The Worker Institute brings together researchers, educators and students with practitioners in labor, business and policymaking to address issues related to confronting systemic inequality and building a fair economy, robust democracy and just society. We will share opinion, analysis, research, data, insights and training from our faculty and staff.
Labor Leadership Initiatives
Empowering Workers, Building Leaders
On October 9, 2025, thirty participants celebrated their graduation from the first Housekeeping Technician and Leadership Development Workshop Series, a collaborative training effort between Labor Leadership Initiatives at Cornell’s ILR School and the Worker Justice Project (WJP).
New Report Highlights 20+ Years of ULI’s Impact on New York’s Labor Leadership
A revealing evaluation shows how the Union Leadership Institute has empowered hundreds of leaders to strengthen the labor movement and advance equity across New York State.
ULI Spotlight: Mark Carter, President of the Peekskill Professional Firefighters Local 2343
Mark Carter is the first Black President of the Peekskill Professional Firefighters Local 2343 and the recipient of the 2025-2026 NYS AFL-CIO Union L.E.A.D. Scholarship.
Recently elected Secretary-Treasurer, she has made history as the first Black person to hold this leadership role in her union. She is a trailblazer as the first woman to rise through the ranks to become a worker leader in this position.
ULI Spotlight: Christina Christman, President Federation of Social Workers IUE-CWA 81381, Monroe County
Christina is a Recipient of the 2024-25 NYS AFL-CIO Union L.E.A.D. Scholarship
Christina says that the ULI has helped her reflect on issues such as union-busting tactics, the importance of robust Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies, and challenges in resource allocation.
ULI Spotlight: Marvin Tavarez, Business Representative Sheet Metal Workers (SMART) Local 28
Recipient of the 2024-25 NYS AFL-CIO Union L.E.A.D. Scholarship.
The ULI program has been an enlightening experience, broadening his perspective and exposing him to diverse opinions.
ULI Spotlight: Asenhat Gomez, Deputy Director of Programs at El Puente of Williamsburg, NY
Recipient of the 2024-2025 Ed Vargas Legacy Fund Scholarship.
The ULI program has provided Asenhat with a unique opportunity to connect with labor leaders outside of her organization.
The Worker Institute’s Labor Leadership Program Graduation of the 2023-2024 Co-Hort of The New York State-AFL-CIO/Cornell University’s Union Labor Institute
Learning to lead: ILR institute trains the next generation of union organizers
Cornell Chronicle
A former sanitation worker, Hill is one of 32 labor professionals set to graduate June 6 from the AFL-CIO/Cornell-ILR Union Leadership Institute (ULI).
The Union Leadership Institute (ULI) graduation was held at the Cornell ILR NYC offices on Feb 10. Participants celebrated their accomplishments with family and friends.
National Labor Leadership Initiative Facebook Live Series: "How are NLLI Leaders Responding to the COVID-19 Crisis." Jennifer Beuthin interviewing Montserrat Garibay, the Secretary-Treasurer of the Texas AFL-CIO, Wednesday, July 15th.
National Labor Leadership Initiative Facebook Live Series: "How are NLLI Leaders Responding to the COVID-19 Crisis." Jennifer Beuthin interviewing Siobhan Vipond, Secretary-Treasurer, Alberta Labour Federation. Wednesday, July 8th, 2020.
Cornell Union Leadership Institute Student Survives Covid-19
Gene Carroll, Co-Director of the NYS AFL-CIO/Cornell Union Leadership Institute (ULI) writes on an experience of a member of the current Institute class who contracted COVID-19
Interview with Tracey Corder from the Action Center on Race and the Economy
On June 2nd, 2020, Kathleen Mulligan-Hansel, Co-Director of NLLI, interviewed Tracey Corder from the Action Center on Race and the Economy and graduate of NLLI Year 5 for a powerful conversation on the COVID-19 crisis and the Black Lives Matter movement.
National Labor Leadership Initiative Facebook Live Series: "How are NLLI Leaders Responding to the COVID-19 Crisis." Kathleen Mulligan interviewing Mark Lauritsen, International Vice President of UFCW, NLLI Alum Year 2, May 19th, 2020.
Change Maker Awards Reception: A Fundraiser for the ULI Scholarship Fund
The NYS AFL-CIO/Cornell Union Leadership Institute (ULI) is celebrating 16 years of labor and worker leadership development with an awards reception honoring the Change Makers.
