Leonel Yoque formally joined LOSH in June 2008 as the WOSHTEP Community Outreach Representative. He had collaborated with LOSH for the previous year – first as an intern of the Esperanza Community Housing Corporation's Community Health Promoter Program placed with LOSH; then trained as a WOSH Trainer. In that role he helped to co-teach courses in Spanish and conducted awareness sessions focusing on heat stress and workers rights at community health fairs, the Mexican Consulate, and other community venues. He was also successful in getting small articles published on the program in the Spanish language media.
In his current role, Mr. Yoque consults with other WOSHTEP project staff, community based organizations, schools, churches, and governmental institutions to reach the high-risk workforce employed in more informal work settings that are not accessible through labor-management avenues. He identifies community health promoter networks, organizations, and leaders with whom to collaborate in order to recruit their members to attend WOSHTEP courses. They in turn implement worker health and safety projects in the community at events such as health fairs and other health education efforts.
In the past, Mr. Yoque worked in different fields of the supermarket industry including stocking general merchandise, customer service, and book keeping. He has also worked for several years as an income tax specialist preparing individual and business income tax forms, providing assistance with audits, and providing backup documentation.
During his off hours, he contributes his time as the Ordained Deacon assigned to the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Los Angeles where he serves and helps people in need.