Maria Elena Durazo
Immigration:
The Human Struggle
Monday, April 23
2:30 p.m.
Plaza del Sol Performance Hall, USU
Maria Elena Durazo
Executive Secretary - Treasurer
Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO
One of the most dynamic labor leaders in the country, María Elena Durazo was elected to serve as Executive Secretary-Treasurer on May 15, 2006. The daughter of Mexican immigrant farm workers, Maria Elena learned the importance of hard work and determination at a very young age. As a child, she traveled from Oregon to California with her parents and nine siblings to work in the fields.
Before leading the federation, Maria Elena was President of the hotel workers union UNITE-HERE, Local 11, a position she held from May of 1989 up until her appointment as interim Executive Secretary-Treasurer. During her time as President, Maria Elena restructured Local 11 to become one of the most active unions in Los Angeles County and a vital force in the debate over the future of Los Angeles. read more