From the vibrant streets of Carolina, Puerto Rico, Stephanie Lopez-Burgos embarked on a life-changing journey to the mainland United States at just nine years old. For the past 20 years, she has proudly called Georgia her home, where she pours her heart into raising her two children as a devoted single mother. With an unwavering commitment to activism, Stephanie has emerged as a passionate advocate for change in the Deep South, championing the rights of immigrants and workers alike. Stephanie’s transformative journey took a pivotal turn on January 31, 2021, when she crossed paths with Sur Legal Co-Founder Shelly Anand during a heartfelt legal clinic following the devastating nitrogen leak at Foundation Food Group in Gainesville, Georgia. As the affected workers shared their stories of loss and resilience, Stephanie’s exceptional skills in translation and interpretation became a lifeline, offering hope and support to those in dire need.

Since joining Sur Legal, Stephanie has become a cornerstone of the organization, diligently assisting immigrants and workers in navigating the intricate labyrinth of labor complaints and immigration relief applications. Her rich background in organizing empowers her to craft impactful advocacy strategies that resonate deeply within immigrant communities. Stephanie embodies the spirit of empowerment by providing "Know Your Rights" training, ensuring that individuals are equipped with the legal tools they need to advocate for themselves.

Driven by a profound love for her community, Stephanie is currently pursuing her dream of attending law school, with the vision of expanding Sur Legal's capacity to serve workers and immigrants even more effectively. Her fervor for justice and unwavering dedication to uplifting others shine through in every aspect of her work, as she tirelessly strives to create meaningful change for those she advocates for.