12/18/2025
Disenfranchised is a fancy word that gets thrown around a lot, but it means something simple: there are people who are left behind by our systems, left to their own devices to find a way.
And when it leads to feeling lost, without control over tomorrow, it’s easy to start feeling like heroes don’t exist.
But then one day (if you’re lucky) you meet Michelle Tremillo, the organizer who refuses to leave anyone behind and seemingly spends every hour making sure our community is heard, protected, and empowered.
There are too many accomplishments to list from her time with TOP, but we would argue that Michelle’s greatest accomplishment isn’t a policy win or a headline.
It’s that she restores something priceless in the communities our systems leave behind: belief.
Belief that someone will show up for you.
Belief that your voice matters.
Belief that heroes still exist.
For the parents stretched thin, for the families fighting to be seen, for the people who’ve been told “no” more times than “yes,” Michelle is proof that someone out there will stand up for them.
Thank you for your continued partnership with Texas Organizing Project and providing space for us to support your work all these years. Your farewell celebration was just a window into your impact here.
And thank you for reminding us that even when the systems fail, people don’t have to. We can’t wait to see what you build next.