WeRise! Class of 2023-2024

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  • Angelica Aparicio

    Angélica Aparicio

    PhilaPOSH- CRSH

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    Meet Angelica Aparicio, a force to be reckoned with! Originally from Puebla, Mexico, she's called the USA home for 17 incredible years. Now based in Philadelphia, she finds joy in music, family movie nights, and seizing every chance to learn and grow. 

    Angelica's journey includes working in various sectors, from fieldwork to cleaning, has shaped her into the powerhouse she is today. Currently, she's making waves in the restaurant industry. But Angelica doesn't just work; she fights. 

    Motivated by the injustices she's witnessed firsthand, Angelica is a fierce advocate for workers' rights. As an active member of the restaurant workers committee, she's dedicated to empowering herself and fighting for the rights of her community. 

  • Angelina Palafox

    Angelina Palafox

    New York COSH

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    Meet Angelina Palafox, a powerhouse with a heart of gold! Originally hailing from Mexico, she embarked on her journey to the United States at the age of 18. Now, she finds solace in nature walks alongside her husband, immersing herself in the beauty of the world around her. 

    Angelina's passion for her cultural heritage shines through in every dish she cooks. With over two decades of experience in the nail salon industry, she's a force to be reckoned with.

    But Angelina doesn't stop there. As a proud member of NYCOSH, she's on a mission to become a leader in advocating for fellow workers who've faced injustice. Her goal? To deepen her knowledge of workers' rights and empower her colleagues with the tools to demand better working conditions. 

  • Hugo

    Hugo Nelson Guevara

    MassCOSH

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    Meet Hugo Nelson Guevara, a beacon of gratitude and resilience! Born in San Miguel, El Salvador, in 1965, he's thankful for every moment life has granted him. Raised by retired teachers, Hugo's academic journey was one of triumph from start to finish.

    His passion for agriculture, instilled during secondary school, fuels his deep reverence for nature and its wonders. When he's not hard at work in construction with Local 151 in Boston, Massachusetts, you'll find Hugo indulging in his favorite sports like soccer and swimming, or basking in the beauty of sunrise and sunset during beach outings.

    But Hugo's pursuits don't end there! An avid reader and music enthusiast, he finds peace in regular church attendance. And as a proud father to three accomplished graduates, Hugo's commitment to excellence shines through in all he does.

    With his dedication to both his craft and community, Hugo is a true inspiration to us all!

     

  • Leonard Brown

    Leonard Brown

    Worksafe

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    Meet Leonard Brown, a force to be reckoned with, hailing from Hartsville, South Carolina, and now making waves in the Bay Area of Northern California! Leonard's passion for speed and precision led him to become the proud owner of an Audi A5 Premium Plus Sports Coupe, fueling his love for race cars and all things adrenaline-pumping.

    In his professional journey within the Cleaning and Hospitality Industry, Leonard recently found a new calling with Worksafe, inspired by the advocacy work of his friend, Jora. Recognizing the importance of informed decision-making in employment, Leonard is determined to shed light on the often overlooked implications when taking on a job.

    With a keen eye for social justice, Leonard is deeply troubled by the exploitation of workers by corporate giants, who prioritize profit over the well-being of their employees. But his concerns don't stop there! He's equally passionate about addressing the environmental impact of chemical manufacturers, especially in underserved rural areas, where pollution poses a threat to future generations.

    With Leonard's unwavering dedication and commitment to making a difference, he's a true champion for change in his community and beyond! 

  • Maria Escobar

    Maria Escobar Cortés

    Safe Jobs Oregon

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    Meet Maria Escobar Cortés, a radiant soul from the heart of Mexico, Oaxaca! Proud mother of two, Maria's days are filled with love, laughter, and a touch of creativity. Whether she's whipping up delicious meals, crafting beautiful creations, or offering soothing massages, Maria's spirit shines through in everything she does. 

    But Maria's compassion extends far beyond her own home. As an international chaplain agent, she tirelessly advocates for the welfare of street children in Mexico, offering them a beacon of hope in their darkest moments. 

