(770) 765-3478 [email protected]

TechLatino: The National Association of Latinos in Information Sciences and Technology Applauds Gov. Gavin Newsom’s appointment of Laphonza Butler to the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s open Senate seat. Jose Marquez, CEO of TechLatino: The National Association of Latinos in Information Sciences and Technology (LISTA), would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Butler on this historic appointment.

Ms. Butler’s appointment as the first Black openly LGBTQ senator and the third Black woman to serve as a U.S. Senator is a momentous occasion that deserves recognition and celebration. Her remarkable journey, from her extensive work in the labor movement to her leadership as the president of SEIU local 2015, speaks volumes about her dedication to advocating for the rights and well-being of underrepresented communities, particularly women of color.

Through her leadership, Ms. Butler successfully championed important initiatives such as raising the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour and ensuring paid time off for hundreds of thousands of long-term care workers. As Black women are disproportionately represented among long-term care workers, her work has had a profound impact on improving the lives of countless individuals.

Ms. Butler’s expertise and background will undoubtedly provide a critical and much-needed perspective in the U.S. Senate. Her unwavering commitment to advancing the needs of women of color in the service sector and championing women’s rights as a whole offer an invaluable opportunity for the Senate to engage in more enriching and effective policy debates. Ms. Butler has been a tireless leader in her field for many years, and we eagerly anticipate her continued leadership in the Senate.

“Governor Newsom’s appointment of Laphonza Butler to the U.S. Senate is a historic and inspiring moment that reflects his commitment to diversity and inclusion in leadership” said Dr. Jose Marquez, CEO, TechLatino: The National Association of Latinos in Information Sciences and Technology (LISTA). “As the third Black woman to serve as a U.S. Senator this is a testament to her exceptional leadership and dedication to advocating for marginalized communities.” We applaud Governor Newsom’s decision and look forward to Ms. Butler’s impactful contributions in the Senate.”

On behalf of TechLatino: The National Association of Latinos in Information Sciences and Technology (LISTA), we extend our warmest congratulations to Ms. Laphonza Butler and express our optimism for the positive impact she will undoubtedly have on our nation through her dedicated service in the U.S. Senate.