MEET THE TEAM

President

I have been a grad worker at Brown’s Classics Department since the fall of 2019 and have had the privilege to serve as a steward and GLO's Political Director. I have continuously been inspired by what we have achieved through collective action. As president, I am committed to continuing to build a more just Brown through the exercise of worker power.

Vice-President

I am a third year grad worker, scientist and educator. My union work has been a truly edifying experience. From bargaining our newest contract alongside passionate and intelligent grad workers to helping other grads enforce their rights and protections via our newly won grievance procedure, I’ve seen how collective action can maintain and improve the dignity and quality of life of workers on our campus and around the world.

Organizing Director

I’m pursuing a PhD in neuroscience, where I seek to understand the roots of consciousness. I got my start in the labor movement while working at the National Institutes of Health where I helped lay the groundwork for their amazing Fellows’ union. I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of collective action and deeply believe that together we can ensure that workers are treated with respect, dignity and compassion.

Treasurer

I am a third year grad worker in the Political Science department, where I study the history of capitalism and technology. Previously, I had the pleasure of serving on GLO’s Organizing Committee. As treasurer, I am committed to cultivating the financial health of our growing local so we can continue to effectively support our members and strengthen our collective worker power.

Secretary

Hi, I’m Adrianna. I am a grad worker in the Egyptology/Assyriology department. As an undergrad, my first ever protest was for my university’s graduate student organization, and now as a grad student myself my union journey has come full circle, and I get the privilege of serving our union as Secretary. In the coming year, I look forward to growing as a member of this union and as an organizer.

Political Director

I have been a grad worker in Brown’s Sociology Department in 2022, and have served on GLO’s Organizing, Communications and Elections Committees. I’m excited to be serving as Political Director for a grad worker union that has a strong track record of engagement in progressive politics both on and off campus. I look forward to deepening our relationships with our allies in the labor movement, local government and the community to make Rhode Island more equitable, affordable and welcoming for all.

Social Justice and Accountability Chair

I’m Eloy (EJ) Toppin, Jr. and I’m a second-year graduate student in political theory, where I research the intersections of structural racism and capitalism, as well as subject formation in racially hierarchical societies. Prior to Brown, I worked as a researcher for the Othering and Belonging Institute at the University of California, Berkeley. I hold a bachelor’s degree from Williams College, a Master’s in Public Policy from UC Berkeley and a Master’s in Social Sciences from the University of Chicago.

International Organizer

I have been GLO’s international organizer since the fall of 2022. Overcoming differences drawn along nationality lines is key to solidaristic labor power, and the contract’s new international grad protection article reflects this belief. I am committed to fighting against discriminatory policies and practices at Brown and for an internationalist politics in the broader American
labor movement.

Communications Chair

I’m a second-year PhD in Slavic Studies, where I research classical reception in 19th-century Russian literature. Originally from Armenia, I was raised in Russia and, later, the UK. After reading Classics at the University of St Andrews, I worked as a journalist and editor, writing mainly about travel, culture and architecture. I also hold an MFA in Creative Writing from Boston University, where I was the 2021/2 Helen Deutsch Fellow.

Lead Organizer for Humanities

I am a fifth year grad worker and have served as the steward for the Philosophy Department for the last several years. As Lead Organizer for the Humanities, I look forward to continuing to empower grad workers, improving our working conditions, and achieving our organizing goals through the power of collective action.

Lead Organizer for Physical Sciences

I am grad worker and PhD candidate in applied maths. I’ve been an organizer with GLO for over two years—both as a bargaining committee member and the physical science lead organizer. I’m passionate about helping collective workers achieve justice and equity in STEM, for the liberation of all people.

Lead Organizer for Social Sciences

I am a third year PhD grad worker in the sociology department and have been involved with GLO since 2022. I’ve previously served on the Organizing Committee and as co-chair of the Bargaining Committee. I’m so proud of the amazing and precedent-setting protections we've won for grads this cycle and am committed to helping make this a reality
for as many others as possible.

Lead Organizer for Life Sciences

I’m Ash (they/them/theirs), a Mexican-born graduate worker, labour organiser, and sometime artist. I was honoured to serve as steward in 2023/4 and am excited to now take on the role of Lead Organiser for Life Sciences. In my tenure I hope to maximise engagement with STEM grad workers and to carry forward GLO’s commitment to social responsibility and justice. ¡El pueblo unido jamás será vencido!