Siris Barrios

Background

About Siris Barrios

As a social justice executive and social entrepreneur, I have dedicated over 29 years to advancing equity, sustainability, and community empowerment. My work is profoundly shaped by my experience as a Salvadoran Civil War refugee, growing up between El Salvador and South Central Los Angeles, specifically in Watts, where I continue to live. This lived experience has been the foundation of my unwavering commitment to developing community-driven solutions that create long-term, systemic change. In my role as a member of the Executive Team and Director of Social Impact & Community Organizing at T.R.U.S.T. South LA, I lead transformative initiatives that address housing instability, climate justice, and mobility equity. I have played a pivotal role in securing multi-million-dollar grants, including leading the Community Engagement Plan for the $35 million Transformative Climate Communities grant, which drives critical investments to improve the quality of life for South LA residents. Additionally, I designed and spearheaded the outreach for the COVID-19 California Emergency Rental Assistance Program, successfully delivering over $6.4 million in rental arrears to support vulnerable families and prevent evictions. At T.R.U.S.T. South LA, we are a membership-based organization that empowers community members to actively participate in leadership, including opportunities to serve on the Board of Directors. Our programs are thoughtfully designed to cultivate a robust leadership pipeline that amplifies the voices of South Los Angeles residents, ensuring their perspectives drive meaningful and lasting change. Beyond my work in social justice, I am the Co-Founder & Co-Owner of Amazon-Fruit Frexot Productora y Comercializadora S.A, a 74-acre sustainable farm and FDA-approved export facility in Ecuador. By integrating fair trade and sustainable farming practices, we have successfully expanded into international markets across the USA, South America, Europe, and Asia. This endeavor embodies my belief in creating shared prosperity by prioritizing people and the planet over profit. Whether leading social justice campaigns, securing vital funding, or advancing ethical entrepreneurship, my unwavering dedication to equity and community empowerment remains at the core of all I do. I am always open to connecting with like-minded professionals, organizations, and foundations that share a vision for creating a more just and equitable world.