Kalaya'an Mendoza is a Queer, Hard of Hearing, Filipino American human rights defender, street medic, and community safety and mutual protection trainer. He is an award-winning facilitator of holistic safety and security, as well as a recognized expert in disaster preparedness.

Kalaya'an has served as National Field Director for Amnesty International USA, the Head of US Programmess at Nonviolent Peaceforce, and is the co-founder of Across Frontlines, an organization that works with frontline human rights defenders around the world.

He has inspired, trained, and mobilized thousands of activists and community members in the US and abroad to advance their human rights by utilizing strategic nonviolent direct action, community defense and protection and grassroots organizing.

Kalaya’an has worked his entire decades long career to help people use the resources they have to build the power they need to make the change they want to see in the world.

Photo Credit: Cole Witter