LCLAA Congratulates Evelyn DeJesus on Her New Role at the AFT

Media Statement
11 July 2019

Washington D.C.-  The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) applauds sister Evelyn DeJesus on her new role as the American Federation of Teachers’ (AFT) Executive Vice President. Upon this appointment, Evelyn becomes the first Latina and Puerto Rican to hold this distinguished and highly regarded position helping lead a 1.7 million member union. 

Evelyn DeJesus, also serves a part of LCLAA’s Executive Board, where she has showcased her natural leadership skills. Her fierce advocacy work has inspired younger generations to collectively fight for justice and equality. Evelyn’s experience makes her the perfect choice to uphold the values and principles AFT stands for. 

Evelyn’s passion for justice was ignited when one of her daughters became ill due to toxic exposure during a school construction project. She fearlessly exposed this case to the public, thus beginning her role as an activist. Her courageous whistleblowing actions led to what’s now commonly known as the Great Asbestos Scandal of 1993. She then embarked on her journey as an educator and trade unionist. 

“AFT is fortunate to be under the leadership of this courageous advocate, and compañera. We are enthusiastic to see AFT continue to grow and impact the lives of working families across our nation,” said Yanira Merino LCLAA National President. “The Latino and immigrant community, as well as the labor movement face difficult and challenging times under the current political climate. However I know that if there is but one person who can promote change in the face of such adversity, that is my sister and friend, Evelyn.”

“I have known Evelyn for many years; she is an exceptional sister en la lucha, an amazing woman, a relentless worker, and above all, an extraordinary human being,” said Hector Sanchez Barba, LCLAA Executive Director. “We are certain that Evelyn will build upon the efforts and strides made by those who came before her.”

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The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) is the leading national organization for Latino(a) workers and their families. LCLAA was born in 1973 out of the need to educate, organize and mobilize Latinos in the labor movement and has expanded its influence to organize Latinos in an effort to impact workers’ rights and their influence in the political process. LCLAA represents the interest of more than 2 million Latino workers in the American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), The Change to Win Federation, independent unions and all their affiliate unions. Visit LCLAA on the web at www.lclaa.org, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.