Sulma Arias is the executive director of People’s Action Institute and People’s Action, a national network of state and local grassroots organizations dedicated to fighting for justice and helping communities take control of their destinies—what the organization calls “power-building.” Arias is also the first Latina immigrant to lead the two organizations. She has been organizing on the ground, training organizers, engaging in strategic planning and directing organizations for more than 20 years. This includes leading the country’s largest coalition of grassroots immigrant rights groups with Community Change, organizing in Kansas with Sunflower Community Action, and working with People’s Action on a range of issues that includes healthcare, payday loans and worker justice. While on staff at National People’s Action between 2008 and 2011, she also helped develop and launch the group’s long-term agenda.