Empowering Youth: The Impact of the 2024 UCLA Labor Summer Fellowship
The 2024 UCLA Labor Summer Fellowship has once again proven to be a transformative experience for young individuals passionate about protecting and advancing workers’ rights. Now in its second year, the program brought together UCLA students and community organizations with a shared vision for worker justice and labor rights. The fellowship is part of a larger statewide initiative organized by all nine University of California (UC) Labor Centers, involving 123 youth and 71 organizations total.
A Collaborative Effort
With 16 fellows placed across 12 host organizations, the UCLA Labor Summer Fellowship provided a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the world of labor education and activism. The fellowship not only provided hands-on experience and also fostered a deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs within the labor movement.
Here are some highlights from the experiences of this year’s fellows:
Luz Martinez (she/her/ella): United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA)
What have you done with your organization this summer?
This summer, I had the opportunity to work with United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), a union that sits at the intersection of the labor and education movements. UTLA is dedicated to improving the working and learning conditions within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) while addressing the needs of educators, students, and their families.
My work focused on supporting initiatives related to community schools within LAUSD. Some of my key tasks included creating communications materials, transcribing and designing presentations for the community action research program posters, and helping prepare for our leadership conference. I also conducted research on the resources available within a five-mile radius of community schools, such as clinics, therapy services, dental care, and community organizations. Each of these projects provided valuable learning experiences and gave me a deeper understanding of how community schools connect with the broader community.
What was your favorite event, memory, or activity during Labor Summer?
My favorite event was attending the 2024 Pride celebration with UTLA in the San Fernando Valley. It was a welcoming space for everyone to build community and connect with one another. We participated in the march, set up a table, and handed out free banned books to families and children. My favorite task of the summer was creating posters for our 2024 leadership conference. This project was especially meaningful because it allowed me to express my creativity while highlighting the impact of community schools through past images and stories.
Carmen Avendano (she/her/ella): CLEAN Carwash Worker Center
What have you done with your organization this summer?
This summer, I had the opportunity to work with CLEAN, the country’s first car wash worker center, which has transformed the lives of thousands of carwasherxs in one of Los Angeles’ most exploitative industries. My experience at CLEAN was smooth, insightful, and empowering. The team provided us with thorough training and background knowledge to effectively contribute to the organization’s mission. We began our internship with database updates and gradually transitioned into fieldwork such as conducting worker and employer outreach.
One of the highlights of the summer was seeing the CLEAN Carwash Worker Center collaborate with other organizations to support significant actions, such as those led by fast food workers and airport workers. Being part of these efforts was a powerful experience, as it allowed us to witness the collective strength of the labor movement and the impact of these organizations working together for change.
What has been your favorite event, memory, or activity during Labor Summer?
Throughout my internship, I saw just how impactful CLEAN is for the community—the organization plays a profound and essential role in supporting car wash workers and their families. One event that stood out to me was the Health and Safety training held in Orange County. Seeing how this training directly benefited workers and their families deepened my commitment to labor and immigration advocacy.
Astrid Melendez (she/her): CLEAN Carwash Worker Center
What have you done with your organization this summer?
This summer, I had the opportunity to work with the CLEAN Car Wash Worker Center, an organization that empowers carwasherxs to lead outreach and advocacy efforts focused on job safety, wage and hour laws, workplace hazards, environmental protection, and community health. During my time at CLEAN, I conducted outreach to carwasherxs, listened to their stories and learned about their passion for the work they do. I also gained insight into the frequent labor violations that occur in the car wash industry and the critical work that CLEAN is doing to combat these injustices and advocate for the rights of carwashers.
What has been your favorite event, memory, or activity during Labor Summer?
My favorite memory from this summer was attending a demonstration for higher wages for airport workers. It was incredibly empowering to stand in solidarity with these workers as they fought for living wages and fair working conditions. Being in community with people who are so determined to improve their lives and working conditions was a truly inspiring experience.
Karen Magana (she/her/hers): American Federation of Teachers (AFT 1521)
What have you done with your organization this summer?
This summer, I had the opportunity to work with AFT Local 1521, the Los Angeles College Faculty Guild, which represents over 4,000 full-time and adjunct faculty across the nine community colleges within the Los Angeles Community College District. My role involved reaching out to faculty and staff members across these campuses to engage them in AFT activities and gather insights into their needs and concerns. I was also actively involved in planning the March in March rally, a significant event that highlighted the challenges students and faculty face as higher education becomes increasingly expensive and out of reach for many. The theme of the march was “Securing Students’ Futures” by advocating for affordable higher education.
