Staff
Kim Wasserman
Executive Director
Kim is the Executive Director of the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO), where she has worked since 1998. Kim joined LVEJO as an organizer and helped to organize community leaders to successfully build a new playground, community gardens, remodel of a local school park and force a local polluter to upgrade their facilities to meet current laws. As Executive Director of LVEJO, she has worked with organizers to reinstate a job access bus line, build on the recent victory of a new 23 acre park to be built in Little Village, and continue the 10 plus year campaign that won the closure of the two local coal power plants to fight for remediation and redevelopment of the sites. Mrs. Wasserman is Chair of the Illinois Commission on Environmental Justice. In 2013, Mrs. Wasserman was the recipient of the Goldman Prize for North America. Her biggest accomplishment to date is raising three-community organizers aged 24, 18, and 14. Email: kwasserman@lvejo.org
Juliana Pino, MPP, MS
Policy Director
Juliana Pino is the Policy Director at the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO). Born in Tuluá, Colombia, and raised in both Colombia and the United States, Juliana’s personal life is transnational and her background is interdisciplinary. At LVEJO, Juliana analyzes, researches, and advocates for environmental justice, climate justice, and economic justice in local, state, and federal environmental policy. Our campaigns cross many areas, including energy, food, water, air, land use, brownfields, toxics, transportation, workforce development, and others. Her work focuses on: advancing justice and community self-determination in regulatory and policy arenas; creating just transition with meaningful collaborative and participatory management of shared environmental resources; and centering frontline community leaders as generators of transformative policy ideas and governance models.
As an organizer, strategist, negotiator, and facilitator, Juliana aims to subvert, mitigate, and challenge patterns of systemic violence committed by institutions and individuals against marginalized people in society, pushing imaginations and transforming practices to center community visions and expertise in crafting a new future. She is committed to facilitating and cultivating processes that promote social justice and public health, has experience in multi-party negotiation and mediation, and works to build robust decision-making frameworks that center the perspectives of those most affected by both broader structural oppression and the specific policies being deliberated. In 2017, Juliana was recognized in Midwest Energy News 40 Under 40 for her work in the transition to a clean energy economy as lead negotiator for low-income programs in the 2016 Future Energy Jobs Act. In 2018, she was named one of Grist’s 50 Fixers for her work in making the world a more just and sustainable place for all and received the President William Clinton Award from People for Community Recovery for her commitment to ensuring communities of color surviving environmental racism understand their conditions and lead policy change. In 2019, she was named an inaugural Rachel’s Network Catalyst Award winner for women of color making an environmental impact in communities across the country and received the Illinois Legislative Green Caucus Karen May Environmental Leadership Award presented by leaders of the Caucus to one environmental advocate for her deep role in development of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (2021). In 2020, she was named a Climate Changemaker by Elevate Energy for community leadership in bringing visions for environmental justice, equity, and climate solutions to life. Juliana has also been recognized as an important advisory voice to government, participating by appointment and proxy in the last two Chicago mayoral transitions and last Illinois gubernatorial transition—most recently being named Co-Chair of the Environmental Justice Subcommittee for Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson.
