Li Ann Sánchez (she/her/ella)

CEO/ED /Founder Community EsTr(El/La) , Member of Board of Translatina Coalition and Consultant Instituto Latinx. Mentor of Fundación Dsa Mii

Li Ann Sánchez is a tireless advocate, distinguished activist, artist, and promoter of ancestral cultures and practices. Originally from a remote indigenous village in Mexico, she faced discrimination from a young age for being a transgender and indigenous woman. She emigrated to the United States as an undocumented immigrant in search of refuge, safety, and protection, where she faced injustices and imprisonment, motivating her to become a powerful voice against the immigration system.

After her release, Li Ann dedicated herself to supporting marginalized communities, participating in pro-immigrant, pro-queer, and pro-indigenous movements. She was the first transgender, undocumented, Latina, and indigenous legislative assistant in the state House of Representatives and served on local, national, and international boards. In 2018, she won her asylum case after a seven-year struggle and has since assisted immigration lawyers in asylum and visa cases for indigenous, LGBTQ+, and Latinx communities, contributing to the closure of two immigration detention centers.

She has been recognized with numerous awards, such as Grand Marshal of Atlanta Pride in 2016, Deep South LGBTQ+ Freedom Fighter in 2022, and the Cheryl Courtney-Evans Award in 2023. She has been featured in media outlets like the New York Times, CNN, Telemundo, and Univision, sharing her story of resistance and fight for justice. Founder and co-founder of organizations such as Latino LinQ, Respetrans USA, and Fundación Dsa Mii, Li Ann has facilitated more than 70 name and gender marker changes for trans and gender non-conforming nationals, after having managed and advocated before the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2008. In 2023, she led a historic legislative lobbying day at the Georgia Capitol alongside the Trans Liberation committee. Known as the Star of the Phoenix and the Queen Nana of the Latinx Trans and Queer movement in the Deep South, Li Ann has inspired and forged leaders in business, politics, and inclusive community advocacy in religion. In her free time, she enjoys nature on beaches and in forests, and designing and crafting indigenous art with the trans flag as accessories and huipiles, which she proudly wears.

Her story is a testament to resilience and hope for marginalized communities worldwide.