Margarita Romo

She is a powerful force of change in Florida, especially in the migrant farmworker
communities of the state. Born in Texas to Mexican parents, Romo grew up with a deep
understanding of the struggles faced by migrant workers, particularly the difficulties of
poverty, discrimination, and limited access to education and healthcare. These early

experiences fueled her passion for justice and her lifelong commitment to advocating for
the rights of Florida’s Hispanic and immigrant communities.

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Romo founded Farmworkers Self-Help (FSH) in Dade City, Florida, in the late 1970s.
The organization grew out of her deep concern for the conditions faced by farmworkers,
many of whom were migrants living in substandard housing and working under unsafe
conditions. Under her leadership, FSH became a lifeline for immigrant families, offering
services that ranged from educational programs to health clinics, legal aid, and food
assistance. Margarita Romo’s work was centered around empowering these
communities to advocate for themselves, providing them with the resources and tools
they needed to improve their living conditions and fight for their rights.

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Her activism spread throughout Florida’s farming communities, particularly in places like
Pasco County, Immokalee, and Plant City, where she advocated for better housing,
educational opportunities, and fair wages for farmworkers. Romo’s efforts have helped
countless families transition out of generational poverty and gain access to the kind of
stability that allows them to thrive.

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In addition to her advocacy for farmworkers, Romo has been an outspoken voice for
immigration reform. She has been a staunch advocate for the DREAM Act and other
legislation that seeks to protect the rights of undocumented immigrants, particularly
young people who were brought to the United States as children. Romo has used her
platform to highlight the contributions of immigrants to the state of Florida, both
economically and culturally, and has consistently pushed back against anti-immigrant
rhetoric.

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Her work has had a profound impact on communities across Florida. Cities like Dade
City, where her organization is headquartered, have been transformed by her efforts to
bridge divides and create more inclusive spaces for Hispanic and immigrant
populations. Romo’s passion and commitment to justice have earned her widespread
recognition, including various awards for her community service and civil rights work.

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Margarita Romo teaches us that activism is not just about raising your voice—it’s about
lifting others up, especially those whose voices are often ignored. Her legacy is one of
compassion, resilience, and relentless advocacy for some of Florida’s most vulnerable

populations. Through her work, she has shown us the power of community and the
importance of standing up for those who are marginalized, no matter how difficult the
road may be.