Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Esthela Hernandez of the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
Esthela Hernandez began her career in 1993 as a zero operator in GTE’s (now Verizon) first bilingual Spanish services group, launching a 32-year journey through major telecom companies, including a return to Verizon in 2025. She rose through various departments while adapting to industry changes and earned a bachelor's degree in business management. A dedicated union advocate, she has served as a union steward at three locals and contributed to numerous CWA committees.