Joel is the Coalition Coordinator for Causa Oregon. He manages One Oregon, a statewide coalition that defends against anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim policies and ballot measures and works to ensure that all Oregonians, regardless of country of birth, are treated with dignity and respect. The son of immigrants, Joel was born and raised in Eugene. He majored in Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Oregon. Honing his skills in Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán (MEChA) as well as other social justice groups as a student, Joel entered the environmental justice movement as an advocate championing increased protections for farm and forestry workers exposed to chemicals in the workplace. Joel serves as Vice Chair for the Human Rights Commission (City of Eugene), as well as the youngest appointed Chair for the Governors Environmental Justice Task Force.