Candis Tolliver brings nearly a decade of experience in grassroots and political organizing to North Star Fund’s board of directors. As political director of 32BJ SEIU, Candis was one of the strongest forces in the fight for a higher minimum wage that gained national attention.
Prior to her tenure at 32BJ SEIU, Candis oversaw the New York Civil Liberty Union’s New York City police reform organizing efforts and managed NYCLU’s statewide organizing portfolio, which included supporting the work and professional development of NYCLU organizers.
Candis, who earned a B.A. in Political Science from Norfolk State University and a M.A. in Urban Policy from The New School, was named in one of Albany’s 40 Under 40 Rising Stars in 2016.
Candis’ leadership includes serving on the board of directors of longtime North Star Fund grantee Picture the Homeless, the only organization founded and led by homeless people to provide space and resources to organize and lead the fight to end New York City’s decades-long housing crisis.
“I always thought that if we work together, we can organize, we can strategize, and we can change policies and practices that affect people’s lives. That’s always been what I’m working towards.”