Mercedes (Meche) Pineda (they/them/elle; she/her/ella)

Meche currently engages in rural movements against US imperialism by challenging institutions developed through capitalism (i.e., prisons, immigration detention centers, education, etc.). She believes that this system of oppression and exploitation can be dismantled and replaced by one which embraces accessible health, food and educational systems for all people. Her method in achieving this relies heavily on supporting global indigenous (spiritual and agricultural) practices that support young people and encourage art. 

Through joining yli, Meche has helped implement a program (Young Revolutionary Front) that focuses on political education centered in understanding capitalism, community art, and indigenous forms of healing.