FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2022
CONTACT
Juan Gastelum, gastelum@immigrantjusticefund.org, 213-375-3149
WASHINGTON – The National Immigration Law Center Immigrant Justice Fund (IJF) today announced the addition of Lisa Sherman Luna, executive director of the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, to the organization’s board of directors.
“The NILC Immigrant Justice Fund board is vital in setting the strategic direction of the organization. The addition of Lisa Sherman Luna will advance our ongoing efforts to expand political power, particularly at the state and local level, that is necessary to achieve transformational and lasting changes for our communities.” said Marielena Hincapié, IJF executive director. “Lisa’s experience working with directly impacted communities in Tennessee and driving impactful campaigns will be vital to advance the IJF’s mission of building a 21st century immigration system where all people, regardless of immigration status, have the freedom to thrive.”
“I am honored to join the board of the NILC Immigrant Justice Fund,” said Sherman Luna. “For years, NILC and IJF have supported state-based groups in building political power and defending the rights of immigrants at both the state and local levels. Immigrants and our loved ones are a powerful constituency, and we must be represented by progressive champions who will work with us to build a humane and equitable immigration system. I look forward to supporting the IJF in this important work.”
In 2001, Sherman Luna’s family made the difficult decision to move to Nashville from their home in Guatemala when she was a teenager. The move was prompted by her parents' concerns for their safety after experiencing several violent incidents. It was this experience that shaped her commitment to fighting for an immigration system where all people can access safety, opportunity, and belonging. She joined the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) in October 2015 and served as policy director for nearly five years before stepping into the role of executive director in 2020. Sherman Luna is also the executive director of TIRRC's political arm, TIRRC Votes.
Sherman Luna has developed a track record of success in winning policy victories through research and analysis, strategic communications, lobbying, and working with colleagues across programs to develop and mobilize community leaders to lead campaigns. Under her leadership at TIRRC, the organization has passed its first pro-immigrant law in the state legislature, secured its first major state and local government grant to expand services to immigrant communities, and ended a rent-a-bed agreement with ICE and a local jail. Over the years, she’s built respect and trust with partners, lobbyists, and elected officials across political aisles.
Sherman Luna also represents TIRRC on the executive committee of the National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA) and the Fair Immigration Reform Movement (FIRM).
Prior to joining TIRRC, Sherman Luna advocated on behalf of children in armed conflict at the United Nation Security Council and was a researcher at Amnesty International on human rights violations in West Africa. She holds a Master’s degree in Conflict, Security, and Development from the Department of War Studies at King’s College London and is fluent in Spanish and English.
###