Gloria Lopez

Gloria’s deep connection to her Chumash heritage, extensive experience in community service, and dedication to preserving language and culture make her an invaluable member-at-large for the Coastal Band of the Chumash Nation.

Gloria holds an A.S. Degree in Office Administration from Allan Hancock College and spent 10 years as Conservatory Operations Coordinator at the Pacific Conservatory Theatre while raising three children as a single parent. She currently works full-time supporting elders living with Alzheimer's and Dementia.

She has studied the Šmuwič language for over 13 years and holds a Šmuwič Community Language certificate, enabling her to teach Šmuwič to both youth and adults. Gloria is also an active member of the Chumash Dance Sisters and the Chumash Cultural Collective. Passionate about her heritage, she enjoys gardening, hiking, weaving, beading, and using native plants for medicine.

Proud of her Chumash ancestry, Gloria is dedicated to honoring her ancestors by protecting their land and culture. Her vision is for Indigenous families to reclaim their native lands, languages, and way of life, affirming that they are still here.