She serves on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Environmental Council, a statewide organization that promotes sound environmental policy and protections for land, air, water, wildlife, and human health and the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project, an organization that provides over 700,000 asylum seekers and their children from over 175 countries with legal and community support, working with members to fight for better conditions in the U.S. Juliana is a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment (MS, Environmental Policy and Planning; Environmental Justice), the University of Michigan Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy (MPP, Public Policy Analysis), and the University of Chicago (AB, East Asian Languages and Civilizations). Prior to joining LVEJO, Juliana contributed to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Great Lakes Commission, and the U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce, among others. Juliana is a former asylum seeker and proud queer person powered by her wonderful spouse, toddler, and broader community. She is invested in anti-racism and anti-oppression struggles and is a big fan of animals. Email: jpino@lvejo.org
Dale Asis
Finance Director
Dale Asis is the Finance Director at the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO). Dale is also the President of the Bayanihan Foundation Worldwide, a US registered public charity dedicated to promoting Filipino diaspora philanthropy. Additionally, Dale is the founder of two coalitions: The Coalition of African, Arab, Asian, European and Latino Immigrants of Illinois (CAAAELII) and United Congress of Community and Religious Organization (United Congress). In 2009, he established a network of over 150 diaspora donors in Chicago that donate to over 50 countries worldwide. He earned his Masters of Arts Program in Social Sciences (MAPSS) at the University of Chicago. He is currently teaching and completing his PhD at Loyola University Chicago. In 2007-08 he received a fellowship grant from the Chicago Community Trust Fellowship for Community Leaders. Mr. Asis also received the Ford Foundation Leadership for a Changing World Award. Over the last 18 years, Dale has spoken extensively on immigrant and diaspora philanthropy issues. He also provides capacity building and organizational consulting to many ethnic community organizations in Chicago. Email: dasis@lvejo.org
Antonio Lopez, PhD
Project Director for the Chicago Frontlines Funding Initiative (CFFI)
Born in Gary, Indiana and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Antonio Reyes López received his doctorate in Borderlands History at the University of Texas at El Paso. Dr. López has written extensively on anti-poverty and anti-racist social movements in Chicago. He has also contributed to human rights, environmental justice, and economic justice struggles in Chicago and on the U.S./Mexico border. Prior to joining LVEJO, Lopez coordinated a mentorship program for youth incarcerated at Illinois Youth Center, St. Charles, and contributed to the Chicago Grassroots Curriculum Taskforce (CGCT). Email: alopez@lvejo.org
Tanuja Devi Jagernauth
Just Culture and Operations Director
Tanuja Devi Jagernauth is the Just Culture and Operations Director at the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO). Tanuja was born in Guyana, South America, and raised in Peoria, Arizona. In 2001, she came to Chicago to serve as a Volunteer in Service to America for the Chicago Department of Public Health. She was only supposed to be in Chicago for one year. 19 years later, Tanuja is honored to work at LVEJO, where she has the opportunity to put into practice everything she has learned over the years as a crisis counselor, practitioner of Traditional East Asian Medicine, theatermaker, organizer, and educator. Tanuja’s work in organizing, operations, and administration has allowed her to collaborate with and learn from brilliant folks at the Young Women’s Empowerment Project, Sage Community Health Collective, Chicago Dramatists, Chicago Freedom School, and Free Street Theater. She takes pride in helping to hold a strong container for the arduous process of creating systemic change and the conditions for collective liberation. Email: tjagernauth@lvejo.org
Mayra Galvez
Office Manager
Mayra has been the Administrative Assistant at Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO) since 2012. Mayra was born and raised in the Little Village neighborhood, graduated from Farragut Career Academy, and is currently attending Harold Washington Community College. When she is not working or at school, Mayra enjoys volunteering at several local animal shelters. Email: office@lvejo.org
Nancy Meza
Senior Community Organizer
Nancy is the Senior Community Organizer at the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO). She was born in Los Angeles, California and was raised in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago. She graduated from Farragut Career Academy High School and continued her studies abroad in Puerto Rico at the University of the Sacred Heart for 2 years. In 2013, she began actively volunteering at LVEJO, scaling her way up and becoming part of the LVEJO family officially in 2015. Email: nmeza@lvejo.org
Miguel A. Saucedo
Workforce Development Manager
Miguel A. Saucedo is a native from Chicago’s Little Village community and is a recent doctoral graduate from the Department of Educational Policy Studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His dissertation focused on the academic achievement, suspension and expulsion, and criminalization of young Mexican American male students in Chicago Public Schools. Email: msaucedo@lvejo.org
Brenda Santoyo
Senior Policy Analyst
