Abby Muro: “Coming Home”

Tell us about your participation in the Walla Walla Valley

I was born 39 years ago at Saint Mary's Hospital in Walla Walla to Mexican immigrant parents who, 45 years ago, chose this valley as their home. After spending twelve years away—pursuing my education and exploring the world—I returned to the valley two years ago, now accompanied by my two children and partner, tending to the roots that have sustained me while putting down new roots in the place that shaped me.

I currently serve as the Executive Director of the Walla Walla Immigrant Rights Coalition, an organization founded in 2016 that formally established its first board of directors and executive director just last year. My work and my family are at the heart of my life, my participation in the Walla Walla Valley, each deeply intertwined and inseparable. 

My commitment to racial justice is woven into the fabric of my daily life and participation in the Wally Walla Valley as well. I strive to ensure that immigrants in our valley are not only recognized for their inherent value, but also have access to the resources and opportunities that empower them to thrive. In doing so, I aim to help shape a more inclusive, equitable community that will foster a brighter future for everyone who calls the Valley their home.

Outside of work, I serve on the board for the Walla Walla Community Council and love to explore new businesses in the valley. I coached our son’s soccer team and enjoy supporting and spending time with my community of friends and family.   

How does what you do fit into or address larger issues in our region?

As the Executive Director of the Walla Walla Immigrant Rights Coalition, I see my role and our organization as pivotal in addressing the intersection of immigration, labor, and community integration within a region deeply shaped by agriculture and the agriculture economy. Walla Walla, with its rich farming history, relies on immigrant labor to sustain its agricultural economy, yet immigrant communities often face barriers to full participation in the social, economic, and political life of the region. Our organization seeks to help bridge these gaps, ensuring immigrants not only have access to vital resources and legal protections but also that their contributions to the region’s prosperity are recognized and valued.

The challenges faced by immigrants in Walla Walla—whether related to legal rights, (labor, civil, immigration, human), language access, education, or healthcare—are emblematic of larger national issues surrounding immigration reform, labor rights, and racial justice. By advocating for policies that protect immigrant workers, ensuring they have access to education and healthcare, and fostering a culture of inclusion, our work addresses these systemic inequalities on a local level, while contributing to broader efforts for justice and equity within the region and beyond. 

What is something you’ve learned about this area that surprised you or that you weren’t expecting?

I returned to the valley as an adult, after leaving at the age of 18, and have been deeply heartened by our community’s dedication to honoring and amplifying the diverse experiences and lives of valley residents. Reflecting on my own upbringing here in the '90s and early 2000s, I realize how much has changed—back then, we didn’t have a yearly Juneteenth celebration or a Día de los Muertos parade to celebrate our shared cultural heritage. There was no Latino Club as I went through Walla Walla HIgh School which is now a HUGE club that I see represented at many events! This has been a welcomed surprise.   

In what ways is Walla Walla diverse?

There isn’t enough room to adequately answer this question–and that is why I love the question. On the one hand, I read this question as an invitation to reflect on the very nature of diversity itself–what is it? How is it known? How is it shared with others?

For me, the diversity of Walla Walla is perhaps most visible in the tapestry of people who call this place home—from long-established families whose roots go back generations, to the more recent waves of immigrants drawn here by seasonal work in the vineyards and fields. These immigrants, many from Mexico and Central America, bring with them not only their labor but also their languages, customs, and traditions, enriching the cultural fabric of the valley in ways that continue to evolve. In this, Walla Walla is a microcosm of the broader American experience—a place where generations of settlers, indigenous peoples, and newcomers have coexisted, sometimes uneasily but often with a shared sense of place. 

What do you think this region will be like in five or 10 years?

In five to ten years, I believe Walla Walla will undergo significant changes, particularly in terms of its economy and demographics, driven by the increasing influx of high-wealth individuals. Having lived in Colorado, I’ve witnessed firsthand how concentrated wealth in mountain towns can dramatically shift the dynamics of a community, often leading to rising living costs and widening economic disparities. While Walla Walla is different in many ways—its diverse economic institutions, broad range of employers, and manageable population size give it a unique stability—there is a growing trend toward attracting more affluent residents, which could lead to similar challenges.

As the cost of housing increases, particularly with the arrival of wealthier individuals and families, Walla Walla will need to find innovative solutions to ensure that the community remains accessible to people of all income levels. The challenge will be balancing the benefits of increased wealth and investment with the need to create affordable housing options and maintain a healthy, vibrant community where families can thrive without being displaced by rising costs.

In addition, as Walla Walla’s economy evolves, it will likely see greater diversification, with more opportunities in industries like tech, arts, and education, alongside its agricultural base. This shift could attract even more people from outside the region, leading to a more cosmopolitan mix of residents while still preserving the small-town charm that makes Walla Walla unique. The next decade will likely be a time of growing pains, but also an opportunity for the community to define its identity in a way that ensures its economic and cultural vitality is accessible to all, regardless of wealth or background.

If you could be involved in an aspect of Walla Walla life that you are not currently involved with, what would it be? Why?

If I had the time and opportunity to be more involved in an aspect of Walla Walla life that I’m not currently engaged with, I would love to return to working with youth, particularly through sports and the arts. While my current commitments—raising two young children and serving as Executive Director of the Walla Walla Immigrant Rights Coalition—are incredibly fulfilling, I look forward to being more active in my children’s activities as they grow and discovering where there might be gaps in available youth programming.

I have a background in teaching and coaching dance, soccer, and tennis, and I would love to eventually bring those skills back into the community. I see tremendous value in extracurricular activities, not just for physical development, but for fostering teamwork, discipline, and creativity in young people. I hope to be able to contribute to Walla Walla’s youth programs, whether through coaching, mentoring, or helping to shape new opportunities that are accessible to all kids, especially those in underserved communities.

Is there anything else Whitman students should know about our community that you haven’t mentioned yet? 

One thing I’d like Whitman students to know about our community is how deeply interconnected Walla Walla’s people are—across different backgrounds, generations, and cultures. While the town may appear small, it’s a place where diverse experiences and histories meet, particularly when it comes to its immigrant communities. Walla Walla is shaped by agriculture, but it’s also a place of transformation and opportunity, with a growing focus on inclusivity and community-building. The changes happening here—such as changes in business, residents, and the changes in our national administration—bring both challenges and exciting opportunities, especially in terms of creating a more equitable, accessible town for people of all backgrounds.

There’s also a real sense of belonging here, where local organizations, schools, and residents work together to support one another. Whether through advocacy, volunteerism, or everyday acts of kindness, there’s a shared understanding that the health of this community depends on how well we care for and uplift each other. Whitman students who engage with Walla Walla have the chance to make a meaningful impact—whether it’s through academic work, community service, or simply connecting with people who call this place home like me. 

Beyond the interview:

Abby Muro will be available for questions and further conversations on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at noon in Reid Campus Center, Room 207. The Career and Community Engagement Center will provide lunch for the first ten students in attendance. Please send your questions, ideas or requests for accommodation to Noah Leavitt at leavitns@whitman.edu.