    In her professional pursuits, Maria is no stranger to hard work. From her roles in various restaurants to her involvement with the NWJP organization, she's dedicated to amplifying the voices of immigrant workers and fighting for their rights. 

    But Maria's journey doesn't stop there! With a hunger for knowledge and a thirst for justice, she dreams of pursuing further education to become an even stronger advocate for her community.

    With Maria's unwavering spirit and boundless determination, she's a true inspiration to us all!

  • Pedro Morales

    Pedro Abel Morales Zurita

    Safe Jobs Oregon

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    Get ready to meet Pedro Abel Morales Zurita, a compassionate leader from Oaxaca, Mexico! Pedro is a man of many talents and passions, and he's making a real difference in his community.

    As a proud member of a chaplain association in the United States, Pedro coordinates assistance for families who have lost loved ones from the district of Justlahuaca, Oaxaca, Mexico. His compassion knows no bounds, and he's always there to lend a helping hand when his community needs it most.

    But that's not all – Pedro is also a dedicated volunteer with the Northwest Workers Justice Project (NWJP). He's passionate about learning more about worker rights and supporting community members in their times of need. With Pedro on their side, his community is stronger and more resilient than ever before!

  • Silvia

    Silvia Luna Sánchez

    Illinois COSH

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    Get ready to meet Silvia Luna Sánchez – a true powerhouse from Cicero, Illinois! Silvia is not only a loving mother to her two amazing children, but she's also a dedicated advocate for workers' rights in her community. 

    As the mother of Agustín, aged 12, who has autism and attention deficit disorder, and Jocelyn, aged 10, who has attention deficit, Silvia knows the importance of fighting for a better future for her family. She finds joy in spending quality time with her kids, whether it's dancing, swimming, or enjoying a day at the park. Their bond is unbreakable, and Silvia is determined to create a brighter world for them. 

    But Silvia's passion doesn't stop there – she's actively involved in Chicago Jobs with Justice and Chicago Workers Collaborative, where she's constantly learning and advocating for workers' rights. With a heart of gold and a fierce determination, Silvia is on a mission to empower others with knowledge and be a beacon of hope in her community. 

  • Sindy Reyes

    Sindy Reyes

    PhilaPOSH- CRSH

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    Get ready to meet Sindy Reyes – a dedicated leader hailing from Honduras! 

    For the past 11 years, Sindy has called this country home, and she's been making waves ever since. As a loving mother and hardworking individual, she treasures every moment spent with her children and finds solace in the pages of a good book. 

    With experience in the restaurant industry and currently working as a cleaner, Sindy knows the value of hard work and dedication. But her passion doesn't stop there – she's an active member of the restaurant worker committee in Philadelphia, where she's constantly fighting for the rights of her community. 

    Sindy's unwavering commitment to justice is truly inspiring, and she's determined to keep pushing forward until every voice is heard and every right is upheld. Let's give it up for Sindy Reyes – a true champion for change! 

     

  • Sofia de la Cerda

    Sofia De La Cerda

    Safe Jobs Oregon

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    Meet Sofia De La Cerda, originally from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, now making her mark in Portland, Oregon for over a decade. Sofia's journey has taken her through various job roles, from construction to cleaning, childcare, and car wash services, all in pursuit of a better life.

    A true advocate at heart, she dedicates her time to volunteering with the Oregon Department of Education's Migrant Education Program, where she leads workshops and advocates for families in the field. Having experienced workplace abuse and unfair treatment firsthand, Sofia is determined to equip others with the knowledge and confidence to stand up for their rights. She remains an active member of the NWJP organization and is eagerly participating in the We Rise Leadership Academy to expand her community impact. Get ready to be inspired by Sofia's unwavering commitment to justice and empowerment!

  • Zee Zetino

    Zee Zetino

    L.A. Black Worker Center

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    Meet Zee, a dynamic force based in Los Angeles, situated on the occupied land of the Tongva people. Using they/them pronouns, Zee brings a wealth of experience from their past roles in outdoor environmental education and recreation. Their journey hasn't been without challenges; facing wrongful termination and discrimination for speaking out against workplace violations has fueled Zee's passion for ensuring safe working conditions for all. 

