Black History Month Profiles: Rochelle Palache

This year, for Black History Month, we’re taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today’s profile is Rochelle Palache.

Rochelle Palache leads SEIU 32BJ’s Connecticut District. Like many of the union’s members, Palache moved to the United States for a better life, leaving her native Jamaica after finishing high school. She attended Smith College on a scholarship and began working at the SEIU Connecticut State Council soon after graduating. Over the next 15 years, she lead successful campaigns for a $15 minimum wage, paid family medical leave and several immigrant rights bills. In 2020, she helped guide the union as members suffered layoffs in the economic downturn and faced the pandemic as essential workers. She also worked to engage the union on issues related to Black Lives Matter.