S2E7: Driving Intersectional Gun Violence Protection Activism with Andrea Gonzales, Advocate and Education Specialist at New Yorkers Against Gun Violence

Join us for an engaging conversation with Andrea Gonzales, 22-year-old Queer Mestiza advocate and organizer for marginalized youth. Organizing at the intersection of racial, gender and educational justice, and abolition since the age of 15, Andrea has always been focused on empowering, educating, and liberating her communities from oppressive systems by any means necessary.

As an education specialist and instructor at New Yorkers Against Gun Violence, Andrea's dedication and expertise shine through as she delves into the innovative approaches and strategies she employs in her work. She shares her experiences working with the NGO Youth Over Guns, emphasizes the vital role of intersectionality in gun violence prevention activism, and underscores the power of community in sustaining one's commitment to activism.

1:49 - What sparked Andrea’s passion for activism, particularly in gun violence prevention?

4:19 - What drew Andrea to the NGO Youth Over Guns, and what were her biggest goals working there as the Director of Operations? 

8:22 - In the wake of recent gun violence prevention movements, such as March for our Lives, how much progress has been made to the gun violence prevention movement and how much still has to be made?

13:52 - What is the importance of education and awareness in gun violence activism, and what are moments that have reaffirmed the impact that Andrea is creating as an education specialist in New Yorkers Against Gun Violence? 

18:28 - How can young people who are interested in getting involved with the gun violence prevention movement? How can they utilize their skills and their energy to help others?

21:46 - How has Andrea been able to thrive in her work of community building, advocacy and organizing? 

23:46 - What are some skills/qualities that Andrea would recommend aspiring social justice advocates to cultivate? 

25:51 - What are the challenges that come with social justice activism? 

28:41 - What are the challenges and opportunities of working in the nonprofit sector?

31:40 - What are Andrea’s motivations for getting a Master’s in Education Policy & Analysis at Harvard? 

33:58 - What are two or three things that Andrea would like to take away as lessons from her journey integrating your passion into your career?