After seven years in banking, Ivet Aviles’ career was wearing on her. Tired of seeing low-income clients struggle to make ends meet, she decided to make a change.
Aviles works as the community organizer at Charlottesville United for Public Education, which advocates for students enrolled in Charlottesville City Schools through community engagement. She leads outreach to parents and other caregivers and brings them together in community dialogues with public officials.
“Having a seat at the table, it really opens you up to the reality of, ‘I am an individual with a voice and with power,'” Aviles said.
Although it can feel like institutions — such as our public education system — are too large and complex to impact, Aviles believes that there is immense power in collective movement building.
“I’m very hopeful for the next 20 years,” she said.
Videography and editing by Zach Keifer. Produced by Atlee Webber.
The first step to creating our shared future is imagining it.
For Charlottesville Tomorrow’s 20th anniversary, we are inviting central Virginians to share their visions for the next 20 years.
