Elías Flamenco Rivera joined the IAM Union’s Communications Department in September 2022 as a Communications Representative. He develops strategic communications that support organizing campaigns, collective bargaining, legislative advocacy, and member engagement across North America. His work includes writing, digital strategy, social media, video production, bilingual communications, and media relations, with a focus on expanding the union’s outreach to Spanish-speaking workers and strengthening connections with members.
Before joining the IAM, Elías worked in the Communications Department at the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) International Union, where he developed digital campaigns and content that advanced organizing efforts, public policy initiatives, and member engagement.
His career has been shaped by both professional and personal experiences in the labor movement. While working at Public Citizen’s Global Trade Watch, he was a member of SEIU Local 500, where he coordinated digital communications to increase public and congressional awareness of the impact of international trade policies on workers and communities. During his time at the UFCW International Union, he was a member of the Washington-Baltimore News Guild.
His experience also spans labor communications, nonprofit advocacy, public policy, public affairs, and public relations. In 2016, he completed a public policy fellowship with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), serving at the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee and in the office of then-U.S. Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).
A lifelong advocate for empowering workers, Elías previously led digital organizing and communications efforts for the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) and has served on the board of the LCLAA DC Metro Chapter. His work has also been recognized by the International Labor Communications Association (ILCA) for excellence in labor communications writing.
Earlier in his career, while working at a Washington, D.C.-based public affairs agency, Elías was recognized with PR News’ Rising Stars 30 & Under award for his work in strategic communications and public relations.
Elías earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, with a minor in Anthropology, from Towson University. He is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Work and Labor Policy at SUNY Empire State University.
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