Patty Coates

Patty Coates is a respected leader in higher education and labor organizing. She served as the President of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 3, representing thousands of public service workers, including university staff and government employees. With a background in advocating for workers’ rights, she has focused on improving job conditions, fair wages, and social justice. Her work involves negotiating labor contracts, advancing equitable policies, and fostering solidarity among workers and communities to promote economic security and public service quality.