Erica Bland has built and fostered dynamic networks across all levels of government, connecting decision-makers, community advocates and industry voices to fight for and lift up the needs of working people. As Executive Vice President of SEIU Healthcare Illinois, she grew the power of the 90,000-plus workers the union represents to drive–and achieve–a game-changing legislative platform achieving major wins in minimum wage, and paid leave for all at the state and city levels. Her leadership has been a key force in making SEIU Healthcare the fastest-growing care workers’ union in the Midwest, advocating for the needs of healthcare and child care workers across four states. As a founding member of United Working Families, she helped to center a working-family-friendly approach in city politics, influencing the makeup and direction of city hall. Bland has contributed dynamic vision and leadership to the city as president of Grassroots Collaborative. Her vision and leadership garnered her both the Ida B. Wells Award from Illinois Democratic Women and the Billie Paige Advocacy Award from the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus.

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