September 25, 2023
Once an undocumented immigrant Claudia Quintero helps migrants learn their rights
BY MassLive
In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, MassLive asked readers to identify people who are emerging Hispanic leaders throughout the state, working to make a difference in their own area of interest, be it politics, education, business or the arts.
These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.
Claudia Quintero
Attorney Claudia Quintero advocates for the rights of farmworkers, and represents farmworkers across the state. (Kamila O’Neill photo)
Age: 35
Community: Springfield
Her story: After moving to the United States from Mexico, Claudia Quintero witnessed the struggles of Latino immigrants firsthand. Her mother a low-wage worker and her grandfather a farm laborer, Quintero says she grew up undocumented for most of her childhood. Those experiences helped shape her career in legal advocacy.
Now Quintero, a community-based lawyer at Central West Justice Center, leads the Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Project, representing farm workers, providing legal representation on issues of immigration, wages, housing, family and benefits.
She has been working to advocate for farm workers with a bill she co-wrote that would entitle workers to the state minimum wage of $15 per hour and to overtime pay.
In her words: “Seek out mentors and other people who are in the field you want to enter or pursue and ask how they got to where they are. Have confidence in yourself that you can and you will accomplish the goals you set out for yourself.”
Each day, we will introduce more leaders, and we’re always open to hear about more inspiring people. If you’d like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.