Juana Alicia's art can not be separated from her work as a longtime social activist and educator. She first arrived in California in the 1970's to work as a political artist and organizer for farm worker and immigrant rights activist, Cesar Chavez. Drawing deeply from these experiences, with a particular focus on the well-being and advancement of women, Juana turned to muralism. Her bold murals have given voice to the forgotten, incorporting social commentary, history, and folklore. Juana often collaborates with other artists and local students to produce her murals. As a reusult, the murals become part of their environments, and an integral part of the community. On of her more recent works, La Llorona, focuses on the effect of polluted water on the lives of women with references to Cochabamba, Bolivia and the Narmada River Valley in India.