Brenda Santoyo is a Senior Policy Analyst at the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO), focusing her work on Water Justice. Brenda initially came to LVEJO as a Policy and Research Intern after taking part in UIC’s Freshwater Lab course, later joining LVEJO as a full-time Policy Associate. Through the course she gained a more in depth understanding and curiosity of work in environmental policy and efforts surrounding water related issues. She now takes part in advocacy, outreach, and research efforts surrounding water justice work throughout Chicago. Her water justice work encompasses the needs of communities at the frontline of environmental injustices. The work focuses on advocating for affordable water rate reform, ensuring access to safe quality water, and addressing flood disparities in underserved communities. Brenda holds a double Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Public Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). Email: bsantoyo@lvejo.org
Jac Vazquez
Park Organizer
Jacqueline is the Park Organizer at the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO). She was born in New Jersey, but raised in Little Village. She graduated from Social Justice (SOJO) in Little Village Lawndale highschool and attended DePaul University for two years. Jacqueline began volunteering for LVEJO and worked her way up, becoming part of staff in 2018. Email: jvazq@lvejo.org
Brenda Becerra
Development Manager
Brenda is the Development Manager at the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization. She is a lifelong resident of Little Village and began her involvement with the organization at 8-years-old. Brenda was very involved in organizing to shut down the Crawford Coal Plant, getting the La Villita Park design to be community-driven, and reinstating the 31st bus route. In 2012 she was awarded a scholarship to attend and represent LVEJO at Students on Ice Antarctic Expedition, a program that promotes the importance of Polar Education and inspires initiatives that contribute to global sustainability. Her article, “Urban Agriculture Rises in Latino Communities” was published in 2012 by Cengage Learning. Brenda has also been recognized nationally for her leadership and commitment to environmental issues by the Udall Foundation in 2013 and 2014. She is interested in Non-profit Management, Environmental Education, Native American Nations, Digital Story-Telling, Penguins, and Environmental Psychology among other things. Email: bbecerra@lvejo.org
Edith Tovar, MUPP
Senior Just Transition Organizer
Edith is the Senior Just Transition Organizer at the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO). Edith is a life-long resident of La Villita community. As a first generation college student and youngest of four, she was the second in her family to graduate with a university degree. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish-Economics with a minor in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). Edith also obtained her Master’s in Urban Planning and Policy from the the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs at UIC with a concentration in Environmental Planning and Policy. Edith came to LVEJO from the Rafael Cintrón Ortiz Latino Cultural Center, where she developed public programs highlighting the intersections of arts, cultures, social and environmental justice while also overseeing their internship program. Her interests include: cultural planning, Place Lab’s ethical redevelopment, public park activation, water remediation efforts of the Chicago River, entrepreneurship through a green economy, and gardening to provide power-food to pollinators and all insect friends.
Melanie Minuche (she/her)
Neighbors for an Equitable Transition to Zero-Emissions (NET-Z) Coordinator
Melanie Minuche is the Neighbors for an Equitable Transition to Zero-Emissions (NET-Z) coordinator at Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO). NET-Z is a part of the larger Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC), and advocates for a transition away from polluting, diesel-powered, medium- and heavy-duty trucks in Illinois. As a coordinator, Melanie is supporting us in bridging the gap between policy and community education/organizing around zero-emission vehicles and transportation.
As an organizer and political educator, Melanie has worked with community organizers across the country examining the intersection of climate change and migration, and supporting organizational efforts to educate and mobilize migrant communities experiencing climate vulnerability in the U.S. Melanie holds a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Loyola University of Chicago. Her personal and professional experiences have deepened her commitment to accessibility, equity and justice across different movement spaces.
Melanie also serves on the board of the Midwest Immigration Bond Fund, a fund that pays immigration bonds and frees individuals from immigration detention centers in the Midwest. Email: mminuche@lvejo.org
Kristen Jeré
Communications Coordiantor
Kristen began at LVEJO in 2020 after working in various social justice and non-profit newsrooms across Chicago. A graduate from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) with a B.A. in English Professional Writing, Kristen had spent her undergraduate years maximizing her skills in journalistic style writing, social media engagement, and working with and for marginalized communites towards systemic change. Kristen is passionate about all things wellness, social justice, and community health related. Through her communications work, Kristen is building with BIPOC communities to create new realities that are anti-capitalist, intersectionally feminist, and center care over revenge–in digital spaces and beyond.
