One could say she is as Jaliscan as the jarabe tapatío (a traditional folk dance from Jalisco).
Yanet Navarro has the voice and personality typical of the people from the state of Jalisco. “She’s very Mexican,” someone told me before the interview.
“I’m from Guadalajara,” she says. She couldn’t deny it—her accent gives her away.
She founded Casa Guadalajara, leads the Association of United Jaliscienses in Action (AJUA), and is part of the board of Oficina Jalisco.
Since arriving in 2005, she has been involved in community work, promoting the culture of her home state, and helping to promote that of other states as well.
“When I arrived, many things surprised me, and I promised myself I would work to build bridges between communities in the United States and their places of origin—especially for second generations.”
Her years of work have given her a clear vision of what the community needs, especially in these times when Donald Trump’s policies have placed them under attack.
“We do everything we can, providing the services and help that we’re able to. We work in partnership with other organizations to distribute food and assist with necessary paperwork. What’s happening is very sad. We’ve been cautious, but we’ve shown up to peaceful demonstrations. We’ve always found a way to help,” says Yanet.
She studied Tourism at the University of Guadalajara, a school she remains connected to through her work in Los Angeles. Before migrating to L.A., she worked for airlines and in hotels.
“These are tough times; everyone has been affected in some way. That’s why we must stay alert. We’re in contact with the Mexican consulate for any legal help. We can also assist with birth certificates, dual nationality processes, and other paperwork. We have to be prepared,” she adds.
She is fully aware of what is happening on the streets. At the time of the interview, she was helping a Mexican national migrate back to his home country.
“It’s heartbreaking—years and years of living in this country, contributing in every way, and suddenly you have no way to continue. This person told me he felt like a failure, having not bought a house or saved a lot of money. I told him, ‘Wait a second—who sent money to your family all those years? Who paid for the quinceañera? The birthdays? The barbecues and beer? All those years, you were there for them. You should feel proud.’ And he understood. Mexicans who return should be received as heroes,” she says.
Yanet shares the feelings of thousands upon thousands of immigrants in the United States: “We are grateful to this country.”
As a precaution, her organization has reduced the number of events they hold. The next one will take place at the end of August, and she hopes it goes smoothly.
“We reach thousands of people. We try to offer all kinds of classes, to make them feel proud of their roots. Yes, we’re afraid—but we can’t stop,” she adds.
