The Lois Gray Labor Innovation Initiative will hold a day-long symposium and awards ceremony. The Initiative's goal is to bring together labor leaders, union members, scholars and other allies to advance innovative ideas for protecting and expanding workers' rights. This program will include public events, training workshops, research, and outreach. In consultation with Lois’ family, the Worker Institute Advisory Council and other key stakeholders and partners, we will develop a comprehensive program for the initiative. Using Lois’ gift, we will be launching the Lois Gray Labor Innovation Initiative in 2020. The Worker Institute is deeply honored and appreciative of Lois’ gift, and we are incredibly thankful for the opportunity she has given us to continue her legacy. Lois recognized the vital role The Worker Institute plays in creating a unique space for labor leaders to learn, explore, examine and experiment. Lois saw the institute as a place to generate innovative thinking and solutions to problems related to work, economy, and society.īefore her passing in 2018, Lois created the Lois Gray Fund for Innovation with a personal, million-dollar gift. The Worker Institute engages in research and education on contemporary labor issues. In 2012, Lois helped establish The Worker Institute at Cornell ILR. She had a vision for raising up the collective voice of working people. Lois Gray was a pioneer in the field of labor education.

Lillian Roberts and Lois Gray. Lillian Roberts served as the first woman African-American Associate Director of District Council 37, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Labor and eventually before her retirement, Executive Director of District Council 37, AFSCME.

Arielle by Lilian Roberts