About Enrique
My name is Enrique Farrera, and I’m proud to serve as Vice President of OEA and a member of the OEA Board of Directors. I work to empower educators and students, ensuring that OEA members have a strong voice in shaping educational policy and the future of our organization.
I am committed to education and the labor movement, two of the most powerful forces for improving working conditions and advancing social equity. Together, we can create lasting change, improve our lives, and open doors of opportunity for others.
There are no greater forces for breaking cycles of poverty and transforming communities than education and organized labor.
Proven Track Record
I advocated to advance members’ and students’ lives and fight for social, racial, and economic justice as a local president, bargaining team member, and board of directors. I have advanced policies and change systems to improve members of all membership classifications and students’ lives.
Professional Life
Today, my work in education and our union serve to fulfill my life purpose. Over twelve years ago, I started my first job at Clackamas Community College. I immediately became a union activist as a member of the Association of Classified Employees(ACE). Being an adjunct faculty member and teaching Spanish GED courses were invaluable experiences in my journey. I learned alongside students who embodied a similar story to mine. My role in education enabled me to disrupt an oppressive cycle and be a mirror of empowerment.
I have held various leadership positions: local president, building representative, team member during two bargaining cycles, member of several budgetary committees, and member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Subcommittee. These responsibilities were an integral part of my professional growth and advocacy for students and educators. I have dedicated my life to serving the mission objectives and values of the Oregon Education Association (OEA), leading the way to protect and serve my colleagues, educators, and students of our community.
As a Bilingual Academic Advisor and Career Coach, I work with veterans, GED, ELL, international students, and general student populations. My personal and professional responsibility is advising and inspiring students to transition from K-12 to community college, to complete two-year career technical programs, and to transition from community college to four-year universities. I make it my mission to take each individual’s strengths into account and foster students’ reaching their full potential. I provide them with resources, just as I appreciated my mentors doing for me.
