Emiliana Sparaco is a California-based labor leader and union strategist whose career centers on building worker power through organizing, bargaining, and leadership development. Over the course of her work, she has helped engage and train thousands of worker activists, leading campaigns that deliver tangible improvements for employees while strengthening member-led unions.
Most recently, Emiliana served as National Field Director for the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU), IFPTE Local 70, where she played a key role in supporting the union’s rapid growth nationwide. Prior to that, as NPEU’s first full-time Field Representative, she developed recruitment and orientation systems for more than 30 bargaining units and helped shape a bargaining program that secured strong initial contracts for newly organized workers. Her experience also includes organizing with SEIU locals throughout California and contributing to Fight for $15, the national effort to raise wages and expand workplace protections.
Known for her ability to guide negotiations and cultivate member leadership, Emiliana brings a practical, campaign-driven approach to labor relations and worker advocacy. Her work reflects a deep commitment to helping represented employees win meaningful gains and build durable collective power.
In addition to her professional labor work, Emiliana volunteers with local civic nonprofits and other community-focused organizations. She completed the Labor Relations Certificate Program at Cornell University and, in 2024, was honored with the Metropolitan Washington Labor Council's J.C. Turner Award for Outstanding Trade Unionist of the Year.