What has been your favorite event, memory, or activity during Labor Summer?
As someone who aspires to become a community college professor, my favorite activity has been connecting with faculty and hearing about their experiences working in this field. These conversations have been invaluable, offering me a deeper understanding of the challenges and rewards of teaching in a community college setting. It’s been inspiring to learn from educators who are dedicated not just to their students, but also to advancing labor rights through their involvement with AFT Local 1521.
Gabrielle Chielpegian (she/her): UNITE HERE Local 11
What have you done with your organization this summer?
This summer, I had the opportunity to work with UNITE HERE Local 11, which represents over 32,000 workers in hotels, restaurants, airports, sports arenas, and convention centers throughout Southern California and Arizona. The union is committed to improving living standards and working conditions for its members, who are united in the fight for fair treatment and better lives.
My work this summer involved a variety of tasks, including strike support, administrative duties, organizing community delegations with hotel management, attending City Council hearings, and engaging in community organizing efforts. These experiences gave me a well-rounded understanding of the different aspects of union work and how collective action drives change.
What has been your favorite event, memory, or activity during Labor Summer?
My favorite memory from this summer was when the Glendale Hilton, the hotel where I was placed to assist organizers, first went on strike. Many of the workers there had never been on strike before, despite fighting for a fair contract for over a year. Watching them walk out of work still in their uniforms, chanting “Sí Se Puede,” was incredibly powerful. It was a proud moment for me, knowing that the support I had provided played a critical part in this action. It also fueled my eagerness to continue supporting their fight for justice.
Ethan Cho (he/they): UNITE HERE Local 11
What have you done with your organization this summer?
This summer, I was placed on the customer organizing team, commonly known as the boycott team, at UNITE HERE Local 11. My primary tasks involved researching companies, customers, events, and key leadership figures. Our goal was to gather information to reach out to people who might be crossing a picket line or visiting a boycotted hotel, encouraging them to respect the boycott. I also participated in picket lines and handed out flyers outside hotels, informing guests about the ongoing labor disputes and urging them to check out, leave, or contact management to put pressure on the hotels to settle.
In addition, I managed a social media account for a specific campaign, curating posts that targeted a hotel and promoted actions. I also participated in various other activities, such as shadowing organizers, conducting training sessions on how to become an organizer, and even engaging in union politics, including voting at the California Labor Federation’s 2024 biennial convention.
What has been your favorite event, memory, or activity during Labor Summer?
My favorite experience during Labor Summer has been participating in the picketing and leafleting events for customer organizing. It was empowering to approach customers at hotel entrances, informing them about the boycott, labor disputes, and even health concerns like instances of rodents at the hotel. The managers were clearly not pleased with us being there—security and general managers would often yell at us to leave or try to intimidate us with legal threats or physical presence. But knowing our rights and having the courage to stand up for the workers was a powerful experience. My supervisor, Sam, emphasized the importance of being bold in those situations to show the workers that they too can stand up for themselves and unionize. This encouragement really pushed me to be more fearless and assertive during picketing and leafleting. It’s my favorite memory because it allowed me to directly challenge management and stand up for the workers.
Carlos Rodriguez (he/him): United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP)
What have you done with your organization this summer?
This summer, I’ve had the opportunity to work with the communications department at UNAC/UHCP, a union of 35,000 registered nurses and healthcare workers dedicated to building a better workplace and a healthier world. My work has focused on creating various graphics and communications materials to bring visibility to the union’s members and their challenges. I’ve conducted interviews with numerous members and carried out extensive research on UNAC/UHCP’s history to develop projects that emphasize the importance of everyday union advocacy and the role it plays in improving both the workplace and the quality of care for our communities.
What has been your favorite event, memory, or activity during Labor Summer?
The highlight of my summer so far has been attending a contract negotiation in San Diego. It was incredible to witness firsthand the fight for greater safety and common-sense protections for healthcare workers. Plus, the weather in San Diego that day was perfect, making the experience even more memorable.
Yadira Romero Zapien (she/her/ella): United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP)
What have you done with your organization this summer?
This summer, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the challenges within the nursing profession and the critical role a unionized workforce plays. Working with the UNAC/UHCP communications department, I created graphics highlighting key issues affecting nurses, such as the nursing shortage, burnout, the importance of union participation, and the benefits of union membership for nurses. I also conducted interviews with union staff and members, which provided valuable insights into the intersection of nursing labor rights, quality patient care, and the broader implications for healthcare.
