Chicago Jobs with Justice

Chicago Jobs with Justice Staff

Background

I am originally from Rockford, Illinois where I was raised by educators in public schools. I was taught early on the importance of unions.

While in college, my mother, Verna Hurley, ran for state representative in the 69th district in 1998 as a Democrat and I was her campaign manager. Our family-run campaign was supported by organized labor and the state Democratic party. We were unsuccessful, but I was hooked on political activism. I finished my degree in Politcal Science from Northern Illinois University in 2001.

After graduation, I attended the AFL-CIO Organizing Insitute and went to work for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), first on international staff and then as Lead Organizer at SEIU Local 20 (now part of Health Care Illinois-Indiana).

I ran a voter canvass office for America Coming Together in 2004 in La Crosse, Wisconsin and then in 2005, I was a Regional Field Organizer for MoveOn.org in the Southeast, based in Atlanta. I returned to the midwest and was Lead Organizer for the Campaign for Better Health Care until joining Chicago Jobs with Justice in August.

In all these experiences, I have learned that we absolutely have the power build a better world together. I am honored and very excited to be Executive Director/Lead Organizer for Chicago Jobs with Justice and I look forward to working with you to win important battles and create a more just society for us all.