    As a leader at the Los Angeles Black Worker Center and a former Ready2Work organizer, Zee is dedicated to integrating wellness practices into organizing efforts for both worker and environmental justice. Through the leadership academy, Zee seeks to connect with fellow workers and outdoor environmental professionals, forging bonds while finding joy in activities like vegetarian cooking, yoga, birding, hiking, and nature journaling. Get ready to be inspired by Zee's commitment to creating a safer, more equitable world for all! 

  • David Williams

    David Williams

    Step Up Louisiana

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    Meet David Williams, a proud resident of New Orleans and an integral member of Step Up Louisiana. Working at Dollar General, David is no stranger to the challenges posed by safety hazards in the workplace, with the company frequently fined by OSHA for endangering both workers and consumers. Despite the risks, David fearlessly lends his voice to shed light on the dangers faced by himself and his colleagues, actively engaging in public forums to raise awareness.

    Driven by his unwavering dedication to advocating for safer working conditions, David participates in the We Rise Leadership Academy. Through this platform, he seeks to further empower himself to support his community and amplify the voices of those who may feel hesitant to speak out. Get ready to be inspired by David's fearless commitment to driving positive change and championing the rights of workers everywhere! 

  • Gudelia

    Gudelia Nava

    Midstate NY COSH

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    Meet Gudelia, a vibrant soul hailing from Mexico, whose passion for music and adventure knows no bounds. Currently collaborating with Midstate COSH, Gudelia brings firsthand experience from her time working in a restaurant, where she faced relentless wage theft issues for over a year. Despite the challenges, she persevered, fighting tirelessly for her rightful earnings and shedding light on the crucial importance of workers' rights.

    Driven by her own journey and the struggles of her fellow workers, Gudelia is on a mission to advocate for fair treatment in the workplace. Her unwavering commitment aims to create a better future, where no one has to endure the injustices she once faced. Get ready to be inspired by Gudelia's determination to pave the way for a brighter, more equitable tomorrow!

  • Veronica Mata

    Veronica Mata

    Border Workers United

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    Meet Veronica Mata, a vibrant soul from Brownsville, Texas, whose passions include couponing, dancing, and testing her luck with the Mexican lottery. With a heart for community service, Veronica has carved her path primarily as a self-employed individual. For the past five years, she's poured her energy into caregiving while simultaneously empowering herself to champion labor rights. Veronica proudly holds a leadership position at Border Workers United in the Rio Grande Valley of South Deep, Texas, and is aligned with National COSH. Get ready to be inspired by Veronica's dedication to her community and her unwavering commitment to justice! 

  • Mariana Angeles

    Mariana Angeles

    SoCalCOSH

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    Meet Mariana, an inspiring leader hailing from Anaheim, CA! With a love for adventure, she's always ready to hit the open road and explore new and exciting destinations. 

    For over 16 years, Mariana has been the backbone of her family, providing unwavering support to her three children as they grew up. Despite the challenges, she's emerged stronger and more resilient than ever.

    But Mariana's journey doesn't end there! As a passionate community organizer for Orange County Community for Responsible Development (OCCORD) and a dedicated volunteer with Nuestras Manos, a domestic worker group, she's on a mission to empower her community and fight for justice. 

    Through her involvement with WeRise, Mariana is taking her activism to new heights, honing her skills in organizing, leadership, and collective empowerment. With every step she takes, she's paving the way for a brighter future for all. 

  • Ana Mejia

    Ana Mejia

    WeCount!

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    Meet Ana Mejia, a Salvadoran agricultural worker with over 11 years of experience in the nursery industry. As a member and spokesperson for We Count, she is motivated by her passion for fighting for the rights of all workers. Ana believes that together, we can achieve meaningful change. She is committed to advocating for workers' rights and joins the We Rise Leadership Academy to further strengthen her skills.