Mary Kay Henry — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Served as International President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) from May 8, 2010, until her retirement on May 20, 2024.
Was the first woman to lead the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
Helped pioneer SEIU's use of card check agreements, non-traditional collective bargaining agreements, and system-wide health care organizing strategies.
Included on Time's 100 Most Influential People of 2020.
Elected to SEIU's executive board in December 1995.
Earned a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University in 1979, majoring in urban planning and labor relations.

Biography

Mary Kay Henry is an American labor union activist who served as the International President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) from May 8, 2010, until her retirement on May 20, 2024. She was the first woman to lead the union. Born in 1958 in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan, Henry credits her Catholic faith with fostering an interest in social justice issues.