32BJ SEIU’s New Jersey district today formally welcomed a new political director: Lenace Edwards, a veteran political operative who has worked on electoral and legislative campaigns.

Prior to joining the team in New Jersey this coming Monday, Apr. 23, Edwards served as a political coordinator for 32BJ SEIU in Maryland, where she successfully led the efforts to increase the minimum wage to $15 in Montgomery County and helped to pass Maryland’s Paid Sick Leave legislation.

A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Edwards relocated to Maryland with her family in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina in 2005. She obtained a scholarship and attended the University of Maryland, College Park, where she received a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in English Literature.

Before she joined 32BJ SEIU, Edwards worked on Capitol Hill for former Democratic Congresswoman Donna Edwards (no relation) and worked on the Congresswoman’s election. Before that, Lenace Edwards served as Regional Field Director for Heather Mizeur’s gubernatorial race in Maryland.

Kevin Brown, New Jersey State Director and Vice President of 32BJ SEIU, said,“Lenace Edwards is already part of the 32BJ family – having worked in our Capital Area District as a political coordinator before joining our team in New Jersey. We are confident that Lenace will do a fantastic job leading our political and social-justice work in the Garden State.  With her political expertise and her commitment to the working class, we can continue to work on restoring the middle class in New Jersey.”

Edwards replaces Julie Diaz, who went to the Murphy Administration and now serves as chief of staff to the Labor Commissioner.