Erica Alexia Ledesma is a passionate visual artist, cultural organizer, and storyteller deeply rooted in her community. Born and raised in Southern Oregon, she carries ancestral ties to the rich landscapes of Nayarit and Zacatecas, México. Raised in a working-class family, Erica’s father spent twelve years planting trees in the Pacific Northwest alongside his siblings, while her mother worked as a seasonal farmworker and in the service industry. Together, they were part of a tight-knit community of families who migrated from pueblos in Mexico, creating a web of mutual support and cultural ways.

Erica’s grandparents, who spent their final years in Phoenix, Oregon, brought with them sacred maíz seeds, which her family continues to nurture and harvest, a symbol of their enduring connection to the land and heritage.

Through her art and storytelling, Erica seeks to build community and explore the depth of her cultural identity. In 2018, she co-founded Noche de Cuentos (Night of Stories), a transformative project that offers a sacred space for her community to gather, share their stories, and honor their collective experiences. In 2019, Erica partnered with The Hearth to become the director of the Latinx Story Project, creating De La Raíz (From The Roots)—a powerful initiative that highlights and uplifts the voices and stories of her community. She believes that reclaiming and sharing our stories is not only a form of remembrance but also a profound pathway to healing and connection.

In 2020, Erica’s community was devastated by wildfires that displaced hundreds of families, including many of her own relatives. In response, she co-founded and now serves as the Executive Director of Coalición Fortaleza, a community-based organization dedicated to rebuilding a resilient Latinx and indigenous solidarity economy. Together with her team, Erica is working to create the first resident-owned community in Southern Oregon, rising from the ashes of the wildfires and embodying the strength, resilience, and unity of her people.

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