Staff 

Emith Escobar, Campaigner

Emith joined Brandworkers in 2021, assisting workers in applying for the Excluded Workers Fund. He is currently working toward his BA in Political Science at Hunter College with a minor in film. Growing up in Elmhurst to a Mexican immigrant family exposed him to the hardships of the food industry and the exploitation of his community, which inspired him to join the labor movement. Emith’s focus at Brandworkers is expanding its communication and social media network, recruiting volunteers, and cultivating ties with other community organizations. In his free time, Emith enjoys spending time with his Bernadoodle (Ozzy), watching films, and hiking.

Gabriel Morales, Executive Director

Gabriel joined the Brandworkers staff in 2016 and served as Program Director for five years. He transitioned into his new role as Brandworkers Executive Director in September 2021. Gabriel is an experienced leader with a strong background in worker organizing and a clear dedication, vision, and operational plan to work towards our mission. As Brandworkers’ Program Director, Gabriel’s position focused on developing and implementing Brandworkers’ overall organizing strategy. Prior to Brandworkers, he was a rank-and-file hotel worker and worked on campaigns with CWA, SEIU, and UNITE Here. Gabriel has also coordinated, trained, and recruited dozens of new rank-and-file and staff organizers across the country in a variety of different industries.

Joe Seider, New Organizing Coordinator 

Joe entered his journey in labor organizing as a volunteer with the Northern New Jersey branch of the Industrial Workers of the World in 2018. After learning about the struggles facing food factory workers in NYC, Joe enrolled in Brandworkers’ Organizing Apprentice program and assisted day to day with a bakery campaign in New Jersey during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Entering as a staff member in 2022, Joe is dedicated to expanding Brandworkers’ vision of supporting worker-led organizing in New Jersey’s specialty food manufacturing industry, as well as expanding upon Brandworkers’ Organizing Apprentice program.