Susana Almanza is a founding member and Executive Director of PODER. Susana has overcome poverty, prejudice, and segregated schools to face down some of the world’s most powerful transnational oil corporations.

Susana is an indigenous person of the continent of America and resides in East Austin, Texas. She is a longtime community organizer, educator, mother and grandmother. Susana participated in the civil rights movement as a Brown Beret, taking up issues of police brutality, housing, quality education, equity in school systems, and health care rights. She co-wrote the 17 principles of environmental justice at the First People of Color Summit in 1991 and has been fighting against environmental racism for over 30 years.

Susana Almanza is a proven leader and nationally recognized environmental justice activist. In 2021, Susana was appointed to the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council (WHEJAC). Susana has served on the City of Austin’s Planning Commission, Parks & Recreation Board, Environmental Board, and Community Development Commission.