Our Story
Founded in 2016 by two visionary Zapotec women, Odilia Romero and Janet Martinez, Comunidades Indigenas en Liderazgo (CIELO) is an Indigenous women-led organization dedicated to combating racism and uplifting Indigenous migrant communities. By creating visibility and providing essential resources, CIELO addresses the social, economic, and cultural challenges faced by these communities.
One of CIELO's key initiatives is language revitalization, fostering engagement with Indigenous languages among younger generations. The "Weaving Words and Rhymes" program celebrates Indigenous languages through music, while the first Indigenous literature conference in Los Angeles was organized to empower Indigenous voices.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CIELO established the Undocu-Indigenous fund, specifically designed to support undocumented Indigenous communities in Los Angeles. From the onset of the pandemic to February 2022, CIELO successfully distributed $2.4 million in COVID relief funds, addressing the urgent needs of these vulnerable populations.