But unlike many of her peers, she hasn't had to do some of the dirtiest work of a human resources manager: handing out pink slips.

WSJ: Not All Jobs Are Created Equal

Usha Chaumar was singled out for her amazing accomplishments: She can read and write now and is no longer doing the dirtiest of work.

CNN: From 'untouchable' to role model

At area landfills, they do some of the dirtiest, nastiest work around: hauling, then cleaning out moldy refrigerators discarded after the storms.

NPR: Katrina Cleanup Puts Focus on Latino Workers