Pilipino Workers Center

John Perales (he/him/his)

“My initiative is important because caregivers make it possible for older adults and people with disabilities to live safely and with dignity, yet many caregivers, especially immigrants, are underpaid, undertrained, and excluded from opportunities to advance. I know personally how immigration status and exploitative working conditions can limit someone’s opportunities, regardless of their abilities or willingness to work. This initiative removes those barriers by providing accessible training, dignified employment pathways, and a meaningful voice for workers, regardless of their immigration status, language, background, or previous access to education. When we invest in caregivers, we improve not only their lives but also the quality of care received by entire families and communities.”

John is the youngest of three siblings, a first-generation college graduate, and a Filipino immigrant who grew up in Taguig, Philippines, before moving to Los Angeles during the COVID-19 pandemic. A former educator and community organizer, he now leads the Caring Workforce Training Program at the Pilipino Workers Center. John creates accessible training, employment, and worker-ownership pathways for immigrant caregivers across Los Angeles County. He is committed to building a caregiving industry where workers are valued as leaders and can pursue dignified, family-sustaining careers.