Sergio Ruiz
Food Justice Organizer
My name is Sergio Ruiz, 19, & I am part of the food justice team in LVEJO. Being part of the response to our community’s food insecurity, we bring awareness to how we have the right to grow, eat, and sell healthy foods. Bringing food into our community that is culturally appropriate, fresh, local, and grown with full care for our workers, animals, and land. We strongly believe in bringing new business opportunities, healthier lives (mentally / physically / spiritually), and proper respect to our community. Email: sruiz@lvejo.org
Taryn Randle
Farm, Food, Familias Coordinator
Taryn has been a part of the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO) community by way of Semillas de Justicia community garden potlucks since 2017, but officially joined LVEJO’s team as the Farm, Food, Familias Program Coordinator in 2021. Taryn is a farmer, learner-teacher and connector. Born and raised on the southside of Chicago, Taryn is committed to connecting Black and Brown people with the land, each other and practices that train present and future generations to survive the unexpected. Taryn began gr owing with the land in 2017 through co-founding Getting Grown Collective(GGC) with family, friends and neighbors on 63rd & Morgan in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood. GGC works to support community-driven agriculture projects, collaborate with food and environmental policy makers, activate multi-generational engagement and provide access to health professionals and healthy lifestyle options. Email: trandle@lvejo.org
Yasmin Ruiz
Food Justice Organizer
Yasmin Ruiz is a Mexican-American born and raised in Southside Chicago. Her love of helping others and desire for growth brought her to LVEJO. After volunteering for about a year, she was given the opportunity to co-coordinate the Farm Food Familias program and now coordinates volunteers at the Little Village Farm, too. These programs’ mission is not only to help provide a basic need but also to provide nutritional and culturally significant produce and meals. The programs bring awareness to the community’s food insecurity as well as the community’s pride to provide new opportunities, healthier lives, and the proper respect the community deserves. Email: yruiz@lvejo.org
Nateo Carreño
Farm Manager at La Villita Farm
Nateo grew up in the neighborhoods of Pilsen, Little Village, and Cicero after their family migrated here from Durango, Mexico. They started their work in land stewardship in 2012, and have continued to learn about land/soil/ecology since. Nateo joined the LVEJO team as the Farm Manager at the La Villita Park Farm in March 2022. Here, they oversee the day to day operations of the farm with the farm team.
They have learned the disciplines of soil health, plant care, and nature care through mentors from many communities (both academic and non-academic). Nateo aspires to continue participating in community building led by BIPOC, that centers care for land, people, and proliferation of native ecologies.
When they are not working with LVEJO, they continue learning about land, and work to support the care of land/environment in Cicero with Cicero Community Farm. Email: ncarreno@lvejo.org
Maria “Trini” Avila
Farmer at La Villita Farm
Hello, my name is Maria Avila. I came to Chicago and specifically Little Village in 1990. I love to help my community and volunteer in my children’s school . I have been working as a crossing guard for the last two years, and since 2023 I have also been part of the Little Village Farm, stewarded by LVEJO. Email: mavila@lvejo.org
Leslie Cortez (They/Them)
Youth Organizer
Leslie grew up in Humboldt Park and Cicero.
Leslie pursued a field in Biology, where they observed how institutions impact the health of low income and marginalized people through labor and or lack of environmental regulation. They graduated from Concordia University with a B.A. in Sociology and was one course shy of a B.A. in Biology in 2016.
Currently, they are a Youth Organizer at the Little Village of Environmental Justice Organization. In their role, they co-lead a paid summer program where West and Southside youth learn and practice intersectional Environmental Justice and connect with local EJ organizations and campaigns. They are committed to creating youth-centered and youth-led work, campaigns, and movements.
Leslie is an alum of the Obama Foundation’s Community Leadership Corps, Civic Lab, Northwestern’s Law and Organizing Fellowship. They are pursuing their Master’s in Public Policy and Administration at Northwestern. Leslie has showcased their artwork in Pilsen and in zines. With the community, they hope to use their art and creativity to co-design a just, equitable, and sustainable future. Leslie is also a member of the multi-generational leadership council for Cicero Community Farm.
