Mary Kay Henry

Mary Kay Henry is the former international president of the two-million-member Service Employees International Union (SEIU), a role she was the first woman to hold.

An activist, labor organizer, and social justice leader, Henry’s career spans over 40 years, defined by a principled and transformative vision for workers rooted in racial and economic justice. She has championed inventive organizing, grassroots engagement, and bold political advocacy, leading groundbreaking initiatives, including first-of-their-kind national hospital bargaining agreements and historic wins for home and child care workers. Her decade-long leadership on the Fight for $15 and a Union movement helped deliver more than $150 billion in raises for over 26 million workers.

Throughout her tenure with SEIU, Henry defended workers in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada from escalating legal and political attacks and directly challenged systemic racism, in part by creating space for leaders of color. She stood shoulder to shoulder with workers on strike, at national actions, and knocking doors, demanding change and creating authentic and meaningful connections.

Henry’s vision for justice is entwined with her Catholic faith and a clear calling to work that serves others. She grew up outside of Detroit, Michigan, and saw early on the difference unions made in her community. She graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Urban Planning and Labor Relations.