Chispa's Founding Executive Director has announced the conclusion of an eight-year tenure with the Orange County organization, effective immediately. The director, who established Chispa in 2017, stated that the decision to step down had been under consideration for the past year and a half, becoming clear as the right course of action after "November's election." This leadership transition is framed by the outgoing director as a response to a current moment that "demands new, innovative leadership" and "a new vision."
Chispa was founded on what its leader described as "a dream and a dare" to build organizing political power for young Latinxs across Orange County. The organization's inception in 2017 occurred amidst the first Trump Administration, a period characterized by the founder as one where "the future looked uncertain for many of us," and the "political climate couldn’t look more bleak." Despite these challenges, Chispa demonstrated that through strategic action, it could address uncertainty and resist despair, leading to "many victories for our communities."
Under this leadership, Chispa significantly expanded its reach and impact. The organization successfully built community engagement through the launch of its membership program. Locally, Chispa played a role in the election of a progressive council majority in the city of Santa Ana. Following these elections, the Santa Ana council adopted Chispa's "ten-year wishlist," a comprehensive set of policy goals encompassing affordable housing initiatives, enhanced tenant protections, and increased police oversight within the city. Expanding its influence, Chispa also initiated organizing efforts in Anaheim, where it successfully advocated for what is described as the city’s "first ever affordable housing funding policy." Furthermore, the organization reported achieving broader state-level wins for tenant protection and police accountability through its localized organizing strategies.
The departing director expressed continued commitment to "fights for justice" in a different capacity, intending to contribute after a period of rest. A stated critic of "tired leadership" and an enthusiastic supporter of new energy and creativity, the director underscored the importance of passing the torch to leaders with the drive to envision future directions.
Looking ahead, Chispa is preparing for its next chapter. The organization anticipates announcing an interim executive director "in the next few days." This interim leader will be tasked with overseeing the subsequent hiring process for a long-term director. Chispa is inviting community investment, asserting that such support will fuel "a movement of young, relentless leaders" equipped to tackle the challenges of the coming four years.
Chispa operates as a project of Tides Advocacy, according to its communications.
