Standing Against Systemic Injustice
Milagros's decades-long fight against discrimination in employment, civil service, and community policing
The Setting: Milagros was in her second year as Director of the Office of Community Services (OCS), a state agency administering state and federal funds for nonprofits serving the poor, immigrants, and refugees. The office was in the middle of a critical procurement process requiring competitive bidding for grants. Without an accountant experienced in grant administration, the program staff and Milagros faced an unsettling situation.
The Opportunity: Milagros heard of Tony Sagayadoro, a respected figure in the Filipino community who was an accountant with experience in government contracting and the organ donor community. She called him, and he was interested. He submitted his application, and Milagros quickly processed it through the Personnel Office.
The Discrimination: Two weeks passed with no response. When Milagros called the Personnel Director, she learned the application had been sent to the Director's office for approval. When she contacted the Director directly, she was shocked: he hadn't acted on it because he had "questions about hiring a Philippine-schooled/trained accountant."
"Alarm bells rang in my head. I saw red! Discrimination! Blatant discrimination!"
Milagros's advocacy work identified and fought against multiple forms of systemic discrimination
Denial of jobs or advancement based on national origin, immigration status, or foreign credentials
Example: Foreign-trained professionals denied positions despite equal or superior qualifications
Systemic exclusion of immigrants from government positions through discriminatory hiring practices
Example: Questioning the validity of international education and experience
Disproportionate targeting and mistreatment of specific ethnic communities by law enforcement
Example: Filipino youth facing harassment and abuse without accountability
Barriers to essential services due to language, immigration status, or cultural background
Example: Immigrants unable to navigate systems designed without multilingual support
If you experience discrimination, you have legal protections and resources
You cannot be denied a job based on national origin, immigration status, or foreign education/credentials
You have the right to fair treatment and explanation when decisions affect your employment or services
Government agencies must provide interpretation and translated documents when needed
You can report discrimination without fear of retaliation
Organizations ready to help if you experience discrimination
Phone
808-586-8636
Website
labor.hawaii.gov/hcrc
Phone
1-800-669-4000
Website
eeoc.gov
Phone
808-XXX-XXXX
Website
milagrosmedallonfoundation.org