Wellstone Action!

Maralyn got her start in politics at the grassroots level, through volunteering on a local campaign in 2002 and has stayed politically engaged since.  She joined Wellstone Action's Labor Program in 2009 after a tenure in Washington D.C. working at SEIU International where she was vital in developing two programs for members to run for office and lobby Capitol Hill.  Maralyn worked for the Michigan Democratic Party, fundraising and working to increase awareness to key issues facing the state, including work in 2005 to increase the state's minimum wage.  She has a breadth of state and federal legislative experience and has worked on campaigns in six states.  Maralyn is especially committed to electing progressive candidates at the grassroots level.

Maralyn was raised in suburban Detroit by two immigrant parents and this background contributes to her passion for diversity and community engagement.  Her value for inclusion led to her appointment by Governor Jennifer Granholm to serve on the board of the Michigan Humanities Council, which supports and fosters cultural programs.  As a mentor for Mam Non Organization's GIFT, she volunteers to help adopted Asian girls develop a positive self-image and learn about Asian culture.

Maralyn is a graduate of Albion College and is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Urban Planning from Wayne State University.  She and her husband Nick, live in Michigan with their two French Bulldogs Claude and Pierre.