Sacramento’s Most Powerful and Influential Black Leaders
ABOUT TIA ORR
Tia Orr leads one of the most powerful forces for working people in America — and she does it with conviction rooted in purpose, equity, and love for her community. As Executive Director of SEIU California, Orr oversees the political and legislative work of the state’s largest labor union, representing over one million workers, two-thirds of whom are women and people of color.
Under her leadership, SEIU California has helped pass some of the most consequential labor reforms in a generation — including the $25/hour healthcare minimum wage, the Fast Food Council establishing a $20/hour standard, and the statewide $15/hour minimum wage that set a national precedent. Her work has resulted in more than six million Californians seeing direct wage increases — a transfer of wealth from corporate boardrooms into the hands of working families.
Beyond policy victories, Orr’s leadership has been about movement-building. As the first Black Executive Director and only the second Latina to lead SEIU California, Orr stands at the intersection of power and purpose. She is reshaping what leadership looks like in Sacramento and beyond — centering racial, gender, and economic equity in every fight, every negotiation, every win.
At a time when workers’ rights, democracy, and equity remain under attack, Orr represents a new kind of leadership: one that’s unafraid to confront power and unwilling to leave anyone behind. Whether at the State Capitol or in union halls, she carries the same belief — that lasting change begins when people unite around justice, dignity, and hope.
ON LEADERSHIP AND INFLUENCE
What does “Black Power and Influence” mean to you?
It means driving meaningful change that directly impacts people’s lives. True power isn’t held by one person — it’s built through collective action, shared vision, and unified strategy. Influence is the ability to bring people together, amplify unheard voices, and turn that energy into transformative outcomes.
Leadership Lesson:
Real change is never the work of one person. The best leaders listen, build trust, and organize others to move together toward a shared goal. Collective power creates lasting impact.
Who inspires you most and why?
My parents. They worked tirelessly and taught my brothers and me to love God, be kind, value family, and always give our best. Those lessons still guide me every day.
What are the biggest opportunities you see for Sacramento’s Black community in the years ahead?
We must build coalitions that drive economic stability, support working families, and strengthen education. I’m encouraged by the bold, visionary young leaders stepping forward — they are the future of Sacramento’s progress.
ON EVERYDAY LIFE
Song/Artist On Repeat: Kendrick Lamar, “Squabble Up”; Sade (all); Fugees, “Ready or Not.”
Recharge Ritual: Time with family and friends — they keep me grounded and balanced.
Weekend in Sacramento: At my daughters’ games, Sac State football, or cheering on the Kings.
Hidden Passion: Music — I love singing, rapping, and writing; it’s how I express myself.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our “Onyx 25” sponsors for their generous support:
