Jeff DeLaunay - Detroit, MI

Jeff is guided by a commitment to service that was instilled in him from a young age. His parents both served in various ways. His mother, who was born totally blind, worked for several non-profits and the State of Oregon helping people living with disabilities get the assistance they needed to live independently. After a career serving the disabled community, she earned a masters in theology and became a Methodist pastor where she served through faith. His father served in the U.S. Army, and upon returning home, had a long career as a substance abuse counselor for juveniles ensnared by the criminal legal system.

Jeff took these lessons to heart. He served in the United States Coast Guard for six years, most of which were spent in communications for search and rescue missions. While on active duty, Jeff used the military’s education benefits to earn his bachelor’s degree from ASU. Going to school full-time and maintaining a 4.0 GPA while on active duty and raising a family taught Jeff to successfully balance multiple demanding responsibilities simultaneously. Jeff spent the next several years performing outbound business-to-business sales which taught him the importance of customer service, and the arts of persuasion and negotiation. Seeing an opportunity to serve through advocacy, he applied to Wayne State Law School where he received a full-tuition academic scholarship. Jeff worked full-time to support his family while earning his law degree at night, graduating in the top 10% of his class in May 2024. His ability to be successful while juggling multiple responsibilities is a testament to his grit and work ethic.

Currently, Jeff represents working class people in their disputes with the ruling class and their bourgeoisie middlemen (management), helping regular folks secure compensation when their labor rights are violated. He also helps labor unions negotiate and enforce collective bargaining agreements and defend against legal action intended to weaken the labor movement.