Final Intervention Project - David Gonzalez

Final Intervention Project - David Gonzalez

*What is your project? Why you have chosen this topic and form of outreach?

My project will be about undocumented workers, the exploitation and the hardships they face in the work place. I created a poster of the 53 workers that are under my command. I represented my coworkers with 53 Origami Lotuses, because to me they are not just workers, they are people too, even though through upper management's eyes say other wise. Currently I am a logistics manager for a meat company, so the environment for our supply is always kept either the refrigerator or frozen. Whether they are in production or in the warehouse working from 6pm to 6am at nights 6 days a week, to get product out the door, those gentlemen are working. I want to raise the awareness for them because I work with them. What is your message for the audience?

What is your message for the audience? 

Despite them working these long hours and these conditions, at my job anyway they do get paid well, and they do get benefits from the company. However, not every company is like that, if undocumented workers get checked for papers and proof of citizenship, on the company's behalf, we are not defending them from that. And almost every company which do employs undocumented workers have the same thought process. Except, most are paid minimum wage, and a lot do not get benefits.

How did you reach an audience (ie "publish" the project)? How did the audience engage with the project? What feedback have you received?

I want to reach an audience of college students going for business, management, or some type of leader ship in the work place as their major to rely this message about undocumented workers and the reality they will face when they go into the field they are pursuing. I asked each of them to think of someone who is working like that (Immigrant Audience), and place a lotus on the poster to let them know someone is thinking about them.

How does this project fit into your professional aspirations and your portfolio?

This project fits the reality of my major as well, because I will be commanding these people on a much more broader scale, and if I am not prepared to face these hardships as well, I won't be as good as a leader as I want to be. I know my business is of the company and for the company and by the company, but do not think for one second I do not disregard these gentlemen's hardworking work ethics.

What research has helped you inform this project?