Damian Plaza is making waves in union leadership as he proudly serves as the first openly gay president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 505, representing various sectors within the City of Chicago, including the Department of Public Health.
For Plaza, the role is more than just a title; it’s an opportunity to foster inclusion and make every member feel seen and heard.
A seasoned professional, Plaza has over two decades of experience as an investigator for the Chicago Department of Public Health, where he has handled a multitude of public health crises, including rabies, COVID-19, and outbreaks such as the recent monkeypox and measles cases.
During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Plaza was one of the few workers who remained on-site, showcasing his commitment to public service and the health of the community.
His journey into union leadership began when he was encouraged by peers to consider a higher role within the union after being an active member who organized meetings and attended rallies.
In 2024, Plaza decided to run for president, motivated by his passion for ensuring fair treatment for all union members. The support he received from members across the city solidified his decision to step into the leadership role.
Reflecting on his journey, Plaza described his first year as
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