In this premier episode of Farmworker Chronicles, Wendy and Gwen introduce themselves and provide basic information about the focus of this podcast - farmworkers! Get to know your hosts, some of the impact farmworkers have in Ohio, and the work farmworkers do daily to ensure we have food on our shelves. Oh, and don't forget to thank a farmworker!
Now a proud Toledoan, Gwen Short was born and grew up in Dayton, Ohio. As a kid, her favorite activities included exploring streams, turning over rocks, and planting in her family’s garden. Later, she would take that sense of exploration with her as she became an outdoor educator out west. Gwen got into that work to make an impact by fostering stewardship and sustainability within participants. Gwen saw how participants in her programs and those around her were deeply affected by the legal systems in our society. Now, Gwen has shifted from an education-based to a legal-based approach to impact and works as an attorney for immigrant and agricultural worker rights.
Wendy Aviña transplanted to Ohio from Texas 15 years ago. Born in California to Mexican immigrant parents, Wendy experienced firsthand the daily barriers and inequalities many immigrants endure. These experiences have led her to select career paths that enable her to help empower immigrants and farmworkers wherever she resides concerning civil rights, education, immigration, and access to health care. Wendy has listened to countless stories of disappointments, hardship, sacrifice, determination, gumption, and bravery throughout her work. Now she hopes to bring you these stories in Farmworker Chronicles.
Voices Around Us® is supported in part by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated by the City of Toledo and the Lucas County Commissioners and administered by The Arts Commission.