American Courage Awards
Celebrating the Honorable Julie A. Su: A Beacon of Courage in Civil Rights
The 2023 American Courage Award Honoree has left an indelible mark on the fight for justice
At the heart of our annual American Courage Awards event is the American Courage Award itself. Every year, the award honors an individual, organization, or company that has displayed remarkable courage or dedication to civil rights. Honorees might be a community leader who has taken an important stand, an activist who overcame extraordinary challenges, an artist with a unique vision, or a journalist breaking a crucial story. More than anything, this award recognizes those who inspire and enact substantial real change, igniting positive transformation in their communities.
This year, we are delighted to announce the Honorable Julie A. Su as the recipient of the American Courage Award.
Su’s life and career truly embody the essence of this award. Throughout her professional journey, she has championed the rights of workers and marginalized communities, leaving an indelible mark on the fight for justice, especially within the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community.
Appointed by President Biden as the Deputy Secretary of Labor in 2021, Su’s public service career shines with her relentless efforts to protect the rights and well-being of all workers. As Deputy Secretary of Labor, Su was entrusted with shaping and implementing labor policies, regulations, and programs that promote fair and safe workplaces, uphold workers’ rights, and advance the economic security of all Americans. She collaborated closely with the Secretary and other senior officials within the department to develop and implement strategies addressing labor-related concerns like wage and hour standards, workplace safety regulations, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, and paid family leave. She also played a pivotal role in crafting workforce development initiatives designed to connect workers to quality jobs and career pathways. When we reflect on the impact of Su’s work in this role, it is unsurprising that in two short years she was nominated by President Biden as Acting Secretary of Labor in March 2023.
Before her appointment by President Biden, Su served as the Secretary for the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA). During her time at LWDA, Su achieved considerable progress in advancing workers’ rights. Her leadership spurred a spike in investigations and actions against employers violating labor laws. Julie Su also emphasized workplace safety, ensuring employers complied with regulations to minimize workplace accidents.
Committed to bolstering employment opportunities, she was instrumental in facilitating equitable workforce development strategies, connecting Californians — especially those from underserved and underrepresented communities — to good jobs.
Su also oversaw vital programs like unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, and paid family leave, offering essential support to those in need. Her exemplary leadership transformed the LWDA into a bulwark of workers’ rights, solidifying her legacy in California’s labor landscape.
As the California Labor Commissioner from 2011 to 2018, Su initiated the “Wage Theft Is a Crime” campaign in 2014, a move that had a transformative effect on California’s workforce. The campaign educated low-wage workers about their rights and also engaged employers, creating an atmosphere where labor law infringements could be confronted openly to protect workers and also level the playing field for responsible employers. Su gave a voice to low-wage workers, enabling them to claim their rights with the support of government. This initiative stood as a beacon for change, inspiring individuals to challenge labor law violations and pursue the justice they deserved.
Before assuming her position as the California Labor Commissioner, we fondly reflect on Su’s tenure with us as Litigation Director at our affiliate organization Asian Americans Advancing Justice — Los Angeles (now known as Asian Americans Advancing Justice — Southern California), where she strived to empower the Asian American Pacific Islander community in solidarity with other communities of color. Su’s innovative approach integrated impact litigation, community education, policy reform, coalition-building, and media engagement.
Perhaps most notable of Su’s achievements at the organization is her steering of the groundbreaking El Monte case, which recovered over $4 million in back wages for forced laborers and prompted California legislation to expand manufacturer and retailer responsibility for wage theft.
This lawsuit was imperative in the passage of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act a few years later, which established a federal interagency task force on human trafficking and created the U and T visas for victims of crime.
Su’s illustrious legal career exemplifies her steadfast commitment to workers’ and civil rights. Her monumental contributions have earned her widespread recognition, solidifying her reputation as a pioneer in crucial legal and labor sectors. In California, she is known as one of the top legal professionals, a tribute highlighting the considerable influence she has wielded in workers’ rights and the realm of civil justice.
Nationally, Su’s unwavering dedication to upholding justice for marginalized communities has earned her a revered leader and an authority on workers’ and civil rights.
Her legal career, marked by a fierce commitment to change, was acknowledged by the esteemed MacArthur Foundation “genius” grant. This award highlights outstanding individuals whose work can shape the future, mirroring the profound influence of Su’s career.
As we prepare to celebrate the Honorable Julie A. Su at the American Courage Awards, let us reflect on the transformative power of courage and dedication. Su’s legacy is a testament that an individual can significantly influence the world, catalyzing change that ripples far beyond their immediate realm.
Our 2023 American Courage Awards signature event will honor individuals and those in the corporate sector who have shown extraordinary commitment to civil rights on Friday, October 6 at The National Press Club in Washington, DC. Register to attend here.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice — AAJC has a mission to advance the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and to build and promote a fair and equitable society for all. Visit our website at advancingjustice-aajc.org
