NEWARK, N.J. – 32BJ SEIU’s New Jersey district welcomed new political director Elena Lavarreda, a seasoned policy analyst of the same union who has championed pro-worker legislative campaigns.

Lavarreda served as a senior policy analyst for 32BJ SEIU in New York for 5 years. In that role, Lavarreda advanced the union’s legislative priorities, including leading federal immigration work that supported the passage of the Dream and Promise Act in Congress, which establishes certain immigrants with a roadmap to citizenship. Her work also included strategizing nation-wide campaigns for guaranteeing living and prevailing wages.

Prior to joining 32BJ, Lavarreda was a lead organizer at Voces de la Frontera in Madison, W.I. while she completed her M.A. in Gender and Women’s Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Previously, she authored reports on incarceration for the Prison Policy Initiative in Easthampton, M.A.. She grew up in Brooklyn and Western Massachusetts.

Lavarreda’s promotion is not the only one; political organizing powerhouse Emy Quispe is bumping up to political coordinator. Quispe was a key player in electing new democrats to the N.J. congressional delegation in 2018 and re-electing Senator Bob Menéndez. Quispe joined 32BJ after working for over 3 years for Assemblywoman Annette Quijano. During her college career, she held roles at the N.J. Department of State and State House. She is a top-ranking graduate of Seton Hall University and life-long resident of Elizabeth.

Kevin Brown, Vice President and New Jersey State Director of 32BJ SEIU, said, “Lavarreda, for many years, has already been leading complicated, important campaigns for our union. We are confident that she will bring our political prowess to the next level while always putting the needs of the working people first.”

“With Emy Quispe by her side, this team is unstoppable. Since joining us about a year ago, Quispe quickly made strong connections that built our union’s presence among elected officials and constituents. I’m excited for what’s to come with this team as we enter our commercial contract campaign—7,000 janitors will be fighting for a new contract by the year’s end.”

Lavarreda replaces Lenace Edwards and Quispe fills a vacant role.