In addition to my communications work, I attended a nursing educational development training focused on emotional intelligence in inter/intra-personal relationships. I also participated in a steward training where nurse union members learned about the significance of member action and participation. Moreover, I joined meetings with union staff to learn more about union structure, roles, and day-to-day operations.
What has been your favorite event, memory, or activity during Labor Summer?
My favorite experience during the Labor Summer retreat was getting to know other participants. I enjoyed hearing from guest speakers and educators about union history and strategies, as well as learning wellness techniques to manage stress. Additionally, through my work with UNAC/UHCP, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many amazing, talented, and dedicated individuals. I especially enjoyed the one-on-one interactions where I got to hear about their personal and professional journeys. I am truly grateful for the opportunities and connections Labor Summer has provided me.
Charlene Faye Cubangbang (she/her/hers): Garment Worker Center
What have you done with your organization this summer?
This summer, I have done market research at the Garment Worker Center to support an ethically made and sustainable fashion line at UCLA and understand LA’s procurement policies to create a better city. The Garment Worker Center is a worker rights organization whose mission is to organize garment workers in Los Angeles in the fight for social and economic justice. I have supported efforts to create a student group at UCLA aimed at targeting the apparel line at UCLA. I met with garment workers and toured their new space, expanding my knowledge of LA’s historic and growing movement.
What has been your favorite event, memory or activity during Labor Summer?
My favorite experience during Labor Summer was getting to tour GWC’s $12 million space in DTLA which was super cool. I was so grateful to be part of such a monumental moment for the 45,000 Strong organization as it expands.
Sean Ferdinand (she/her): Pilipino Workers Center
What have you done with your organization this summer?
At the Pilipino Workers Center, I have worked directly in Historic Filipinotown and have been doing amazing things for the community there such as free health screenings, documentary premieres, and RCFE outreach meetings. The Pilipino Workers Center is a non-profit that organizes the low-wage Pilipino community in Southern California to demand better living and working conditions. There we primarily worked with home care workers and discussed wage theft cases, ensuring that these workers are properly being compensated.
What has been your favorite event, memory or activity during Labor Summer?
My favorite event during Labor Summer was working with the PWC and going to Hollywood with the team for a documentary premiere. The documentary featured so many people from Historic Filipinotown and seeing everyone in the community gather together and talk about their appearances in the film was very heartwarming to see.
Breanna Ivette Maldonado (She/her/ella): United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW LOCAL 770)
What have you done with your organization this summer?
This summer, my role at United Food and Commercial Workers allowed me to be actively involved in supporting CVS statewide external and internal organizing efforts. I helped lead and plan rallies, engage with customers, and organize delegations. Additionally, I supported the Food 4 Less contract ratification and unfair labor practice strike votes. I also played a role in planning and organizing training sessions for member leaders and union representatives. Furthermore, I assisted in running a union election campaign and assisted in the CVS external organizing blitz campaign in collaboration with the LA Fed, involving training, delegating, planning, and debriefing.
What has been your favorite event, memory or activity during Labor Summer?
One of my favorite memories at UFCW Local 770, a union that represents and advocates for workers in healthcare, retail health, grocery, packing and cannabis, was witnessing a union election at a CVS store we were attempting to unionize. I saw the emotions of my mentor and of the workers who were eager to unionize, and the tension from CVS’ minions. As the government agent counted the votes, I felt a rush of hope despite CVS’ efforts to prevent the union. In my mind, all I thought was, “the workers have to win”. The determination of the workers—coming in to vote on their days off, making sure their vote was counted, despite the company’s attempts to stop them—left a lasting impact on me. Because when we fight, we win. And that’s what we’ll continue doing ‘til we use our collective power.
Abigail Figueroa (she/her): Miguel Contreras Foundation
What have you done with your organization this summer?
The Miguel Contreras Foundation is an organization that brings overlooked workers into labor and political leadership. At the Miguel Contreras Foundation, I made several union maps on Google maps. The first map demonstrates all the unions in Los Angeles County and their respective offices. The second map demonstrates all union made goods with their respective union that represents each service. I also was able to make flyers, logos, branding kits, and forms for my placement organization. Throughout my time, I was helping my organization with filing and creating a master database of over 700+ participants to build active membership.
