Farmworker Justice Taps Former UNIVISION Executive Ron Estrada as CEO

Reforming U.S. food system and responding to climate change impact identified as initial goals

March 21, 2022

Washington, D.C. – Farmworker Justice announced today the appointment of Ron Estrada as Chief Executive Officer. He is the former Head of Government Relations at Univision Communications in Washington, D.C.,where he also led the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Empowerment initiatives. Prior to Univision, he was a Member of the Executive Cabinet and Vice President of UnidosUS (formerly National Council of La Raza).

Estrada has been a longtime voice in support of U.S. underserved and communities of color and is recognized as one of the nation’s top 100 corporate social responsibility professionals. He has invested decades in issues related to racial and social justice and he brings expertise in environmental, social and corporate governance to the position. His background in U.S. media provides Farmworker Justice valuable insight into the media representation of farmworkers and how to advocate for further awareness of the issues impacting them, their families and their communities.

Natalie Camacho Mendoza, Chair of the Board of Directors, said, “The board is very pleased with the hiring of Mr. Estrada and the unique perspectives he brings to our organization. After a diligent and lengthy national search, we are confident he will help the organization continue building a multifaceted campaign for farmworker rights. The board is excited and looking forward to collaborating with our new CEO to promote and expand our vision for the future of Farmworker Justice.”

“For decades, Farmworker Justice has been an invaluable partner to the UFW within the farmworker movement. I offer my warmest congratulations to incoming CEO Ron Estrada, and we look forward to continuing working together towards our shared goals for a fairer tomorrow,” added Teresa Romero, President of United Farm Workers.

Dolores Huerta, President of The Dolores Huerta Foundation, said, “We have confidence in Ron Estrada – that he will continue the invaluable work of Farmworker Justice in upholding and defending the rights of farmworkers in America.” 

“As the former CEO of Farmworker Justice, I am excited to see this new stage of the organization as Ron Estrada steps into this role,” said Bruce Goldstein, who retired as CEO of Farmworker Justice in 2021. “His insights into the Latino community and culture will be an asset for years to come.”

Estrada has directed policy, advocacy and corporate social responsibility initiatives for the country’s largest Spanish-language broadcasting network and its local media teams representing its broadcast and radio stations. In his new role as CEO, Estrada plans to continue to empower farmworkers, improve their wages and working conditions, immigration status, occupational safety, health, and improved access to justice. Additionally, he plans to partner with farmworker unions and other farmworker-serving organizations, as well as develop cooperative relationships with agricultural companies and further corporate social responsibility objectives associated with reforming the nation’s food supply chain system, climate change factors, and environmental justice.

“For more than 40 years, Farmworker Justice has been the nation’s voice in legal advocacy,” said Ron Estrada. “I intend to build on this legacy of our many supporters, advocates and staff by continuing to affect new and groundbreaking legislation, the elimination of exploitation created by immigration policies, language barriers — and other obstacles our country’s essential workers should never have to encounter.”

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ABOUT FARMWORKER JUSTICE

 Founded in 1981, Farmworker Justice is a national advocacy organization for farmworkers based in Washington, D.C. It collaborates with organizations throughout the nation to empower farmworkers to improve wages, working conditions, occupational safety, health, immigration status, and access to justice. For more information, visit www.farmworkerjustice.org or follow on Twitter @FarmwrkrJustice.

Media Contact: 

BA Snyder

Veritas Group for Farmworker Justice

512.630.6337

BA@TheVeritasWay.com

 

Naomi Lee

Veritas Group for Farmworker Justice

206.331.2466

Naomi.Lee@TheVeritasWay.com