Evelyn Valencia is the Executive Director of the United Labor Agency of Nevada (ULAN), where she leads the organization’s mission of supporting working families and strengthening communities across Southern Nevada. In this role, she oversees programs that provide direct assistance, including emergency financial support, case management, and wraparound services designed to help individuals and families navigate times of crisis and stability.

With more than seven years of experience at ULAN and a strong background in nonprofit leadership, Evelyn is deeply committed to advancing equity, economic justice, and community empowerment. Since joining ULAN in 2018, Evelyn has played a key role in expanding the organization’s impact through strategic partnerships, innovative programming, and effective resource development.

As Executive Director, she oversees organizational strategy, operations, fundraising, grant management, and program implementation. Under her leadership, ULAN has strengthened collaborations with labor unions, community organizations, government agencies, and service providers to increase access to emergency financial assistance, case management, and wraparound support services for working families.

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Prior to serving as Executive Director, Evelyn was ULAN’s Deputy Executive Director, where she played a key role in expanding the organization’s capacity to serve individuals and families across Southern Nevada. She helped manage government grants and budgets exceeding 1 million dollars, supported fundraising efforts that strengthened community programs, and contributed to the development of a more coordinated “one stop shop” model for client services, improving access to housing, food, and emergency assistance.

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Evelyn’s passion for advocacy began through grassroots organizing, where she witnessed firsthand the challenges facing vulnerable workers and communities. That experience inspired her lifelong commitment to creating pathways for empowerment and systemic change.

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She earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and International Affairs from the University of Nevada, Reno, with academic concentrations in diplomacy, law, and policy.

During her time at UNR, she was actively involved in leadership and civic engagement organizations, including the Nevada Debate Union, Model Arab League, Delta Gamma Fraternity, and the National Parliamentary Debate Association.

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A strong believer in collaboration and innovation, Evelyn continues to champion initiatives that uplift workers, strengthen communities, and ensure every voice is heard. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, running, volunteering, and attending heavy metal concerts.

Susie Martinez is a lifelong labor leader, native Nevadan, and proud 38 year dues paying member of Teamsters Local 986.

She currently serves as the Executive Secretary Treasurer and principal officer of the Nevada State AFL CIO and Chairwoman of the United Labor Agency of Nevada (ULAN), where she helps guide the organization’s mission of supporting working families, strengthening communities, and advancing economic justice across Nevada.

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Raised in Las Vegas by parents who believed deeply in service, hard work, and giving back to the community, Susie carried those values into her career in the hospitality industry and the labor movement.

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As a union member and worker advocate for more than three decades, she fought tirelessly for stronger wages, safer working conditions, quality healthcare, and dignity on the job through grievance representation and contract negotiations.

Her work in the labor movement helped provide a strong foundation for her family while strengthening her commitment to public service and worker advocacy.

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In 2018, Susie was elected to represent Nevada Assembly District 12, where she served until 2022. During her time in office, she championed legislation focused on improving the lives of working families, supporting organized labor, and expanding opportunities for Nevada communities. Her leadership and dedication to workers led her to seek the role of Executive Secretary Treasurer of the Nevada State AFL CIO.

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At the 65th Nevada State AFL CIO Constitutional Convention in 2021, Susie made history as the first woman and first Latina elected to lead the Nevada State AFL CIO. She is also the only person in Nevada history to serve simultaneously as an elected state official and head of the Nevada State AFL CIO.

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In addition to her leadership at ULAN and the Nevada State AFL CIO, Susie serves on several labor and community boards, including the National AFL CIO State Federation and Central Labor Council Advisory Committee, the Grace Carroll Rocky Mountain Labor School, United Way of Southern Nevada, and the Nevada Division of Industrial Relations Advisory Council.

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Through every role she holds, Susie remains committed to uplifting workers, empowering communities, and ensuring all Nevadans have the opportunity to thrive.

TBA