What has been your favorite event, memory or activity during Labor Summer?
Through the Miguel Contreras Foundation, I was able to meet such great organizers, labor leaders, and students at the LA Fed. Patricia, the field representative with the AFL-CIO, is a great organizer and can motivate folks to organize together collectively. Additionally, I was able to use the GIS skills that I learned at UCLA as a geography major to map the labor unions in Los Angeles.
Jessika Viveros (she/her): KIWA
What have you done with your organization this summer?
This summer, during my internship at KIWA, I conducted extensive research on businesses in Koreatown, creating detailed company profiles that included information on the owners and key business insights. I also contributed to various communication projects and actively participated in meetings focused on social housing and bike passage. Engaging directly with workers, I conducted retail surveys to gather essential data for an ongoing report on the workforce in Koreatown. This internship has provided me with a deeper understanding of the community’s dynamics and honed my skills in research, communication, and community engagement.
What has been your favorite event, memory or activity during Labor Summer?
My favorite event during Labor Summer was the leadership meeting at KIWA. Seeing workers with leadership potential come together to share their concerns and motivation was incredibly inspiring. I was particularly moved by the mutual appreciation and understanding among participants, even if presented in a different language. The interpreters who accommodated the various languages played a crucial role in fostering this sense of unity and knowledge-sharing. It was a powerful experience that highlighted the strength and solidarity within our community.
Yailine Velazquez Delgado (she/her): California Coalition for Worker Power (CCWP)
What have you done with your organization this summer?
This summer, I was placed with the California Coalition for Worker Power (CCWP), a coalition of worker centers, labor policy experts, and labor unions dedicated to ensuring that every worker in California has the power to improve their working conditions. I assisted CCWP’s research, outreach, and mapping efforts to help expand the coalition. I have also helped organize and prepare for lobby days in Sacramento. Additionally, I have assisted and taken notes at retreats and meetings where community organizations and the CCWP coordinate on action plans to advance their worker justice efforts.
What has been your favorite event, memory or activity during Labor Summer?
My favorite memory was the first retreat we went to for Labor Summer. I had the great opportunity of meeting and making friends with students from not only my own campus but others!
Bianca Mikaela Bravo (she/her/hers): Los Angeles County Federation of Labor
What have you done with your organization this summer?
Throughout my experience in the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, I was able to learn more about the labor movement by attending a multitude of events such as the Smart & Final and AFSCME 3299 strike/ rally and Fisherman Market Strike. I was able to participate and be active in the making of a three-day Young Workers Organizing Institute where I learned the basics of how to organize a union within a workplace and apply my skills learned from the OI through the CVS workers drive/ blitz. Additionally, I was able to table for Measure A and observe the LA Board of Supervisors event and attend a political event for CA 27 round table.
What has been your favorite event, memory or activity during Labor Summer?
My favorite activity during Labor Summer was the three day OI training where I was able to learn the fundamental skills of how to organize and meet others who work for different labor organizations and unions. Throughout the OI, I was able to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone when it came to learning about conducting house calls, meet other labor summer fellows and representatives and apply my skills in the following week through the cvs drive blitz.
Carlos Zepeda (he/him/his): Los Angeles County Federation of Labor
What have you done with your organization this summer?
Through the LA Fed, I was part of the CVS Splitz Drive and I was part of GOTV with SEIU 121 RN to make sure workers cast their vote to unionize. We did tabling for Measure A at the SEIU event in downtown LA and participated in Smart and Final picketing with workers in the distribution center. This summer, I had the opportunity to picket with workers from FisherMan Outlet in downtown LA. I also attended political events with the U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler and George Whitesides, a candidate for CA-27. I helped organize a 3 day organizing institute. There, I edited over 150 pages and presented on the history of labor. I attended several meetings at the County Board of Supervisors and helped check in people at the Health and Safety Expo with UFCW Local 1428.
What has been your favorite event, memory or activity during Labor Summer?
Every event has been memorable. I loved my time here!
Building a Future for Workers’ Rights
The 2024 UCLA Labor Summer Fellowship has empowered these young individuals to become advocates for workers’ rights, providing them with the skills and experiences necessary to drive change in their communities. Through their diverse projects and memorable experiences, these fellows are propelling the labor movement forward.
For more information on the UCLA Labor Summer Fellowship and the impactful work being done, visit UCLA Labor Summer. Stay tuned for our 2025 applications!
