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The purpose of the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Emerging Organizer Leadership Cohort Program is to create a cohort-based learning and capacity experience that will strengthen, support and affirm the development of BIPOC emerging organizer leaders through learning, skills development and community building.
This year-long, hybrid (in person and virtual) program, focuses on personal leadership, resilience, communications, understanding ecosystems and power. Participants will:
Learn key leadership components and principles.
Learn and practice tools and techniques for navigating their leadership.
Improve understanding of how to apply a racial justice lens to their work while positioning the lens in the larger SEIU commitment to being an anti-racist, multi-racial leadership organization.
Build capacity to effectively communicate across our differences.
Develop a deeper understanding of the different sources of power, including influence & resilience.
The Nomination Period for the 2025-2026 Cohort has closed.
For additional information, please contact Talia Reyes, talia.reyes@seiu.org
program components
program components
Cohort participants will be part of a learning environment that includes the following components:
In-person and virtual learning sessions
Individual coaching
Peer-to-peer support and group work on specific topics.
program commitment and timeline
program commitment and timeline
Both the participant and their supervisor must commit to the following mandatory requirements of the program
Participant Program
Program Orientation - Virtual 90 minutes (Sept 2025)
Three (3) 2.5 Day In-person Sessions November 2025, February 2026 & April 2026)
One (1) 1.5 Day In-person Closing Session (July 2026)
2 Virtual Sessions - 90 minutes (December 2025 & March 2026)
Monthly 1 hour coaching (up to 8 sessions)
Supervisor Program
3 Virtual Sessions - 90 minutes (December 2025 & March 2026, May 2026)
1 Virtual Closing Session - 90 minutes (July 2026 )
Quarterly 1:1s w/ Program Coordinator
Monthly 1 hour coaching (up to 8 sessions) * Strongly recommended
eligibility criteria
eligibility criteria
The SEIU BIPOC Emerging Leadership Cohort is a selective program for organizing staff, including research, communications, digital, etc. who have been selected by their supervisor, division or local union leadership as an emerging organizing leader with potential for future leadership roles. Participants must meet the following work performance criteria:
At least 5 years of union organizing experience and currently leading staff or members.
A demonstrated ability to perform at a high level of competency in their area of work
A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and see themselves as leaders for the whole.
A demonstrated ability to lead and inspire others
Committed to self-development, learning & building community among participants & colleagues
Effective communication skills, ability to communicate with clarity and purpose in a work environment and with diverse communities
Committed to organizational equity, racial justice and learning the competencies of
What the participants had to say about the program's impact on their leadership:
What the participants had to say about the program's impact on their leadership:
"So much intention has gone into creating this space! Every single one of us in the space participated with our experiences, wisdom and joy. I’m grateful for the support system we’ve built that will last beyond the program. My hope is that many more BIPOC leaders in our union get to go through the same experience to slow down and truly reflect on their own leadership and the skills/tools to refine it. As someone who has admired others and questioned whether I truly “had it”, being a part of this cohort was more than what I needed to take the steps towards accepting my own undeniable leadership."
- Mayra Guizar, Organizer 1199NW
"The Leadership Cohort of 23/24 has been instrumental in my professional development. Digging deeper with intention has been life changing. As a Black Woman, there is value in seeing people that look like me in leadership. Having a panel of leaders from each area drove the value of each session way up!!! Real people living successfully through experiences we face on a daily basis is very powerful. Thank you all for creating this space."
- Savy Duncan, Lead Organizer Colorado Wins
have questions?
have questions?
For additional information, please contact Talia Reyes, talia.reyes@seiu.org
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