Rafael Espinal Executive Director

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Rafael Espinal became New York’s youngest elected official at age 26 when he joined the State Assembly. The son of Dominican immigrant union members and freelancers, Rafael has dedicated his career to advocating for workers, small businesses, artists, low-income communities, and the environment. In 2013, he was elected to the New York City Council, representing Brooklyn’s diverse and vibrant 37th District.

As a council member, he championed transformative initiatives to uplift underserved communities, securing historic funding for affordable housing development in Brooklyn and leading efforts to advance environmental policy and infrastructure investments to combat climate injustice. He also played a key role in negotiating a $250 million comprehensive investment plan for his district, one of New York City’s most underserved areas.

Throughout his time in office, Rafael was a strong advocate for worker protections. He co-sponsored the landmark Freelance Isn’t Free Act in 2016, the first law of its kind to protect freelancers from nonpayment. As Chair of the Committee on Consumer Affairs and Business Licensing, he also supported the Paid Sick Leave Law and introduced the nation’s first Right to Disconnect bill in 2019, ensuring employees had the right to disconnect from work communications outside business hours.

In March 2020, just two weeks before the COVID-19 shutdowns, Rafael became Executive Director of Freelancers Union, stepping into leadership at a critical moment for independent workers. He worked closely with Senator Chuck Schumer’s office to push for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, ensuring that self-employed workers, freelancers, and artists were included in federal unemployment benefits. Recognizing the immediate need for direct aid, he created the Freelance Relief Fund, which provided direct financial assistance to freelancers who were out of work due to the pandemic.

Under his leadership, Freelancers Union expanded the Freelance Isn’t Free law beyond New York City, bringing new payment protections to freelancers in New York State, Illinois, and California. He also helped reestablish Freelancers Hub, a free coworking space for independent workers, giving them access to resources, professional development, and a stronger sense of community.

Rafael is focused on expanding the social safety net for freelancers across the country, ensuring independent workers have access to benefits that allow them to live with dignity. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his leadership and commitment to workers’ rights. In 2017, Time Out magazine named him a New Yorker of the Year for his role in repealing the city’s outdated Cabaret Law, paving the way for the creation of New York City’s Office of Nightlife to support artists, entertainers and others who depend on the night time economy to thrive.

A product of New York City’s public schools, Rafael earned his degree in English from Queens College. Before entering public office, he worked as an adult literacy teacher and served as Chief of Staff to a New York City Council Meber. As the third leader of Freelancers Union since its founding in 1995, he remains committed to amplifying the voices of freelancers and ensuring independent workers have the protections they deserve.