Maria Elena Durazo is a prominent labor leader and political activist who has dedicated her career to advocating for workers’ rights, particularly for immigrant and Latino workers. Born in 1959 in the United States to immigrant parents from Mexico, Durazo grew up in Los Angeles, where she developed a deep commitment to social justice. She became involved in labor organizing at a young age, joining the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International Union (HERE), where she rose through the ranks. Durazo later became the first woman to serve as the executive secretary-treasurer of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, overseeing more than 800,000 workers. Throughout her career, she has been a passionate advocate for fair wages, better working conditions, and equal rights for workers, particularly in the hospitality, garment, and service industries.
Durazo has also been deeply involved in political advocacy, using her position to support candidates and policies that align with her vision for workers’ rights and social justice. She has worked on issues related to immigration reform, healthcare access, and education, recognizing the interconnectedness of these struggles with the well-being of working-class families. In 2018, Durazo was elected to the California State Senate, where she continues to champion policies that benefit marginalized communities. Durazo’s legacy is one of perseverance and dedication, as she has broken barriers for women and Latinos in labor organizing and politics, while tirelessly fighting for a more equitable society.
