Edgar Ernesto Ibarra Gutierrez is an emerging cultural communication strategist. He has worked directly with communities affected by mass incarceration through local and state policy advocacy. In addition, he has mentored youth and young adults returning from incarceration, focusing on cultural healing programs that emphasize Palabra (One’s Word) and cultural teachings. Edgar leverages his lived experiences and grassroots work to co-create narratives that center on the stories of those most impacted by the criminal justice system. His goal is to create meaningful systemic and cultural change, by bridging his personal experiences with community organizing and cultural healing practices, Edgar aims to develop narratives and messaging that share stories of resilience found in the barrio.

Edgar has served as a Commissioner for the California 100 initiative (2021-2023), as an SB 823 Subcommittee Member for Santa Cruz County (2021 -2023), and now as a proud member of the Board of Directors for the California Endowment. 

Edgar earned an M.A. in Professional Communications at the University of San Francisco and a B.A. in Communications from UC Davis.