BREAKING BARRIERS
The Inspiring Journey Of Susie Martinez, Championing Women In The Labor Movement In Nevada
In a world historically dominated by men, one Latina woman stands tall and leads them all – SUSIE MARTINEZ.
As the first woman and first Latina Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Nevada State American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), Susie’s journey is a testament to breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity. “This position is extremely symbolic to me, as it shows women that they can take on leadership roles in any industry, no matter their past,” shares Susie.
A native Nevadan of Mexican descent and a single parent, Susie has been passionately fighting for equal rights and opportunities for working families across the state, especially those in the minority. Her values were instilled in her by her parents, who migrated to Nevada in search of a better future for their family. This also sparked a strong desire to give back to the communities that shaped her.
Susie’s journey into labor rights and union leadership began during her working days as a front desk clerk at the Flamingo, where she ensured fair treatment for her co-workers. As a 35-year member of the Teamsters Local 986, Susie has advocated for worker grievances, better wages and benefits, and safer environments.
Her passion for labor rights is what inspired Susie to run for public office as the Assemblywoman for District 12 in 2018. As a legislator, she sponsored and supported several legislative bills that advance better lives for Nevada’s working families. Susie affirms, “I decided to run for office at a time when unions were being unduly attacked. While I served as a legislator, I made sure that things got done for labor.”
After serving two terms in the Nevada Legislative Assembly, Susie returned to the labor movement and became a trailblazer for women’s representation in the union sphere. In 2021, she made history as the first Latina and first woman to serve as Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Nevada State AFL-CIO. Unions have been predominantly male throughout the labor movement’s history, which is why Susie is grateful for the trust placed in her. “It’s an honor — but that in itself doesn’t come without challenges. Through our hard work, we have been to expand and strengthen the labor movement in Nevada because at the end of the day – we are all stronger together.” recalls Susie.
Under her leadership, Susie ensured that the labor movement reflected the demographics of Nevada by fostering diversity and inclusion when hiring staff members and forming committees that amplify the voices of minority groups throughout their membership. “I view fighting for our members and advocating for our communities at-large as one and the same. A worker, whether union or not, is a worker that makes valuable contributions to our state.”
Having personally experienced union support and equity from the start, Susie says the hard work she is doing today is her way of paying it forward, so that the next generation of Nevada workers can thrive in the future. “I wanted to make labor’s voice more prominent not only in our communities, but in our government. I’m working every single day to remind people that labor will always be here and that the movement deserves respect for the strides forward it continues to make for all workers.”
Susie plans to continue fighting the good fight for Nevada workers and to make a significant difference for the labor movement as a whole under her term.
