Ai-jen Poo: The Powerful Voice Reshaping America’s Care Economy

 

Ai-jen Poo: Champion of America’s Care Workers

In a time when the U.S. is grappling with aging populations, childcare crises, and undervalued labor, Ai-jen Poo stands out as one of the most influential activists working to bring dignity, equity, and reform to the caregiving system. She isn’t just making noise — she’s building a movement.

Who Is Ai-jen Poo?

Ai-jen Poo is a labor leader, author, and activist who has dedicated her life to advocating for domestic workers and caregivers. She is the president of National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) and co-founder of Caring Across Generations, two organizations that are transforming how America thinks about caregiving.

Major Achievements

• Time 100 Most Influential People

• Recipient of the MacArthur "Genius" Grant

• Advisor to several U.S. Presidents on labor and caregiving policy

• Author of The Age of Dignity: Preparing for the Elder Boom in a Changing America

Her Mission: "Care Is Infrastructure"

Ai-jen Poo believes caregiving is not a private problem, but a public issue that affects everyone. She argues that caregiving — from raising children to caring for aging parents — is the backbone of the economy, yet it is chronically underfunded and undervalued.

Her advocacy calls for:

• Better wages and protections for domestic workers

• Affordable elder care and childcare

• Paid family leave for all

• Investing in care as we do in roads, schools, and tech

Why She's Trending in 2025

Ai-jen is back in the spotlight as she leads a national campaign against proposed Medicaid cuts, arguing that they would devastate millions of families and workers. She’s rallying activists, families, and lawmakers to protect care programs and recognize their vital role in society.

 “We all give and receive care. It’s time to build a care system that reflects our deepest values — dignity, compassion, and equality.”

Her Lasting Impact

Thanks to Ai-jen Poo’s tireless efforts:

• Domestic workers have more visibility and legal recognition

• Policymakers now include caregiving in major economic plans

• Cultural conversations around gender, race, and labor are evolving