Corpeño, Xiomara

Metadata

Abstract

An oral history with Xiomara Corpeño, Director of Community Education at CHIRLA [Coalition of Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles]. This interview was conducted for the Women, Politics, and Activism Since Suffrage Project at California State University, Fullerton, and as part of Natalie Fousekis’ History 493A course. The interview discusses Corpeño’s work as a political activist within worker’s rights and immigration reform movements. Specifically, her work with CHIRLA and other grassroots organizations, such as SCOPE/AGENDA [Strategic Concepts for Organizing for Power and Education] and HERE Local 11; discusses her childhood in Los Angeles, adversities she faced as the daughter of Salvadorian immigrants, which inspired her to fight for equality; shares activist college experiences at UC Riverside and Universidad del El Salvador; speaks about inequalities in the political system that contribute to the conditions of immigrants; discusses her role within, and current issues faced by CHIRLA; talks about gender roles within activism; the definition of feminism and the effects of being mother and organizer; mentions economic disparity and why social justice is important; shares advice for those wanting to be involved; and finally, discusses her legacy and how she would like to be remembered.