Foto: US Department of Labor
Thomas Edward Perez's trajectory is marked by outstanding public service and an ongoing dedication to advancing civil and labor rights in the United States. Born in Buffalo, New York, in 1961, Perez possesses an impressive educational background, having graduated from Brown University, Harvard Law School, and the John F. Kennedy School of Government.
From the beginning of his career, Perez has demonstrated a commitment to social justice and equality. He worked as a federal civil rights prosecutor at the Department of Justice and as director of the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Health and Human Services during the Clinton administration. His public service continued when he was elected to the Montgomery, Maryland, County Council, and subsequently appointed secretary of the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation.
Perez's rise to federal office culminated in his appointment as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights under the Obama administration, followed by his appointment as United States Secretary of Labor in 2013. During his tenure, Perez focused on labor issues, including the minimum wage, workplace safety, and protecting workers' rights.
In addition to his work in government, Perez also played an active role in the Democratic Party, serving as chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 2017 to 2021. His leadership was marked by a commitment to unity and inclusivity within the party.
Following an unsuccessful attempt to run for the Democratic nomination for governor of Maryland in 2022, Perez joined the Biden administration as a senior advisor to the president and director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs in June 2023.
In addition to his political accomplishments, Perez is a family man and a devout Catholic whose values have been shaped by the experience of Dominican immigrants in the United States. His remarkable educational and professional career has been recognized with several honorary doctorates.
The story of Thomas Edward Perez is a testament to the power of public service and a commitment to promoting equality and justice in all spheres of American society.
