Imaltzin Astorga was born on the Southwest Side of Chicago, growing up in the vibrant neighborhood of Brighton Park. Her connection to the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) runs deep, stemming from her mother’s long-standing involvement with the organization. In 2007, her mother joined SWOP’s Parent Mentor Program, which was piloted at Eberhart Elementary School, where Imaltzin was a student. Witnessing her mother’s dedication to the community laid the foundation for Imaltzin’s own passion for advocacy and organizing.
During the pandemic, an opportunity with Chicago Connected sparked Imaltzin’s interest in digital equity. She began her journey as a contact tracer and Public Health Ambassador in 2020, roles that allowed her to serve her community during a time of crisis. In 2022, she transitioned into the role of Digital Equity Organizer at SWOP. In this role, she provides digital learning opportunities in both English and Spanish while assisting families in accessing low-cost internet services. Her work began with visits to CPS schools within SWOP’s member institutions, meeting parents where they were. Through close collaboration with Parent Mentors, Imaltzin helped launch digital literacy cohorts at schools, eventually expanding to other community hubs like PODER, Daley College, and local high schools.
“Chicago Connected started as just providing low-cost internet,” Imaltzin explained, “but we noticed that a lot of parents did not know how to access the internet effectively and were unable to assist their children digitally, so we began to offer digital literacy classes.” Her work has been instrumental in bridging the digital divide, empowering parents to engage more fully in their children’s education and enhancing their own digital skills.
While dedicated to digital equity, Imaltzin also volunteered with SWOP’s New Americans Initiative (NAI), a program focused on providing a clear path to citizenship for immigrants. In January 2024, she embraced a new challenge by stepping into the role of Lead Organizer for NAI, an initiative SWOP has championed for over a decade. NAI connects immigrants to civic classes, prepares them for the naturalization process, and assists with DACA renewals.
“Working in NAI has really opened my eyes to the undocumented community in a different light,” Imaltzin shared. “This struggle is very close to me because I come from an immigrant family, and I’m learning about all the different processes people have to go
through to find their path to citizenship. It really helps people not feel alone through such a nerve-wracking process. It has made me realize how much I take for granted as a citizen, and it truly transforms lives. It’s not just about job security; it’s about peace of mind, protections, and the chance to live the life you want.”
When asked, Imaltzin shared her vision for the future of her work. She hopes to empower everyone to feel confident in their use of technology, ensuring that accessible and affordable options are available to all. Through NAI, she aims to continue advocating for immigrant protections while fostering leadership among those who have navigated the path to citizenship. “We want to build a community with them and continue to grow so that we can help more people and share more stories from those most closely affected,” she said.
Reflecting on the current climate, Imaltzin emphasized the need for solidarity with the undocumented community. “This program has existed for years, but this year there is so much fear and anxiety brought on by the current administration. We need support and understanding for the immigrant community, and this can be done by volunteering and putting yourself on the front line when needed. Year after year, there is also a fight for funds, and our community is being targeted.”
She credits the success of NAI to the hard work and dedication of her team, including Navigators Graciela Acevedo and Lourdes Aranda. Imaltzin’s journey is a testament to the power of community organizing and the impact of grassroots leadership. Through her work at SWOP, she continues to bridge gaps, uplift communities, and advocate for a more equitable future.
