We spoke about the inspirations, challenges, and commitments that drive her work. She shared how a desire to understand and challenge systemic injustices has shaped her research, as well as the sense of opportunity that emerges from contradictions within capitalism. Currently in a dedicated writing phase, Gabriela is working on three books that explore themes of co-production of social space, Latinx neighborhood resistance, and housing justice.

What inspired you to pursue research in your field?

Injustices, the urgency to understand the forces and agents behind them. I am equally inspired by the spaces of opportunity and hope that arise from the contradictions embedded in capitalism, driving the ongoing crises. Exploring alternatives to existing urban processes, systems and policies excites me.

Can you share a recent project or research initiative that excites you?

After more than 20 years of practice, I am currently in a dedicated writing phase—and truly enjoying it. I’m working on three books, which is more than I can handle, but when opportunities arise, you have to embrace them. Writing has been an immense challenge on a personal level, yet also a profound opportunity for growth. Collaborating with others adds another layer of responsibility, making the process both demanding and deeply rewarding.

One of the books is titled Cohabitation Strategies: Visions and Actions for the Coproduction of Social Space, co-authored with Emiliano Gandolfi and Miguel Robles-Durán. This book explores the praxis and lessons of Cohabitation Strategies, a nonprofit collective we co-founded with Lucia Babina in Rotterdam over 15 years ago. We are now finalizing the manuscript, and it will be published by ORO Editions, a leading publisher in architecture, art, and design. We look forward to holding the book in our hands in Fall 2025.

The second book I am working on is titled Defiant Neighborhoods: Rise, Revitalization and Gentrification of Immigrant Communities in Latinx Brooklyn. It is based on over a decade of research and work closely with Latinx communities in the neighborhoods of Bushwick and Sunset Park. It honors the work done by Latinx individuals and groups to preserve their homes, communities, and neighborhoods in an ever changing context always against them. It will be published by NYU Press, possibly in 2026.

The last one is a handbook I was invited to edit by De Gruyter, one of Europe’s oldest publishers. They initially asked me to edit a book on Development and Displacement. Aware of the negative narrative this topic might bring, I proposed shifting the focus to Housing Justice instead. Rather than analyzing and critiquing the ongoing housing crisis, the book offers a comprehensive set of practices, instruments, policies and development alternatives aimed at housing justice. It also seeks to bridge and strengthen connections across disciplines and cities. I Invited to co-edit this book with me a woman I deeply admire —Silvia Emanuelli, the coordinator of the Habitat International Coalition in Latin America.

Among the contributors are authors who have shaped cities with a clear focus on housing justice, through public roles, including heads of government, mayors, mayoral advisors, policymakers, directors of city planning agencies, and deputies. Others have founded and led renowned social movements or organizations dedicated to combating violations of the right to adequate housing and expanding cooperative housing or other forms of non-speculative housing, and pioneering alternative development models of highly participatory urbanism with an important concern for the care and environmental dimensions. The group also includes individuals with lived experience of multiple violations of their right to adequate housing, as well as housing organizers, activists, former United Nations Special Rapporteurs on the right to adequate housing and professionals tirelessly fighting displacement, disinvestment, and gentrification —working across scales from blocks and neighborhoods to entire cities and continents. Additionally, Marxist urban geographers, feminists, urbanists, and scholar-activists with deep connections to social movements contribute in meaningful ways.

What is one piece of advice you always give your students?

Never underestimate research. I don’t give this advice to students directly, but I reinforce it in practice —something many of my students would recognize. Knowledge is power, especially when produced collectively. Combine and value both academic and people’s knowledge to understand and transform reality. Honor those who came before you by study their successes and failures, and build upon their wisdom. And don’t hoard research —share it to make it useful and drive change.