Althea Erickson is a policy professional focused on labor and social protections for the self-employed and a seasoned advocacy professional with over 20 years experience starting and leading advocacy teams in the corporate and nonprofit sectors.

Althea recently led the startup year of a new research and advocacy program within the Center for Cultural Innovation, focused on expanding benefits and protections for arts and other gig workers.

Previously, Althea served as Etsy’s Vice President of Global Public Policy and Impact. Over nearly ten years, she built the team into an effective political force in the US and abroad, engaging Etsy sellers and nonprofit partners in campaigns for safety net benefits, net neutrality, tax fairness and COVID relief. Althea also guided Etsy’s corporate impact strategy, setting and delivering on public ESG commitments and leading internal and external accountability strategies.

Prior to joining Etsy, Althea was Advocacy Director at Freelancers Union where she stewarded its development into a powerful political force, established a member-led PAC and endorsement process, and led successful policy campaigns on behalf of freelancers. Previously, Althea worked at the Rockefeller Foundation where she focused on strategies to build economic security within the US workforce. She has also worked as a community and campaign organizer for various advocacy organizations.

Althea has testified before several Congressional committees, appeared on the CBS Evening News and other networks, and been quoted in major news outlets, including the New York Times and Washington Post. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a BA in government and public policy from Wesleyan University.

Althea lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband and three children.