Ketzal Gómez was born and raised in San José, attended Evergreen Valley College for a Sociology Associates degree, and transferred to San Francisco State University, attaining a B.A. in American Studies with an emphasis in Women and Gender Studies and Ethnic Studies. She comes from a family of community organizers and artists. As a community leader, Ketzal Gomez has actively fought for the civil rights of workers, indigenous communities, immigrants, LGBTQ+, women, students, and incarcerated individuals.