Ma Elena Gutierrez

Ma Elena Gutierrez is a proud Mexican immigrant, community organizer, and the founder and executive director of Fe y Justicia MN (Faith & Justice). A grassroots organization advancing immigrant and worker rights in Central Minnesota. Born in Lázaro Cárdenas, Michoacán, she learned responsibility early, running a small shoe business and caring for her younger siblings as a teenager. She immigrated to the United States in 1996 with her husband in search of a safer and more dignified life.

Working long hours in agriculture and hospitality, Ma Elena experienced firsthand the discrimination and exploitation faced by immigrant workers. These experiences fueled her commitment to build community-driven, systemic change. Over the past two decades, she has become a powerful advocate for Latino agricultural and meatpacking workers, organizing sit-ins, mobilizing voter engagement, and helping lead statewide efforts such as Driver’s Licenses for All.

In 2020, Ma Elena founded Fe y Justicia, which now provides free mobile legal and health clinics, leadership development programs, and public safety partnerships with local agencies. Known for her relational leadership style, she centers storytelling, faith, and collective power to transform fear into action.

Ma Elena also leads as president of the Hispanic Committee at St. Joseph’s Church in Waite Park and serves on the Community Corrections Advisory Board for Stearns County. Outside of her organizing work, she enjoys family meals, warm-weather travel, and nature walks.