Mike began his career as a freelance journalist and transitioned into social justice advocacy in 2008. He spent nearly six years as a communications specialist for the Service Employees International Union Local 1199 where he supported the political and social justice work of unionized healthcare workers. He went on to become communications and public relations manager for MassEquality, a statewide LGBTQ rights organization. For more than two years, he led the organization’s communications work and helped secure a number of victories, from electing progressive candidates to office to passing a bill codifying legal protections for transgender people in Massachusetts’ public spaces. He most recently served as the communications manager for The Hyams Foundation, Inc., a philanthropic organization mobilizing resources for racial equity work in Greater Boston.

Mike continues his work as a freelance content creator and editor in his spare time. He hails from Virginia and holds undergraduate degrees in English Literature and Marketing Management from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree in Investigative Journalism from Boston University. He also holds a Strategic Communications for the Public Leader certificate from Rutgers University. 

mgivens @ uusc.org