Meet Our Team

In unity, there is strength.

Workers Defense Project is a community organization for low-wage, immigrant workers in the Texas construction industry. We bring together and stand alongside these workers as they fight for their right to be paid a living wage and be protected in their work.

Board of Directors

Parisa Fatehi-Weeks, President

Isaac Faz, President-Elect

Claudia Golinelli, Vice-President

Adrian Rizo, Treasurer

José Cabada, Secretary

Phillip Schmandt

Rebecca Ruth Webber

Laura Olvera

Maria Huerta

Mario Ontiveros

Myrna Mendez

Sharon Medina

Mirna Rodriguez

Leadership Council

Anna FinkFirst Vice President for Philanthropy; Amalgamated Bank

Carol Barger, Attorney

Christine OwensFormer Executive Director; NELP

David RolfPresident; Service Employees International Union 775

Erica SmileyExecutive Director; Jobs with Justice

Henry AllenExecutive Director; Retired; Discount Foundation

Kirk AdamsService Employees International Union

Leonard AguilarPolitical Director, Southwest Pipetrades Association

Marybeth MaxwellConsultant, Movement Building

Rick LevyPresident; Texas AFL-CIO

Tefere GebreExecutive Vice President; AFL-CIO

Tory GavitoPresident & Co-Founder, Way To Win

Our Staff

Austin

Abraham, Better Builder Coordinator
abraham@workersdefense.org

Amparo, Director of HR & Operations
amparo@workersdefense.org

Andrea, Better Builder Director
andrea@workersdefense.org

CandelarioHealth and Safety Organizer
cande@workersdefense.org

Christine, Communications Director
christine@workersdefense.org

Claudia, Grant Writer
claudia@workersdefense.org

Daniel, Movement Politics Manager
daniel@workersdefense.org

Daniela, State Legislative Coordinator
daniela@workersdefense.org

DavidPolicy Director
david@workersdefense.org

Estefania, Legal Intake Coordinator
estefania@workersdefense.org

Fabiola, Operations Coordinator
fabiola@workersdefense.org

FaithFinance Manager
faith@workersdefense.org

HannahAustin Staff Attorney
hannah@workersdefense.org

Hannah, Data Coordinator
hannah.hughes@workersdefense.org

InmerBetter Builder Oversight Coordinator
inmer@workersdefense.org

JoseAustin Legal Manager/ Organizer
jose.caceres@workersdefense.org

Laura, Austin Campaign Manager
laura.becerra@workersdefense.org

MarinaGrant Manager
marina@workersdefense.org

ValeriaDevelopment Coordinator 
valeria@workersdefense.org

Dallas

Anita, Dallas Policy Coordinator
anita@workersdefense.org

BriciaMovement Politics Director
bricia@workersdefense.org

CheliWorkplace Justice Organizer
cheli@workersdefense.org

ChristopherDigital Strategist
christopher@workersdefense.org

CristalDallas Legal Manager/Organizer
cristal@workersdefense.org

HosannaDevelopment Director
hosanna@workersdefense.org

Lizeth, Executive Director
lizeth@workersdefense.org

MariaDallas Campaign Organizer
maria.dejesus@workersdefense.org

SeanELS Director
sean@workersdefense.org

Houston

Elsa, Houston Campaign Organizer
elsa@workersdefense.org

Esmeralda, Communications Associate
esme@workersdefense.org

Kevin, Movement Politics Manager
Kevin@wdactionfund.org

LauraOrganizing Director
laurapb@workersdefense.org

Maria “Camila”Houston Campaign Manager
maria@workersdefense.org 

SandraHouston Campaign Organizer
sandra@workersdefense.org

TevinCommunity and Political Organizer
tevin@workersdefense.org

CandidoAlways Essential Campaign Organizer
candido@workersdefense.org