Heather works as a food runner and busser in a unionized casino restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip and has been a Culinary Union Union member and Shop Steward for 5 years. Having experienced low wages, harassment, and insecurity in non‑union restaurants, she knows first-hand how the union difference - strong contracts, guaranteed benefits, and job protections can change lives. Heather spends her time on and off the clock defending her co-workers’ rights and she is currently canvassing with her union to get out the vote in Nevada ahead of the Primary Election.

Jeff Simon is an immigration lawyer based in the Inland Empire outside of Los Angeles, CA. He currently works as a Staff Attorney at the Immigration Center for Women and Children ("ICWC"), a nonprofit in Los Angeles representing immigrant minors and survivors of domestic violence and other crimes. Jeff is a former high school teacher passionate about using law to eliminate barriers to education and opportunity for immigrants. Jeff started his career as an immigration lawyer at Innovation Law Lab in Portland, Oregon, and he also worked at Kids In Need of Defense in Los Angeles. Jeff was born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit. His hobbies include running half marathons, alternative rock music, cookies, and sketch comedy (SNL and Key and Peele are his favorites). 

Lifeguard

Mikkele Lawless is a dedicated professional with a passion for harnessing the healing power of nature. She is currently an instructor at The New York Botanical Garden and a horticultural therapist at Parker Health, working with older adults in memory care, skilled nursing, and assisted living. Mikkele is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, holds a certificate in Horticultural Therapy from NYBG, and a B.A. in Psychology. She is also currently serving on the board of the Mid-Atlantic Horticultural Therapy Network. Mikkele focuses on enriching the lives of seniors battling dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases. Drawing inspiration from her Icreativity as a biophilic artist, Mikkele infuses her programs with innovation, offering a thoughtful and imaginative approach.

Nassim (Sema) Dayoub is a tattoo artist based in New York City. He co-owns Flower World Tattoo, a worker-owned tattoo shop in Brooklyn. He is a writer, painter and fighter always striving for a better world. 

Photo by Saeryn Lily

Pat Frain has taught Special Education History for 19 years. Before that he was a union construction worker and moving man in New York City.

In his time as a teacher, he rose the ranks of union leadership to be president of the local teachers' union where he advocated for the rights of school employees.

Funeral Director: 

What happens after we die? One person who knows is a funeral director. The ultimate public servant. Robert describes the ups and downs of the industry, his decisive career changes, coping strategies at work, and the family encouragement that helped him throughout his career. 

Robert was a funeral director for over 20 years.

Budtender, BCaf Dispensary