Christine Chavez has a made a lifetime commitment to public service, civil rights and the labor movement. Christine was born in Delano, California where she was surrounded by the farm worker movement.
Today, Christine serves as the District Director for State Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero. Prior to her work with Senator Romero, she worked with the United Farm Workers Union, the organization her grandfather Cesar Chavez helped to co-found 40 years ago. For eight years, she served as the UFW’s Political Director.
While working with the UFW, Christine’s responsibilities include raising public awareness to protect the civil rights of farm workers and the larger immigrant community. Over the last eight years, she has helped elect candidates, pass legislation and oversee public outreach activities.
Latina Magazine recently named her as one of their top Latinas for her longtime involvement with civil rights issues – in particular her recent work to give same sex couples to right to marry under the law.
Christine has been an outspoken advocate for Marriage Equality. She has presided over commitment ceremonies, traveled through California, New Jersey and Maryland, participated on panels and lobbied the legislature in support of Marriage Equality.
This year she will speak to employees at Disneyland, Boeing and will receive a community service award from BALIF Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom.
Christine displayed a commitment to the labor movement at an early age. At the age of four in Detroit, during the grape boycott, she was arrested with her family for refusing to leave the front of a store that continued to sell grapes.
Chavez’s commitment has extended to other unions. She was engaged in SEIU, Local 1877’s battle against LAX. She fought in UNITE HERE Local 11’s battle against the hotel industry. And she organized rallies in support of UFCW’s protracted Southern California strike.
Christine has also worked with several animal rights groups in the fight to Ban Foi Gras in California and Chicago.
Recently Christine joined Rev. Al Sharpton to announce the formation of the Latino and African American Leadership Alliance. Troubled by the escalating violence between Latinos and African Americans, Chavez worked with the Reverend to organize a march to correspond with the Watts riots of 40 years ago. The Alliance will also sponsor community forums, outreach to schools and enlist the help of policymakers to further this important cause.
Christine resides in East Los Angeles with her husband Oscar Gonzales. Her work is based on the values passed down to her from her grandfather…the fight for civil rights, social justice and labor equality.
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