Ron Gochez, an LAUSD teacher and Founding member of Union del Barrio in Los Angeles
Ron Gochez is the proud son of undocumented
migrants (mother from El Salvador, father from Mexico). He
was born and raised in Los Angeles. Today, he lives in,
teaches, and organizes out of South Central Los Angeles.
He has been a history teacher in LAUSD for 20 years and also has 25 years of political organizing experience. He has held
leadership positions in numerous organizations, campaigns,
and coalitions. He has been a leading member of numerous
successful campaigns, including the campaign to require Ethnic Studies in LAUSD schools and the campaign to stop the LAPD from stealing vehicles from undocumented people.
Ron was a founding member of Union del Barrio in LA. He is recognized locally, nationally, and internationally as a political strategist and as a leading figure in the struggle for education and social justice.
Most recently, in response to Trump’s military assault on
migrant and immigrant communities, Ron was a founding member and coordinator of the Community Self-defense Coalition. He and his colleagues have trained thousands of community members and teachers on how to protect their students, schools, families, and communities from ICE raids.
In his personal life, Ron and his partner Desiree are the proud
parents of a 2.5-year-old son. His favorite foods are tamales de elote, platanos fritos, and panes con pollo.