Ivelisse Mercedes

Senior HEAT Organizer

Ivelisse first joined the union in 1996, as a Minibar Attendant at the Sheraton New York Times Square. Her passion for speaking up and defending her coworkers led her to become a delegate within her first year. Over the years, Ivelisse has played a role in high-stakes fights, from standing on the picket lines during the Taj Mahal strike, to organizing campaigns at major hotels and casinos in Puerto Rico, Washington, DC, and New York. Ivelisse joined our union’s staff as a Rank-and-File Organizer in 2014 and has remained a beloved presence ever since. Ivelisse is a trusted mentor to many members all across the City.