Posted March 20, 2025
Kallie Leyba, the former Executive Director at the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) of Colorado, has joined the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Colorado State Council representing over 15,000 union members in the healthcare and property services union, Service Employees International Union Local 105, and the state employees union, Colorado Workers for Innovative and New Solutions (WINS), as the new Executive Director leading electoral, legislative, member, and public advocacy on the issues most affecting working people in the state.
“I’m proud to continue my work in the labor movement and take on this incredibly important role with SEIU Colorado,” said Kallie. “Workers from Denver to Durango are in the fight of their lives. Whether we’re taking action to save Medicaid, protecting the funding for our state’s essential workforce, or expanding union rights to make Colorado a better place for workers, I’m excited to be a leader in this fight and honored that our members have put their trust in me to do so.”
Leyba joins SEIU Colorado from her role as Executive Director for the American Federation of Teachers Colorado where she managed the political and legislative programs while supporting the various locals of the state federation. Prior to her role as ED, Kallie was the President of the AFT Colorado and the Douglas County Federation, advocating for the members in the Douglas County School District where Kallie taught first grade.
“Having a voice in the state house is just as important as having a voice in your job,” said Hilary Glasgow, the Executive Director of Colorado WINS. “As Colorado braces for federal funding cuts, we must defend our state by supporting state employees and keeping state services strong. This year is a pivotal moment for state employees and we are excited for Kallie’s leadership to ensure a better, safer, and more sustainable Colorado.”
Kallie is taking on her role as SEIU Colorado is engaged in three major and historic labor fights in the state legislature, including the funding of the Colorado WINS Partnership Agreement to protect state services, the passage of the Worker Protection Act to protect union rights across Colorado, and investing in our state’s direct care workforce by protecting Medicaid and continuing the process outlined by the Direct Care Workforce Stabilization Board. Kallie says she is incredibly excited to be a leader in these fights, as well as others that workers are facing across the United States.
“At a critical time for workers across our country, who are facing challenges to their most fundamental rights on a daily basis, Kallie is the fighter our union needs” said Stephanie Felix-Sowy, President of SEIU Local 105, “Her long history in our movement and her steadfast commitment to public education speaks not only to her outstanding skills as a labor leader, but also to her character and compassion for working families and our communities.”
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