About
Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice (Iowa MMJ) is statewide membership-based advocacy and immigration legal service organization driven and led by immigrant and refugee voices and united with allies.
Our Mission
Our mission is to build a movement for justice led by immigrants and refugees in Iowa by providing high-quality legal services and community empowerment through organizing.
Our Vision
We envision Iowa that is welcoming and inclusive, where the rights of immigrants and refugees are ensured through access to legal services, their voices are heard and the issues that impact them are addressed.
Our History
In the face of unprecedented need, Iowa MMJ was formed in 2020, building on the legacy of two trusted organizations: the American Friends Service Committee Iowa and Iowa Justice for Our Neighbors. By uniting their programs, Iowa MMJ created a powerful opportunity to address urgent needs for direct services while strengthening the movement for immigrants’ rights across the state and region.
Iowa MMJ’s diverse staff are the leading experts on immigration law and policy in the state. With a unique dual-program model, and affiliations with various national groups, Iowa MMJ is well-equipped to fill unmet needs, build on existing relationships, lead/initiate important conversations, and win concrete victories for all communities in Iowa.
Our Board Leadership
Vanessa Marcano-Kelly, Board Chair
Alex Cardenas, Board Secretary
Nathan Erickson, Board Treasurer
Ena Babic Barnes, Board Member
Bram Elias, Board Member
Jenelle Martin, Board Member
Kalakla Simon Tut Yat, Board Member
Alexa Lara, Board Member
Ryan Solomon, Board Member
Affiliations
Iowa MMJ proudly partners with several national networks, strengthening our impact and amplifying our voice in the fight for migrant justice.
