Tell me a little bit about your background & connection to the region you live in. Did you grow up there? What do you love about it?
Hi, I’m Pa Houa, the Central Valley regional organizer. I was born in Wat Tham Krabok, Thailand and immigrated to the US. Since I was three years old, I have lived in Fresno, California in the Central Valley. Living in an urban city in the heart of California, I love seeing the rich diverse population in my day to day life. Fresno, to me, feels like home because there is a sense of community that is deeply rooted in strong Southeast Asian and Latino culture.
How did you get started in the environmental space? What drew you to organizing work?
I started my organizing experience when I was an undergraduate student, primarily focusing on housing issues. Since I joined the EnviroVoters Ed Fund Ambassador program and was introduced to local climate spaces, I realized that climate issues are interconnected with many other issues that I care deeply about like housing. As I joined more and more community spaces and graduated, I felt the need to make a change and stay connected with my community.
What are some key or unique environmental issues that your region faces? Is there anything that you’ve learned from your work with EnviroVoters or as an organizer that you didn’t know before?
Key environmental issues that the Central Valley, including Fresno, often face are air pollution, extreme heat, and groundwater issues.
Before organizing at EnviroVoters, I had no idea about the power structure of local politics and how much power local leaders have to influence policies and make large scale changes.
Anything you’d like to share about your region? Things that make it special, places you love to go, bright spots in your work?
Although sometimes the Central Valley may not feel like the most glamorous place, it is the agricultural powerhouse of the nation. And, most importantly, the valley’s agricultural production and economic power is driven primarily by immigrants. Outside of the bigger picture, I loved going to Fresno State, as it was home to many first-generation college students like me. I was fortunate enough to have a supportive system from families, friends, and educators.
