> Our Team <

At Harvesting Justice, we are a student-led advocacy initiative made up of passionate advocates, organizers, and community members committed to building a more just and equitable world for farmworkers. We work collaboratively to uplift farmworker voices, challenge systemic injustices, and promote sustainable, community-driven solutions. Through education, outreach, and policy advocacy, we honor the essential contributions of farmworkers within the agricultural industry, food systems, and our daily lives.

Reese Alvernaz

FOUNDER & OUTREACH DIRECTOR

I am Reese Alvernaz, a freshman at Santa Clara University. I identify as a proud Portuguese-Mexican-American from San José, California, serving as an active member of the Latino Student Union, Maker Lab, University Honors Program, Grand Challenges Scholars Program, and Engineers Without Borders. Through these roles, I combine my skills in event planning, team collaboration, and innovation to support and raise awareness for my advocacy work.

While attending Bellarmine College Preparatory, I participated in the Salinas Rural Plunge immersion trip and the Ignatian Family Teach-In in Washington, D.C. These formative experiences revealed my vocation for advocating on behalf of farmworker communities. This passion led me to found Harvesting Justice, an advocacy campaign initiative launched through the Changemakers in a Changing World social justice and advocacy program.

Now, as I pursue a degree in civil engineering, I recognize that infrastructure is more than just roads and buildings—it determines who has access to stable housing, safe working conditions, and sustainable resources. With this understanding, I am committed to harvesting justice for farmworker communities throughout college and beyond, designing solutions that ensure the people who feed us are not overlooked, but supported and empowered.

Fernanda Avila

CO-FOUNDER & SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

I am Fernanda Avila, a freshman at Santa Clara University. I proudly identify as a Mexican-American from San José, California.

During my time at Presentation High School, my passion for engineering and social justice grew through experiences like the Ignatian Family Teach-In in Washington, D.C., and the Changemakers in a Changing World program.

Currently, I am coding a device with Project Invent that helps individuals who are blind or anosmic identify rotten food through audio cues. This project combines technology and accessibility to promote equity, improve daily life, and prevent health risks for underserved communities.

As an alumna of the CHCI Next Generation Latino Leadership Program, I am committed to using my skills in both engineering and advocacy to create positive change for marginalized communities.

> Past Contributors <

Our initiative is built on the passion and dedication of many individuals who have contributed their time, ideas, and leadership. This section honors the former team members and co-founders whose efforts helped shape Harvesting Justice into what it is today. Though they are no longer part of the active team, their impact remains a vital part of our foundation and continued mission.

Tomas Lopez

CO-FOUNDER & FORMER RESEARCH COORDINATOR

Tomas Lopez, a dedicated co-founder and former Research Coordinator of Harvesting Justice, played a vital role in shaping the mission and early impact of our organization.

As a proud Mexican-American and passionate advocate for global health and humanitarian aid, Tomas brought vision and heart to our efforts in raising awareness about the life-saving work of Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders.

His leadership and commitment to promoting accessible, equitable healthcare helped lay the foundation for Harvesting Justice’s continued growth. We are honored to recognize Tomas’s lasting contributions and the legacy he leaves behind.

> Guiding Principles <

Our guiding principles are rooted in respect, integrity, and a deep commitment to advocating for those who are most impacted by inequality. We believe in the power of collaboration, inclusivity, and transparency, and we are driven by a strong sense of responsibility to create a more equitable world. Together, we strive to inspire action, uplift voices, and build a future where everyone can thrive.

COMMUNITY-FOCUSED

We prioritize the needs and voices of the farmworker community in every aspect of the project, ensuring that their experiences and perspectives shape our approach.

JUSTICE-ORIENTED

We are committed to advocating for human dignity, fairness, and economic justice, working to create policies and systems that uplift marginalized communities.

TRANSPARENT & ACCOUNTABLE

We maintain open lines of communication, keep stakeholders informed, and take responsibility for our actions, ensuring trust and integrity throughout the process.

COLLABORATIVE AND EMPOWERING

We value teamwork and cooperation, fostering an environment where everyone contributes and has the opportunity to take ownership of the project’s success.

FLEXIBLE AND RESILIENT

We embrace challenges with adaptability and resilience, adjusting our strategies when needed and staying focused on long-term goals despite setbacks.

IMPACT-DRIVEN

Our efforts are focused on creating tangible, positive change for farmworkers, measuring success through real-world outcomes like improved housing, safety, and healthcare access.