Silvia Fabela is a seasoned policy advisor and advocate committed to advancing equity and thoughtful, effective policymaking. With nearly 20 years of experience in advocacy and organizational development, she has worked across institutions ranging from small nonprofits and labor organizations to the federal government. Most recently, Silvia served as a Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where she led the design and administration of the $65M Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program, delivering 141 awards nationwide, while modernizing federal advisory appointment processes and strengthening contracting transparency through interagency collaboration. Her deep expertise in labor policy brought a critical, practical perspective to USDA’s work, helping drive innovative approaches to complex challenges.

Known for her problem-solving mindset, Silvia is a trusted leader who excels at identifying challenges, uncovering root causes, and bringing diverse stakeholders together to develop creative, durable solutions. Her leadership approach blends emotional intelligence with strong technical expertise, allowing her to advance organizational goals while improving employee well-being, operational efficiency, and overall performance.

A proud daughter of immigrants, Silvia grew up in the Chicagoland area, where her family settled after arriving in the United States. Her passion for civic engagement stems from her own journey as a naturalized citizen, a milestone she achieved as a teenager. Silvia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with minors in Psychology and Spanish, from Monmouth College.