Cesar Chavez fought for the basic recognition and dignity of farm workers across California, of which he was one, and by doing so permanently changed our state for the better.  He showed us that with hard work, sacrifice and determination, building a more just society is possible. The echoes of the farm worker chants of si se puede that he led, still reverberate across California today.

I wanted to introduce myself to you, and give you a little background on who I am and how I became involved with IHSS and SEIU Local 2015.

I’m a divorced single woman whose children are grown and on their own. My daughter is 28 years-old and has been married for one year. My son is 27 years-old and recently engaged.

My name is Aixamar Ruiz. I am currently a nursing home worker in Anaheim, CA. I came to the U.S. from Venezuela in 1999. I came to this country to seek a better life. My dream since I was in Venezuela has always been to be a nurse. I feel a lot of satisfaction in being able to help another human being. It is very rewarding but not everyone has the heart for it.