About Us

Illinois Workers in Action (IWA) is a 501C3 nonprofit organization and covers the state of Illinois. The organization was formed in January 2021 by co-founders Giselle Rodriguez and Michael Whitley to create change in the workplace for all workers regardless of their type of employment. IWA wants to make sure that everyone has the necessary tools to succeed in their workplace. There are a lot of employers and companies that take advantage of employees and are left in vulnerable situations as they have not had the opportunity to learn their rights and how to organize. Illinois Workers in Action's mission is to empower workers through education, organizing, policy, solidarity, worker power, and rights.

our involvement

The organization’s impact goes beyond educating and supporting workers. IWA is committed to solidifying and uniting the Latinx and Black community. With the work the organization does, it demonstrates both groups that it is imperative to work together as both face injustices in their workplace. Having training and conversations around racial justice and how both groups are affected in the workplace has helped workers understand that they must work together for a common goal. IWA strives to build worker power in immigrant, Latinx, and black communities by working to advance systemic change that promotes racial and social justice and stabilizes low-income immigrants and communities of color. IWA provides these services free of charge and without regard to immigration status.