SEIU Local 721
Molly Rhodes, Ph.D., is a seasoned research and policy analyst currently employed at Service Employees International Union Local 721, where responsibilities include financial and policy analysis for 22 municipalities in the Los Angeles/Orange counties area. Previously, as a senior research analyst at UNITE HERE, Molly Rhodes focused on improving the lives of hotel workers and promoting sustainable hotel development. Early career experience includes serving as a lead organizer for UAW Local 2865, where Molly Rhodes facilitated the formation of an organization for teaching assistants and negotiated the inaugural contract with bargaining teams. Educational qualifications include a Ph.D. in Cultural Studies from UC San Diego and an AB in English and Studio Arts from Occidental College. Additional roles at UC Irvine included a research fellow and at UC San Diego included lecturer and teaching assistant in various subjects.
SEIU Local 721
SEIU Local 721 is a dynamic, fast-growing organization recognized as one of the largest and strongest unions of publicly-funded employees in the nation. We are on the forefront of local politics, defending public services in the face of budget challenges, and we are key players in national reform efforts. We have more than 200 staff members covering six counties in Southern California, and we are on the front lines of holding government accountable, ensuring efficiency, tackling waste, and improving services. Our more than 80,000 members provide critical public services in diverse fields, including health care, social services, special districts, private non-profits, libraries, courts, parks and recreation, public works and mental health in cities and counties throughout Southern California.