Our Mission
It is our mission to empower communities to remain at the center instead of at the will of the margins. Poder Unides , Inc., Atlanta-based organization established to eradicate the deep disparities faced by our Trans, Queer, and LGBTQIA+ communities by creating an environment of healing, leadership, community engagement, and personal growth where it is needed the most, prioritizing the historically disenfranchised section of our rainbow family.
Our approach is to conduct a socio-economic screening assessment with our clients and support them by connecting them to vocational assistance services and referrals, all through a trauma-informed lens.
Our Vision
We will prioritize investing in ourselves and our community by cultivating intentional partnerships.
Our vision is to create a physical healing space that fosters growth, development, and advancement. To bring this plan to life, we are committed to fundraising for infrastructure, technology, qualified staff, research, marketing, and other essential resources that will ensure the sustainability and success of our work.
Our Leadership Team
Aubrianna Escalera | President
Aubrianna “Aubri” Escalera (she/her/ella) is a Trans Latina advocate, consultant, and community liaison advancing equity and protections for transgender, gender-nonconforming, and queer communities across the Southern U.S. She is Co-Founder and COO of Poder Unides: Trans+ and serves as LGBTQIA+ Liaison for State Representative Park Cannon’s office.
Recognized as Atlanta Pride’s 2023 Grand Marshal, Aubri brings leadership across legislative advocacy, grassroots HIV prevention, and community partnerships. A trailblazer in trans rights, she was among the first transgender people granted a legal name and gender change by the Mexican Consulate of Atlanta. Through a trauma-informed approach, Aubri champions asylum seekers, Dreamers, voting rights, and sexual health equity—working to build a Southeast where all communities can thrive.
Emilia D. Villegas| Vice President
Emilia D. Villegas aka MizSkoden. Musician born and raised in Chukson (Tucson) Az. She is a musician of 25 years, working in education, creating her own sound pedagogy through the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Working with children from early childhood to primary education. The pedagogy was developed and curated for nearly 10 years. Creating a safe space for children to explore, discover, and create meaningful questions, and a place for deep play and imagination.
Her work expands into the world of teaching world music focusing on Latin percussion, teaching children and adults through samba inspired drumming, where she would bring the community together to create and play rhythms hailing from Salvador Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, and as far as Recife. Bringing it back to original drum compositions she composed.
In her most recent work, she is a DJ, focusing on spaces for QTBIPOC. She plays music centered and focuses on brown/black experiences. She composing her own music inspired by the Sonoran desert, and has a flare of cumbia, reggaeton, and electronic flavors.
Her main focus and principal instrument has always been the drum. The drum is the place where she feels most at home, the center of where all her creation is inspired. Giving over 25 years to learning and diving deep into the history, philosophy, ancestry, migration of each respective drum. Without the 2 hands wielding a pair of sticks, she wouldn’t have been able to create the endless possibilities of sounds.
Emilia@PoderUnides.org
Dominik J. Licona – Jackson |Director of Media and Communications
Dominik (they/them) is a passionate activist and advocate with a deep commitment to human rights, LGBTQIA+ public health, and refugee support. They have worked tirelessly to advocate for LGBTQIA+ refugees escaping Honduras, collaborating with Georgia legislators on policy solutions. Since 2020, Dominik has volunteered with organizations like Community Estrella and supported initiatives such as Communities, Not Cages, advocating for communities impacted by inhumane treatment in private prisons and systemic injustices.
In their previous role with TransPowerinDiversity, Dominik co-led the launch of the “Sexy Box Me” HIV self-test kit program, successfully distributing over 100 kits across Georgia. Their dedication to improving healthcare access and empowering disenfranchised communities, especially LGBTQIA+ and genderqueer populations, has been a hallmark of their work.
Dominik also brings extensive experience in media and communications. They began their media career as a host for Jenny Sin Censura on Energia Audiva Radio and have honed their skills as a graphic designer, photographer, podcast producer, and CEO of D&H Studio & Media. Their expertise in storytelling, combined with their advocacy, makes them a powerful voice for social change.
Dominik’s journey into activism began with Carmelita in El Paso, Texas, shaping the foundation of their impactful work. With a proven track record in community outreach, HIV prevention, and mobilization, as well as their dedication to uplifting monolingual and underserved communities, Dominik’s creativity, passion, and vision will undoubtedly strengthen our mission.
Ways to Get Involved
DONATE
Your contributions are vital to supporting our programs and initiatives. By donating, you provide direct support for training, mentorship, and financial assistance to those who need it most. Every contribution fuels our fight for equality and economic justice.
VOLUNTEER
Join our team of dedicated volunteers and share your time and talents to create lasting change. Whether you’re passionate about teaching, organizing events, or offering mentorship, we welcome your contributions. Together, we can build a supportive and uplifting community.
PARTNER WITH US
Collaboration is at the heart of driving meaningful change. If you represent an organization or business that shares our mission and values, let’s work together. By forming partnerships, we can amplify our impact and create sustainable solutions to address employment and financial disparities within our community.
Our Photo Gallery
PODER UNIDES: Trans+ 