I grew up in a very New York City liberal household with NPR always on, so I got very interested in politics at an early age and worked on as many campaigns as possible during school. This allowed me to familiarize myself with local politics and narrow down issues that I found the most engaging, which is how I wound up working in the political department of the Carpenters. I didn’t know that much about labor while I was growing up but once I started getting involved in the industry, I became enamored by the role that labor plays in New York’s political structure and the ability we have to actually make a difference for our members. I’ve been here for almost four years, and still I love nearly every aspect of my job.

Just last week, the Governor signed the Wage Theft Accountability Act, which I worked on closely with Assembly Member Cruz, Attorney General James, and District Attorney Bragg. From editing the language to the lobbying, to the coalition building, it was an incredibly meaningful process to be a part of a bill that will finally make stealing wages from workers a felony crime.

By going to everything. Whether it’s an ABNY policy brief or a fundraiser, I go to every event I possibly can just to meet people and learn about what’s going on in New York politics. I think it’s incredibly important to build a network of genuine friends rather than connections you reach out to when you need something. It’s how I’ve been able to learn so much about legislation and the political climate, and how I’ve combined my personal and professional life effectively.

I was born here, raised here, and went to college here so I like to think I’ve earned my New Yorker status by just never living anywhere else.