From negotiating a higher minimum wage in Illinois to helping implement the American Rescue Plan at the White House, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski has worked on some of the most consequential policy issues of the past decade at every level. Join us for a conversation about building a career across sectors, navigating Washington, and creating meaningful impact through public service.

After graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Nikki joined the labor movement where she fought for firefighters, grocery workers and meatpackers. She worked for the Governor of Illinois where she led negotiations to raise Illinois’ minimum wage to $15 an hour and chaired the Broadband Advisory Board to expand internet access to rural communities. Next she worked at the White House’s Office of Management and Budget where she helped implement the American Rescue Plan and establish the Made in America Office to bring jobs home and strengthen our economy.

In 2023, Nikki joined Congress where she’s continuing her lifelong fight for working people. She serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs to advocate for federal policies that support Illinois family farmers and our nation’s heroes. On the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, she is the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Technology Modernization.

Tuesday, July 14th 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm
University of Chicago Office of Federal Relations (1730 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006)

Questions? Email IOP Career Development (iopcd@uchicago.edu).