura then founded her own consulting company, Vasquez Solutions. She merges her experience as an organizer, social justice advocate, sustainability expert, and policy advisor to help clients solve complex issues. She helps clients incorporate environmental sustainability while working with communities to build an equitable world. 

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Aura was born and raised in Candelaria, Colombia, a sugar cane town just outside of Cali. Her parents taught her the values of hard work and to have a strong belief in herself. Her mother, Leonor, was a teenage mom who did not graduate from high school but worked hard and opened her own successful beauty salon to help support her family. Aura’s father, Jorge, never attended college but earned a technical degree and became an accountant and community leader. 

Jorge began taking Aura to town hall meetings and other community meetings when she was six years old. Though she was young, he encouraged her to speak up and share her opinions. He taught her about equity, leadership, and how to break down the patriarchal barriers entrenched in Colombian society. Most importantly, he helped her find her voice and showed her that her opinion matters. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.auraforthepeople.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auravasquezofficial/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Auravasquezofficial/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Auramvasquez
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Auravasquezofficial