WILL Empower Welcomes 2021-2022 Class of Apprentices
WILL Empower is thrilled to welcome our fourth class of apprentices!
This Fall, ten activists will join organizations across the country advocating for worker justice as part of the WILL Empower Apprenticeship Program. The program serves as an on-ramp for the next generation of activists to gain experience and build skills in the labor and worker rights movement.
Apprentices work full-time for three to twelve months at host sites across the United States. Apprentices will work in research, organizing, communications, policy, and advocacy for unions, labor advocacy groups, worker centers, and international organizations. Each apprentice brings a unique background and set of experiences to the apprenticeship program and new energy and fresh ideas to the movement for worker justice.
Find out more about the Apprenticeship Program here.
Meet the 2021 WILL Empower Apprentices!
Sofia Barrios
Sofia Barrios is an apprentice with Jobs with Justice (JWJ) doing member mobilization on a national scale. Sofia’s internal mentor is Ada Fuentes, Senior Member and Network Organizer for JWJ. Her external mentor is TBD. Sofia is a recent graduate of University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) and she has been very active in local immigrants’ rights efforts and local politics, including as a volunteer with Casa de Maryland.
Anannya Bhagwat
Anannya Bhagwat is an apprentice with the Center for Innovation in Worker Organization with Rutgers / SMLR in Brunswick, NJ. Anannya’s external mentor is Scarlet Jimenez, comptroller with UFCW Local 400. Her internal mentor is MaryGrace DeMaria, Senior Program Administrator with CIWO. She is a recent graduate of Rutgers University where she explored issues of diversity and inclusion in organizational structures.
Tessa Bloechl
Tessa Bloechl is an apprentice with the International Labour Organization (ILO) / USA in Washington, DC. Her external mentor is Jess Champagne, the Worker Rights Consortium’s Deputy Director for Strategy & Field Operations. Her internal mentor is TBD. Tessa recently earned a M.S. from Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service and is a graduate of Fordham University. She was a Jesuit Volunteer Corps member in Tanzania where she developed an interest in youth employment.
Caitlin Graham
Caitlin Graham is an apprentice with the NC State AFL-CIO in Raleigh, NC. Her external mentor will be Carolyn Smith, the League of Conservation Voters Vice President for Building Grassroots Power. Her internal mentor is MaryBe McMillan, president of the NC State AFL-CIO. Caitlin is a recent graduate of Wake Forest University where she was a leader with Wake Alternative Break.
Karmen Jones
Karmen Jones is an apprentice with the Central Labor Council of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Her external mentor is April Sims, Secretary-Treasurer of the Washington State Central Labor Council and WILL Empower Executive Cohort member. Her internal mentor is Anne Barnett, organizer with Alphabet Workers Union / CWA and member of the WILL Empower Emerging Leader cohort. Karmen is a recent graduate of the University of Tennessee where she was the first African-:American woman to ever serve as Student Body President.
Pagona Kytzidis
Pagona Kytzidis is an apprentice doing research with the Strategic Organizing Center (SOC) in New York City. Her external mentor is Katie Unger, long-time labor activist and strategist who serves as a strategic consultant for social justice. Her internal mentor is Joan Moriarty, Director, Strategic Research & Campaigns at SOC. Pagona is a recent graduate of Columbia University and has been active on many local issues, including juvenile justice and incarceration, and police in schools.
Anita Mathias
Anita Mathias is an apprentice doing research and policy with Jobs with Justice in Washington, DC. Her external mentor is Aleyamma Mathews, Executive Director of the Collective Future Fund. Her internal mentor is Erin Johansson, Research Director with JWJ. Anita was most recently a Pre-K teacher in the Chicago public schools where she became an active member of the Chicago Teachers Union. She hold a M.Ed from National Louis University and is a graduate of Pomona College.
Frances Orenic
Frances Orenic will be an apprentice with Chicago Jobs with Justice where she will help transit riders build power. Frances’ mentors are TBD. She is a recent graduate of Xavier University and has recently been active in local politics in Cincinnati.
Jihye Simpkins
Jihye Simpkins is an apprentice doing research with the Strategic Organizing Center (SOC) in New York City. Her external mentor is Annie Tan, public school teacher and UFT member and activist. Jihye’s internal mentor is Joan Moriarty, Director, Strategic Research & Campaigns at SOC. Jihye is a recent graduate of Columbia University and has been very active in local NYC politics and issues, including zoning and gentrification.
Michelle Whitley
Michelle Whitley is an apprentice with the Missouri Jobs with Justice where she will organize in the tri-county area outside St. Louis. Her external mentor is Laura Kelley, Business Representative for UFCW Local 655 and vice-chair of OUTreach. Her internal mentor is Merri Berry, Secretary-Treasurer of the Missouri AFL-CIO. She is a member of the UAW and worked at the GM assembly plant in Wentzville.
