Rosa Rivera joined Virginia Garcia’s Outreach team in 2005 as the coordinator of the Summer Camp Outreach Program. Her first encounters with migrant farmworkers deeply moved her, and she quickly recognized the immense challenges they faced in accessing health care despite their important contributions to the community.

Determined to make a difference, Rosa expanded the Summer Outreach Program to better serve farmworkers’ needs. She introduced new health screenings, collaborating with Cascade AIDS Project to offer HIV testing and STI education in response to rising infection rates at migrant camps. She also partnered with Pacific University’s College of Optometry to provide vision screenings and free eyeglasses, addressing the widespread lack of access to vision care among farmworkers.

Beyond healthcare, Rosa built partnerships with community-based organizations (CBOs) to bring essential resources directly to farmworkers. Through her efforts, farmworkers gained access to food support from the Oregon Food Bank, legal assistance from the Oregon Law Center and Legal Aid, and educational opportunities through Portland Community College and local migrant education programs. Rosa’s unwavering commitment has transformed outreach services, ensuring farmworkers receive the care and resources they deserve.

One of Rosa’s initial challenges was transitioning into the farmworker outreach field, as her previous experience focused on working with immigrant families in the Los Angeles school district. However, she embraced this as an opportunity rather than an obstacle, using her background in community engagement to build trust and meaningful relationships with farmworkers.

Another major challenge was securing buy-in from partners and organizations unfamiliar with the specific needs of migrant farmworkers. Rosa overcame this by effectively communicating the health disparities affecting farmworker communities and demonstrating the impact of targeted outreach programs. Through persistence, cultural humility, and deep dedication, she forged strong partnerships that continue to expand access to essential health services.

Rosa has been instrumental in strengthening Virginia Garcia’s partnerships with local organizations, particularly within the Farmworker Outreach Program. She collaborates closely with the Oregon Health Authority’s Community Partner Outreach Program to ensure all youth can access the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).

As an ambassador for Virginia Garcia, Rosa continuously advocates for the organization’s mission, introducing new partners to the work being done and fostering collaborative efforts to improve community health. Her persuasive and passionate approach has led several CBOs to commit resources to farmworker outreach, expanding access to vital services such as health screenings, legal aid, food assistance, and workforce development programs.

Rosa Rivera’s impact extends far beyond traditional outreach—she has created sustainable programs that empower and uplift the communities she serves. As a Certified Community Health Worker (CHW) with years of experience, she has built deep, trusting relationships with farmworkers and other underserved populations.

Two years ago, Rosa became a certified CPR trainer and has since provided CPR certification to more than 100 members of the Latino community, including many agricultural workers and H-2A visa holders. By equipping them with lifesaving skills, she has not only enhanced their safety in high-risk work environments but also fostered a culture of empowerment and preparedness within the community.

Through her dedication, innovative partnerships, and advocacy, Rosa has significantly expanded healthcare access for farmworkers and other vulnerable populations. Her work continues to shape a more inclusive, equitable healthcare system—one where every individual receives the care and resources they need to thrive.

Submission written by Ignolia Duyck, Community Outreach Manager, Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center