What’s your name, pronouns, and title?
My name is Sussan García and I use any pronouns. I’m excited and honored to be joining Water Hub as Relationships Associate!
Where do you call home?
I was born and raised in Lenapehoking, specifically in Jamaica, Queens. My ancestral home is in the highlands of Guatemala.
What brought you to this work and why does water matter to you?
Communications, storytelling, and relationship building has been central in my journey and projects, and I have enjoyed applying these skills to build a better world across justice movements. In the past few years, I have had opportunities to immerse myself in the intersection of racial, environmental, and working class justice, and was introduced to the importance of water from the actions and words of water defenders such as Berta Cáceres, Bernardo Caal Xol, and the defenders of the Rio Guapinol.
“Dar la vida por la defensa de los ríos, es dar la vida por el bien de la humanidad y éste planeta [To give one’s life in defense of the rivers is to give one’s life for the good of humanity and of this planet]”
What would the world be better with more of?
The world would be better with stronger communities for all forms of life. The turn to individualism disconnects us from each other and also our planet. People and nature are interdependent. We need community for planetary well-being.
What did you do before you came to the Water Hub?
Throughout my undergraduate and master’s degree programs, I was a student of Arab crossroads studies, Palestinian studies, Central American studies, and migration studies with a focus on the construction and impacts of systems of colonialism, neoliberalism, and extractivism.
Inspired by my studies and travels, for the past five years, I have been an active creator, researcher, and communications strategist supporting justice movements throughout Abya Yala, guided by principles of Indigenous sovereignty and Black liberation.
I’m excited to wade into water justice and equity to uplift the work and thought leadership of our partners and our Color of Water community.
Where’s your happy place?
My happy place is sharing moments with loved ones, from watching the sunset to trying new foods, or reflecting in movement.
We’d never guess that you...?
I am the oldest of six children and all of our names start with the letter S!