Pablo Alvarado

Currently, the Executive Director of National Day Laborer Organizing Network, Pablo Alvarado understands the issues faced by day laborers in America. As a youth, Alvarado was raised in a place lacking running water and electricity; he didn't enter school until the third grade. Working since he was five years old, Pablo Alvarado spent several years as a day laborer working in construction, gardening, and factories.

These experiences taught Pablo Alvarado about the negativity in the lives of day laborers. He saw firsthand how many of them deal with physical abuse and are sometimes denied paid, while performing hazardous duties in dangerous locations. Recognizing their work diligence and dedication to their families, he attempted to improve their situations by co-founding the Institute of Popular Education of Southern California, which featured literacy programs and classes in English as a Second Language.

In 2002, Pablo Alvarado began his work with the National Day Laborer Organizing Network. Based in Los Angeles, this group focuses on migrant rights, labor rights, day laborers and their health and safety. To improve its reach, Alvarado builds relationships with organizations that support gender equality, progressive art, community integration, and leadership development. Another important area for National Day Laborer Organizing Network involves unifying day laborers so that as an entity, they can encourage lawmakers to enact laws that are favorable to their needs and earn them greater civil rights protection. Individuals interested in becoming active with Pablo Alvarado's organization can log onto www.ndlon.org.

Beyond his work with National Day Laborer Organizing Network, Pablo Alvarado enlightens others about his mission by writing for The Huffington Post. His pieces have covered U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as well as important lawsuits related to his cause.