Join us as we unite to honor the hands that feed us by raising awareness about the vital role farmworkers play in our communities

Friday, August 25, 2023

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Fresno Convention Center

2233 Ventura St, Fresno, CA 93721 

  11:00 - 11:30 am- Registration & Networking

11:30 – 1 pm- Luncheon Program and Farmwork Recognition

Be the voice that honors farmworkers. Seating is limited 

Guest Speakers:

Patricia Vazquez Topete

Vice President and Community Relations Market Manager 

Community Investing and Development

Patricia Vazquez Topete is a Vice President on the Community Relations team under Citi’s Community Investing and Development function. In this role, Patricia is responsible for building authentic relationships with key stakeholders and connecting Citi's people, expertise, resources, products and services to help expand equitable opportunities for all.

A relentless community advocate, Patricia previously worked on policies related to workforce development and economic resources for English language learners (ELLs), immigrants, and farmworkers. Prior to joining Citi, Patricia worked for the COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Task Force and held several positions in the Governor's Office, including Grant Analyst in the Office of Business and Economic Development and Regional Program Manager for California Complete Count Census 2020. Patricia also worked at the Labor and Workforce Development Agency where she spearheaded a $2.5 million ELL Workforce Navigator Project. Prior to her role in State Government, Patricia worked as a Diversity and Outreach Counselor at Fresno Pacific University supporting the enrollment and retention of first-generation Latino students that came from farm working families in the Central Valley. She also worked on human rights policy in Latin America during her time with the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA).

Patricia received her bachelor's degree in political science and minor in philosophy from Fresno Pacific University and holds a Graduate Certificate in Applied Policy and Government from Sacramento State University. She served as an Executive Fellow with the Capital Fellows Program in Sacramento and she was also selected as a Central Valley Latino Leadership Institute Fellow. She also holds a Certificate in Psychological First Aid for migrants, refugees, and displaced persons from the University of California, Berkeley.

Patricia believes in giving back to her community and is passionate about supporting youth and young professionals through mentorship. Since 2019, Patricia has served as a mentor with the Fresno City College Puente Program and the Undocumented Professionals Network. She has also served an ambassador with the Central California Hispanic Chamber. Patricia was also recognized as a 40 Under 40 Class of 2022 for the Central Valley with Business Leaders TV. Patricia enjoys writing, bike riding, and spending time with her German Shepherd, Moctezuma.

Rodrigo Alatriste-Diaz

Researcher with the UC Merced Community and Labor Center

Rodrigo Alatriste-Diaz is a researcher with the UC Merced Community and Labor Center. The Center conducts research and education on issues of community, labor and employment, in the San Joaquin Valley and beyond. As a public institution, the center partners with valley organizations serving low-wage workers and residents.