Veterans Pathway to Citizenship Workshop 

The CalVet Minority & Underrepresented Veterans Division has partnered with the TODEC Legal Center to provide free legal assistance to veterans seeking citizenship and/or naturalization services. Additionally, veterans will have the opportunity to learn about state and federal benefits they have earned. All veterans and families are welcome!

Register Now! 

Xochitl Rodriguez Murillo, Deputy Secretary, Minority Veterans Affairs 

Xóchitl Rodriguez Murillo was appointed on October 8, 2019 by Governor Gavin Newsom as Deputy Secretary for Minority Veterans Affairs at the California Department of Veterans Affairs. She serves as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserve since 2012 and she is an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran.

Xóchitl previously served as Councilmember (2016-2020) and Mayor (2019-2020) to the City of Woodland. She subsequently worked for the California State Legislature (2008-2019), under different capacities.

Xóchitl holds a B.A. in International Relations and Spanish from UC Davis and an M.A. in Spanish from the CSU Sacramento. She is a member of the American Legion Yolo Post 77, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1985, California Latino Capitol Association Foundation and the UCD and Sac State Alumni Associations. She currently resides in Woodland with her husband Antonio.

 

Luz Gallegos, Executive Director, TODEC Legal Center 

Luz Gallegos was born and raised in the Inland Empire.  She began, "en la causa, el movimiento" as a very young child with the guidance of her parents. Advocating for social justice, organizing, and marching alongside with great leaders like Bert Corona, Soledad “Chole” Alatorre, and Cesar E. Chavez.

Luz is a natural leader. Her organizing and advocating experience came first hand throughout her childhood. At a very young age she developed a community conscious and commitment, what has become part of her life. She has led hundreds of community programs and campaigns dealing with an array of issues, immigrant rights, and civic engagement. 

Luz has mentored hundreds of youth and has motivated them to continue with their education while not forgetting their roots. She continues to lead in TODEC Legal Center to give continuity to her family’s community commitment and legacy.