“Take care of yourself, remember to breathe, and hope to see you out there.”

Brea Yumiguano never really knew where she was headed when she first started her photography career. She just wanted to capture the moment in front of her. Eventually, those moments became powerful symbols of the things she fought for and continues to.

Today she stands as the campus organizing manager for Climate Revolution Action Network (CRAN), an organization dedicated to assembling a new generation of advocates to address social injustices.

In a conversation with the activist, The Underground Edit learned about her efforts and the causes behind her “why.”

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Can you talk about your activism efforts? As a queer individual, what connects you to the causes you fight for?

Brea: My first direct involvement with activism was during the George Floyd protests, where I helped lead a rally in my hometown. Through those protests and generally going through COVID-19 and life, I learned that there were so many issues I was incredibly unaware of, and it led me to want to learn about them and how to solve them.

More recently, my involvement has been focused on ICE and supporting families directly affected by ICE. I fight for families first. I grew up in an immigrant family, and I learned about the struggles my parents, aunts, and uncles went through. These people are not criminals; they are hard-working people, artistically wonderful, and the backbone of our country.

Why photography? How do you use your craft to heighten the voices of you and the people around you?

Brea: I never really had a goal when I started [photography]. I just wanted to capture the moment in front of me. When I was in high school, I was a photographer for various clubs and my own personal projects. I used to shoot for my friends, at parties, and while exploring abandoned buildings. I picked it up again when I got into the underground music scene here in New Brunswick.

Whenever I cover a protest, it is never about getting attention for myself but rather to showcase the voices and visibility of students, protesters, organizations, and other activists present. I rarely have a photo of myself at an event. I want to make sure people are being uplifted, showcasing what they are fighting for and their strength in the face of adversity.

What are some issues young people and the country as a whole are facing today that you wish were more picked up by media efforts?

The issue of ICE is larger than just deportation. Financially, ICE has been destroying families with each abduction. Families across the country are facing thousands of dollars in legal costs, fines, and fees for the crime of trying to make a life in this country. People are dying, getting deported to countries they were never a part of or connected to. The amount of money that they are draining from communities is insane. You have the power to make a difference and help these families. Start a fundraiser, benefit show, or be loud about this and talk about it with your friends and family. I’ve been writing to my representatives to pressure them to increase funding for legal services for families being attacked by ICE.

How can others use their art as a form of activism?

If you’re an artist, of any form, utilize your art to showcase the people in front of you and help express the strength and the pain they might be going through. Art is a form of expression, and it is inherently political; it’s an incredible way to showcase your work while supporting a movement.

Photos courtesy of Brea Yumiguano | Interviewed on November 5, 2026