A Slate of New Hires at the Freelancers Union

Change is in the air at the Freelancers Union. As Executive Director Rafael Espinal moves on to become the Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, we’re thrilled to officially announce three new hires. (Some of them are newer than others but if you haven’t met them yet, they’re new to you.)

Read on below to learn more about each of them, their path to the Freelancers Union, and the work they’ll do now that they’ve arrived.

Jonathan Kim

Jonathan joined us back in June as our Hub Operations Assistant and since then has helped ensure our co-working space is well-maintained and all our events run smoothly. Jonathan is a lifelong New Yorker, who has always been drawn to shared spaces and the entrepreneurship of his fellow freelancers. He helped handle the digital marketing for WeWork's global expansion and even opened his own co-working space in Vancouver before relocating back to NYC. When he isn't at the Hub, you can find him playing basketball, exploring new neighborhoods, and taking long coffee walks.

Dylan Ward

Dylan joins us as our Legal Program Manager, heading up our program to advocate for freelancers and advise them on rights violations. Most recently, he built and managed a voter protection program for a NYC political action committee. His introduction to local advocacy work began in his hometown of Philadelphia, where he served as finance director and campaign manager on local races, before becoming campaign strategist for the Pennsylvania Working Families Party. Dylan enjoys biking around NYC and playing racket sports on one of the city's public tennis courts. When it's nice out, he says you can find him sitting on one of the benches outside the courts, patiently waiting his turn to play in Fort Greene Park, along the East River Park, or in Hudson River Park. He looks forward to helping advocate on your behalf, asserting your rights, and fighting for meaningful restitution for freelancers across the country.

Andrea Gordillo

Andrea is a lifelong worker advocate, civic and cultural leader, and a daughter of Peruvian immigrants, shaped by a deep commitment to justice and collective care. A longtime Lower East Side resident, she has led major cultural and civic institutions across New York City. She previously served as Development Director at The Clemente Soto Velez Cultural and Educational Center, and Programs Manager at The Loisaida Center. She also serves as Chair of Manhattan Community Board 3, as a trustee to the Public Theater, and a board member of the Fourth Arts Block. With a background in union organizing and coalition-building, Andrea brings bold, grounded leadership to advancing dignity, economic security, and opportunity for freelancers nationwide.

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