Jocelyn Vazquez-Gomez
Community Science Organizer
Jocelyn Vazquez-Gomez is the Community Science Organizer at the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO). She has been a part of the LVEJO since 2015 as a volunteer and intern but officially joined the team in 2020. She obtained her bachelor’s in Urban Studies with three minors in public policy, social justice, and sustainable cities. She hopes to obtain a joint master’s degree in Public Health and Urban Planning in the future.
She has dedicated her studies and career to understanding how communities are dealing with environmental concerns that were prompted by a failure of a plan or a failure to enforce proper zoning or negligible practices in housing, land use, infrastructure, and sanitation. When understanding the factors that perpetuate injustice and oppression in the way that cities are constructed, Jocelyn hopes to address fundamental economic, social, and political forces through collaboration and plan effective interventions to advance social justice.
Jocelyn also enjoys doing art and uses her art as a form of activism and education. Jocelyn is currently working and collaborating on creating a beautiful & powerful coloring book to share with residents and allies about the vision Little Village has for promoting environmental justice and a just transition. Email: jvazquez@
Guadalupe Blanco
Development Associate
Guadalupe (Lupe) Blanco is a Development Associate at Little Village Environmental Justice Organization. Her work consists of grant prospecting, writing, and fundraising. She holds a Grant Writing Certificate from DePaul University and is currently completing her bachelor’s in Peace, Justice, and Conflict studies. Before joining LVEJO, Lupe coordinated an educational enrichment program for middle school youth through a non-profit in the Chicago west suburbs, and worked as a Budget and Grant Assistant for DePaul University. She is passionate about first-gen mentorship and redefining philanthropy through a restorative justice lens. Email: gblanco@lvejo.org
Feliciano Ocegueda
Water Justice Research Analyst
Feliciano Ocegueda is a Water Justice Research Analyst at the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO). Feliciano came to LVEJO as a Water Justice Intern in 2021 as part of UIC’s Freshwater Lab. As an intern he conducted research into the public health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the residents of Little Village. His work as a Research Analyst with the Water Justice Team includes research, organizing, and outreach on water justice issues. Feliciano is a lifelong resident of Chicago’s Southwest Side and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). He also graduated from UIC with a Master in Urban Planning and Policy (MUPP) in Spring 2022. Email: focegueda@lvejo.org
Sebastián Villa-Rodriguez
Water Justice Organizing and Policy Intern
Sebastián came to LVEJO through UIC’s Freshwater Lab in the 2022 cohort. As an intern, Sebastián conducts research into the ongoing challenges faced by the Collateral Channel especially regarding health impacts on the community. Sebastián has worked in immigration, farmworker advocacy, education and is a former Diverse Learning Teacher who worked at Solorio Academy in Gage Park. Sebastián is a proud second generation Colombian and holds a Bachelor of Arts in History with minors in Spanish Literature and Gender Studies from Loyola University Chicago. He will graduate from UIC with a Master in Urban Planning and Policy (MUPP) in Spring 2023. Email: svilla-rodriguez@lvejo.org
Elizabeth Grimaldo
Executive Assistant
Liz Grimaldo previously worked as a Family Support Worker for 2 years at the Children’s Center of Cicero-Berwyn, a non-profit organization, where she specialized in event programming and coordination, relation support, creative problem solving, and research. A Little Village Native, Liz learned about LVEJO through their fight to shut down the demolition of the Crawford Coal Plant until the safety of the workers and surrounding community could be guaranteed. Liz is passionate about advocacy for marginalized communities, healing the Little Village community through powerful organizing, and standing with people most impacted by environmental racism. Email: egrimaldo@lvejo.org
Aleen Olivares
Office Assistant
Aleen grew up in Gurnee, a suburb on the northern outskirts of Chicago, and moved to the city in 2020 at the outset of the covid pandemic. As things started opening up, she found volunteer opportunities through LVEJO and realized the organization’s values aligned with her own personal values. She is passionate about sustainable living, environmental justice, and guiding people on a holistic journey through mind and body connection. Outside of the LVEJO office, she is a pole fitness instructor, photographer, dancer, vegan advocate, and entrepreneur. Through her different passions, Aleen hopes to empower and uplift her community. Email: aolivares@lvejo.org
