John Pineda is a proud father of six and a Chicano Indigenous leader deeply committed to justice, healing, and liberation. Born in Salinas and raised in Greenfield, he is a founding member of MILPA, where he now serves as Deputy Director, supporting operations, training, and organizational development. John and MILPA’s work centers on empowering formerly incarcerated leaders, uplifting communities disproportionately impacted by the justice system, and advancing cultural healing rooted in Indigenous philosophy. He provides training and technical assistance across the US and internationally, collaborating with movement builders and system-impacted advocates to challenge mass incarceration.
John strives to amplify the voices of those who have endured long-term incarceration and actively seeks opportunities to support leaders who are transforming the very systems that once confined them. His work is grounded in the belief that true transformation comes through community, culture, and collective healing.