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Maria Perez’s story is one of resilience, grit, and the unyielding love of family. Today, she’s the Human Resources Manager for Lipman Family Farms, the largest field tomato grower in the United States. Her journey from being a farmworker child to a professional managing human resources in a major agricultural company is a testament to the resilience and determination that helped her blossom into who she is today. It is deeply intertwined with her roots—roots that took hold in the fertile soil of the fields her family worked on for decades.
A Childhood in the Fields
Maria’s childhood was far from an ordinary American tale. Growing up in a large family of eight children, she was the third youngest, and the fields were a part of her life. Her parents worked as crew leaders and harvesters in the citrus industry, a path her mother’s family had established. As immigrants from Mexico, her parents settled in LaBelle, Florida, but the family also spent time in Beaufort and Greenville, South Carolina, and Sister Lakes, Michigan following the seasons. In each of those places, an East Coast Migrant Head Start Project (ECMHSP) educational campus welcomed her home for her early childhood care and learning starting in 1983 until the late 80’s. Her early life was essentially defined by the rhythm of the harvest feeding America.
The fields were their livelihood, but they were also a place of hard work, unpredictability, and sacrifice. Workdays often consisted of early mornings and long nights. She emphasized that they were always at the mercy of Mother Nature. Some days they would go to work, and other days they couldn’t. But her parents worked hard to ensure that their children understood the value of their efforts, even if it meant exposing them to the tough realities of farm labor.
The Sacrifice and the Dream
While she didn’t spend as much time in the fields as her older brothers, who were more deeply involved in the labor, she was still a part of that world. She witnessed the sacrifices her parents made, working long hours to provide for their family while instilling in their children the importance of education, starting with the early years. That early childhood education is so valuable since the brain develops rapidly from ages three to five years old, reaching 90% of its development by age five. This vital development period is something that ECMHSP educators and staff prioritize so the parents can focus on their work.
Her parents’ dream was simple yet profound: they wanted their children to get an education, to experience life that didn’t rely on the uncertainty of the harvest. It was this dream that kept them going, even when the days were long, and the work was exhausting. Maria was confident that there was a way out—a way to build a life beyond the fields.
Her father continued working in the fields throughout her high school years and into her first year of college, all while encouraging her to stay focused on her studies. This pushed Maria to pursue higher education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business from Edison Community College, a milestone that marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life. Graduating was a huge moment, not just for Maria, but for her entire family. It was living proof that all their hard work, all the sacrifices, had paid off.
From Harvesting Dreams to Leading Teams
Today, Maria Perez plays a vital role in the very industry that shaped her early years as Human Resources Manager for Lipman Family Farms. Her unique background allows her to connect with the farmworkers in a way few others can.
In addition to her role at Lipman, Maria also serves on the Foundation for Farmworkers, sister organization to East Coast Migrant Head Start Project. She dedicates herself to improving the lives of farmworker families, honoring the sacrifices her parents made. She continues to give back to the community that shaped her, using her experiences to help others navigate the challenges of farm work she once knew, while supporting their efforts seeking better opportunities for themselves and their children.
Staying Connected to Her Roots
As ECMHSP celebrates 50 years of service, Maria's journey stands as a shining example of the lasting impact early childhood education can have on an individual and their family. Her early years in the fields taught her invaluable lessons of sacrifice, perseverance, and determination.
These lessons continue to guide her as she navigates her career. Her life is a testament to the power of education, the strength of family, and the belief that no matter where you start, it’s possible to grow into something extraordinary.
About ECMHSP
East Coast Migrant Head Start Project was established in 1974 through a grant from the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Currently, ECMHSP operates in 43 educational campuses across ten states providing holistic, high-quality early childhood education services for approximately 3,000 farmworker children between 6 weeks to 6 years old. For more information, visit https://www.ecmhsp.org/.
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