MERCEDES ELIZALDE

LATINO NETWORK

Mercedes started her career in direct service organizations, working in youth development and later moving to housing and anti-poverty programs as a case manager and program coordinator. She then worked as the Policy and Engagement Strategist for Councilmember Debora Juarez. Working for the City Council provided an opportunity to better understand systems of power and how they impact direct service work. Since moving to Portland, Mercedes has had an opportunity to combine all she had learned about direct service and public policy, most recently by joining Latino Network as the Director of Advocacy.