The National Labor Leadership Initiative (NLLI) is an intensive year-long leadership development program for top-level national leaders in the labor movement and the broader movement for worker justice.
Meet the 2024-2025 Cohort
In November 2024, we welcomed the 11th NLLI cohort. Below, you'll find the dynamic workers who make up the 2024-2025 class.
Nathan Allen
Director of Organizing & Affiliate Supports (C4OAS), National Education Association
Lacy Barnes
Secretary Treasurer, California Federation of Teachers
Cassondra Curiel
President, United Educators of San Francisco
Rose Denis
President, UNITEHERE, Local 355
Samuel A. Epps IV
President, Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO
Jeffery M. Freitas
President, California Federation of Teachers
Cynthia Gomez
Deputy Director of Membership Growth, ROC United
Simon Hazelwood
General Vice President, Canada - International Union of Painters and Allied Trades
Johanna Puno Hester
Deputy Executive Director, United Domestic Workers of America
Courtney Jenkins
President, Metropolitan Baltimore Council AFL-CIO
Tear Jones
Chief of Staff, American Federation of Teachers
John Lepley
Department of Education Director, United Steelworkers
Arina Lester
Director of Resource Development, Solidarity Center
Paolo Marinaro
Country Program Director - Mexico, Solidarity Center
Jake McIntyre
Assistant to President, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC)
Hayley Millington
National Executive Vice-President, Union of National Employees
Lorraine Montemayor
Training and Leadership Development Coordinator, Texas AFL-CIO
Zachary Norris
California Climate Director, Greenpeace USA
Juanita Ray
President, UWUA Local 223
Chad Rink
Assistant to the General President of the Iron Workers International Union
Baschki Robertson
Senior International Representative, OPEIU
Robert Varela Rodriguez
Executive Committee Member, NEA
Christa Sarrack
President, UNITE HERE! Local 17
Chris Scheiblein
Director of Helping Hands, IUPAT
Milly Silva
Secretary Treasurer, SEIU 1199
April Sims
President, Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO
John Paul Smith
Executive Assistant & Chief of Staff, AFL-CIO Secretary Treasurer
Denise Specht
President, Education Minnesota
Debby Szeredy
Executive Vice President, American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO
