Saira Estrada, Language Access and Immigration Integration Coordinator

Saira Estrada is the language access and immigrant integration coordinator for Charlotte, NC. She collaborates across city departments to implement language access programs, ensuring equitable services for those with limited English proficiency. Estrada develops and enforces program procedures in line with federal regulations, guiding data-informed service delivery and leading language access audits. Additionally, she provides technical assistance and training to departments, drawing on her expertise through research and partnerships.

In community outreach, Estrada serves as an ombudsman for immigrant and refugee stakeholders. She develops outreach strategies for newcomer engagement and facilitates culturally informed partnerships. Estrada manages initiatives like Naturalize Charlotte and the Welcoming Certification, fostering inclusivity and a welcoming environment in the city.

Outside her current role, Estrada has volunteered and demonstrated a longstanding commitment to advocacy and community service. As the co-founder of Speak Life and Live and the Global Prosperity Cooperative, she helped amplify the voices of the underserved and underrepresented communities of color in North Carolina. Her leadership roles in various organizations, including the NAACP Executive Committee North Carolina Commission on Inclusion, North Carolina Domestic Violence Commission, and the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Hispanic and Latino Affairs, highlight her dedication to creating inclusive environments and championing justice and equity.
Estrada's impact extends beyond her current role, having previously served as the executive director of Mi Familia and as head of Latinx and Immigration Services for statewide nonprofits. Her focus in these positions included addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and homicide within marginalized communities.

Recognized for her expertise, Estrada trains district attorneys, judges, and local nonprofits on implementing language access and equitable policies. Her accreditation as a Board of Immigration Appeals Representative enhances her ability to advocate for immigrant communities and provide crucial legal representation and support. Throughout her career, Estrada’s commitment to legislative policy and grassroots organizing has driven equity for marginalized populations, establishing her as a powerful force for positive change and a genuine advocate for those she serves.