Ana Solano
Organizing Manager (They/She)
Ana Solano is one of the Organizing Managers at the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization. Ana’s interest in social and environmental justice sparked during her studies at Northeastern Illinois University. She began volunteering her time with local grassroots organizations in her neighborhood where she advocates for affordable housing and clean air. Ana previously held a Manager position at Erie Neighborhood House, a local social service non-profit organization. In her previous role she worked closely with community resources and policy advocacy. Ana continues to volunteer with grassroots local organizations outside of work and is also a runner with a local running group called Viento. Ana ran and completed the Bank of America Chicago 2022 Marathon and helped raise funds for LVEJO. She is running the 2023 Chicago Marathon and is raising funds for LVEJO again because she strongly believes in their mission and vision. Ana’s other interests include collecting miniatures, taking care of houseplants, and traveling. Email: asolano@lvejo.org
Ireri Unzueta Carrasco
Organizing Manager
Nadia Sol Ireri Unzueta Carrasco (pronouns: they/them) was born in Mexico D.F. and grew up in Little Village, Chicago. Ireri’s work is currently focused on cultivating diverse spaces for people to learn and organize together, with an emphasis on practices that are welcoming to young, Queer, undocumented folks. They have had the pleasure of working with and learning from many individuals and groups, including folks from Organized Communities Against Deportations, Soul Fire Farm, Chicago Community and Workers’ Rights, MiJente, and the UIC Centers for Cultural Understanding and Social Change. Ireri is currently a MiJente member, and a worker owner of Catatumbo Cooperative Farm, LWCA, a farm worker cooperative in Chicago. Email: ireri@lvejo.org
Carolina Macias
Senior Mobility Justice Research Organizer
Carolina Macias (pronouns: she/they) is the Senior Mobility Justice Research Organizer at the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO). She was born and raised in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood and is an alum of LVEJO’s youth program. Carolina is a systems thinker who is committed to advancing racial, climate, and health justice by dismantling the structural root causes of inequities to improve the built environment and quality of life. At LVEJO, her work centers on organizing, research, and policy advocacy to improve multimodal transportation while addressing the health and environmental challenges driven by the Little Village Industrial Corridor.
Before joining LVEJO, Carolina developed nature-based, and intergenerational programming linking cultural heritage, health, and climate justice. She has experience working with community organizations, government agency leaders, and elected officials to integrate health equity, racial equity, and environmental justice principles into land use and planning practices in Chicago.
Carolina finds joy and rest in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and bike riding along Chicago’s lakefront. Otherwise, you might catch her exploring the city’s hidden restaurant gems or spending time at a museum or cultural hub. Email: cmacias@lvejo.org
Please read: Join Us In Co-Creating a Just and Sustainable Work Schedule LVEJO remains committed to the well-being of the people who make up our organization alongside our work itself. Part of this means that we work to set boundaries on an institutional level such that our organization’s staff’s time is respected, appreciated, and not subject to externally-determined urgency. While we appreciate the generous opportunities extended to us by outside partners, we remain best positioned to evaluate whether or not a new opportunity will serve the community and align with our current scope of work and capacity. In order to preserve a just and sustainable work schedule and work-life balance for LVEJO staff, as well as remain aligned with our mission and vision, LVEJO has several policies in place around external requests. First, please expect a turn around time of two weeks or more for a response to a new inquiry. Emailing the same request to all of our staff members will not produce a faster internal process on our end. Second, all external requests must be submitted through the LVEJO screening questions. Third, for scheduling related to speaking engagements, long meetings, and grant prospects, we require a few months’ lead time. In closing, thank you for your respectful communication and support.