Angela Ferrell-Zabala, a leader with Moms Demand Action, is focusing her advocacy on uniting communities across America to address gun violence, including newer threats like ghost guns and easily convertible firearms.
Under her guidance, Moms Demand Action has expanded its legislative efforts. In 2024, the organization contributed to the shutdown of Polymer80, a major manufacturer of ghost gun kits and parts, after holding the company accountable in court. Last year, California enacted legislation, supported by local chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, that prohibits gun dealers from selling firearms that can be easily converted into fully automatic weapons. Additionally, New York passed a bill in May to prevent 3-D printers from accessing software used in ghost gun production.
Ferrell-Zabala, who previously worked on racial justice and reproductive health rights, including at Planned Parenthood, sees a connection between her past organizing experiences and her current work. She notes that gun violence disproportionately affects Black and brown children, who are 13.6 times more likely to die by firearm violence than non-Hispanic white children, according to a Brady analysis. To counter these disparities, Moms Demand Action chapters collaborate with local violence intervention groups, particularly in the aftermath of shootings, aiming to prevent further violence and support community healing.
As a mother of four, Ferrell-Zabala advocates for reforms that she believes will protect all children. She emphasizes that while Moms Demand Action engages in advocacy across multiple fronts—including culture, politics, legislation, policy, and research—simple conversations can also be a powerful tool. She suggests that parents can take small but impactful steps, such as asking about firearm safety when dropping children off for playdates or sleepovers.
"Gun violence is so pervasive because access—unfettered access—is the problem," Ferrell-Zabala stated, underscoring her belief that addressing the availability of firearms is central to the issue. She also shared a personal motivation, recalling her mother's words: "I remember often hearing growing up, from my mom, that we're not okay if others are not okay."