The Silent Epidemic: Missing, Murdered and Exploited Indigenous and Latina Women
The Silent Epidemic:
Missing, Murdered and Exploited
Indigenous and Latina Women
The Silent Epidemic: Missing, Murdered and Exploited Indigenous and Latina Women of the Central Coast March’s panel discussion will convene community leaders, advocates, and experts to examine the urgent crisis of missing, murdered, and exploited Indigenous and Latina women in California’s Central Coast.
Through compelling narratives, critical analysis, and meaningful dialogue, panelists will highlight the systemic and historical factors contributing to this crisis, including exploitation and trafficking. The discussion will also explore current initiatives, advocacy efforts, and actionable solutions to support Indigenous communities in their fight for justice, safety, and visibility.
Please Note
We will be at a new location:
Laguna Seca Golf Ranch
10520 York Road, Monterey, CA 93940
Panelists
Desteney Garcia:
Human Trafficking Outreach Specialist
Desteney is the Human Trafficking Outreach Specialist with the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center (MCRCC). She has been with the agency for four years, two as a volunteer and two as a staff member. She is from Salinas, California, and attended CSUMB, where she got her B.A. in Human Development and Family Studies. A fun fact about her is that she also volunteers with the Marine Mammal Center.
Airam Coronado:
Community Organizer
Airam Coronado is of Yoeme and Cora indigenous descent who grew up in East Salinas, California. A devoted mother and first-generation college student at the University of California, Santa Cruz, she is actively involved in community organizing, focusing on social justice and farmworker rights. Her personal experience living in an under-resourced community and navigating the school-to-prison pipeline, has significantly influenced her advocacy work. With over eight years of service, Airam has worked closely with youth and communities on critical issues such as criminal justice reform, supporting families affected by state violence. In addition, she has actively supported families of missing brown women who have historically been neglected and received inadequate support in finding their loved ones. Airam was instrumental in drafting and passing SB 474, The Basics Act, aimed at reducing the financial burden on families of incarcerated individuals. As a commissioner on the Monterey County Juvenile Justice Commission, she passionately advocates for the welfare and rights of youth in the juvenile justice system. Beyond that, she's dedicated to dismantling negative stereotypes of East Salinas, amplifying the inspiring stories of strength and perseverance that truly define its residents. Her studies in Political Science and Sociology reflect her commitment to applying theoretical knowledge to practical community issues. Through her research at UCSC, she aims to bolster her effectiveness in addressing these critical social challenges.
Morning Star Gali:
Executive Director, Indigenous Justice
Morning Star Gali is a proud member of the Ajumawi band of the Pit River Tribe in Northeastern California. She serves as the Director of Indigenous Justice and has served for 16 years as the California Tribal and Community Liaison for the International Indian Treaty Council, dedicated to advancing the sovereignty and self-determination of Indigenous Peoples. Her work focuses on the recognition and protection of Indigenous rights, treaties, traditional cultures, and sacred lands. Passionate about uplifting California’s urban and rural Native communities, Gali supports Indigenous-led organizing efforts, coordinating cultural, spiritual, academic, and political gatherings across the state. She is a leader in advocating for critical issues such as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), climate justice, gender justice, and the preservation of sacred places. Her work reflects her lifelong dedication to the tribal and inter-tribal communities in which she was raised.Before returning to her ancestral homelands to work for her Tribe, Gali spent over two decades in the Bay Area, volunteering and advocating on behalf of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated Indigenous people through grassroots, Indigenous-led organizations. Her commitment to Indigenous Justice continues to shape her leadership and activism. In addition to her professional roles, Gali serves on several advisory committees advocating for the sovereignty and self-determination of California’s Indigenous peoples and the protection of sacred landscapes. Since 2008, she has been a rotating host of Bay Native Circle on KPFA 94.1. She is also a proud mother of four children.
Concluding Remarks
Tina Nieto:
Monterey County Sheriff
Sheriff Tina M. Nieto has 36 years in law enforcement. She is the first elected Latina Sheriff in the history of the State of California, and the first female sheriff for Monterey County. Sheriff Nieto served over five years as the Police Chief for the City of Marina, after spending 28.5 years with the Los Angeles Police Department. With LAPD, she was the first female Hispanic Command Officer in their history. Sheriff Nieto is currently a California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training Commissioner that certifies California law enforcement officers. She also serves on the California Homeland Security Advisory Committee. Sheriff Nieto served eight years with the United States Army Reserve, attaining the rank of Captain.
Sheriff Nieto has an extensive teaching background in leadership. She has a Master’s Degree in Leadership and Management, and a B.S. in Criminal Justice. Sheriff Nieto has also been the recipient of numerous awards both locally, nationally, and internationally for her work with diverse communities.
