Today, she continues to return to the fields, bringing organizations with her to provide critical resources and information directly to farm workers.
Olivia Gonzales, Imperial Valley, CA
For 20 years, Olivia Gonzales worked in the field of Imperial Valley harvesting melons, asparagus, ball lettuce, and romaine lettuce. For Olivia, agriculture has always been part of her life. Her father was also a farmworker who came to the United States through the Bracero Program in 1974. As a member of the United Farm Workers (UFW), he fought for better wages and improved working conditions. His influence and legacy live on in Oliva. His example shaped her “Sí Se Puede” attitude and her determination to continue advocating for farm workers in her community.
Oliva is the mother of three children, two daughters and one son. Through sheer determination and love, all of her children have earned university degrees. Three years ago, she transitioned out of fieldwork and began working for the Sure Helpline Center, a nonprofit organization that has, for more than 50 years, provided a safe space for women and families experiencing crisis. The organization offers services that promote mental health, stability, and the prevention of domestic and sexual violence.
Despite this career change, Oliva has never forgotten her roots. Today, she continues to return to the fields, bringing organizations with her to provide critical resources and information directly to farm workers. She has also helped organize opportunities for workers to take computer and citizenship classes at Imperial Valley College.
Oliva hopes to honor the women who have worked alongside her in the fields, lifting her up and inspiring her with their strength and determination to improve their lives. She speaks of them with deep admiration, brave, fearless women who continue to raise their voices for their rights and for better working conditions. These women are Marlene, who has worked in the fields for 44 years; sisters Amy and Mary, who have each worked for 40 years; and May, who has worked in the fields for 7 years.
Together, their stories carry resilience, courage, and a shared hope for something better.
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