From the Fields to Capitol Hill: A Farmworker's Voice in the Halls of Power
Working at the United Farm Workers (UFW) union has been a dream come true. From the moment I walked into their offices, it felt like I was meant to be there. I first connected with the UFW through the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute in Chicago—a conference gathering Hispanic leaders across politics, law, and business. There, Teresa Romero, President of the UFW, delivered a powerful speech about the union’s efforts and the testimonies of dairy workers whose voices are so often silenced. Meeting her that day changed the course of my career. She encouraged me to come and work with UFW to fight for farmworkers, and I made her a promise: I would be back in the near future to do just that because if not now, when?
One year later, I’m living that promise. My current work placement is with UFW. The United Farm Workers (UFW) union advocates for the rights and protections of farmworkers across the United States, fighting for fair wages, safer working conditions, and dignity on the job. Founded by leaders like César Chávez and Dolores Huerta, the UFW organizes workers, negotiates contracts, and champions legislation that empowers agricultural laborers.
In my role, I am currently advocating for the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (FWMA)—a bill first introduced in 2019 that continues to be reintroduced in Congress to this day. Nearly every day of this internship, I have walked through Capitol Hill, briefed staffers, scheduled meetings, and have given testimony in support of the bill. Just last week, I met with 13 Congressional staffers from the agriculture and labor committees, and even had the honor of speaking with Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA, 24th District), who shared his deep, personal connection to farm labor. I also had the opportunity to meet with Representative Angie Craig (D-MN, 2nd District), the Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee.
These moments remind me how powerful our voices are when rooted in lived experience.
My work with UFW’s Legislative Coordinator, Lionor Galindo, and the advocacy office has been eye-opening. It’s my first professional job—and it couldn’t be more meaningful. While I’m no longer physically in the fields, writing my testimony brings me right back, and I cry as I reflect on what the FWMA bill could mean for farmworkers like my parents.
My favorite part of my testimony says:
“I know agriculture, not just from observation, but from lived experience. The agricultural work I’ve done every summer for six years is nothing compared to what my parents have done for decades, every single day.”
This work grounds me in purpose. I’m not just advocating for policy—I’m honoring my family, my history, and my community.