On September 6, 2023, the DC LERA Board of Governors adopted a measure designating 2-3 new positions on the board for Student Board Members. The purpose of these positions is to bring a student perspective to the board and serve as a short- and long-term organizational succession strategy.

Christian Collins joined the DC LERA board as its first Student Board Member.

Christian is a current graduate student attending Johns Hopkins University and a policy analyst with the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP)’s education, labor, and worker justice team. A native of Akron, Ohio and proud product of public schools, he brings expertise in labor rights advocacy and workforce and economic development. He holds a strong commitment to promoting racial justice through public policy and advocacy. Preceding his career at CLASP, Christian was a researcher with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). In this role, he assisted local union chapters with organizing efforts, while partnering with outside organizations and partners to advocate for increased rights and benefits for workers. Additionally, he’s served as a research assistant at Urban Institute and a state fiscal project campaigns intern with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities since moving to DC. While in his home state of Ohio, Christian spent time as an intern for both the Ohio State Senate and Columbus City Council. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in public policy from The Ohio State University and also attended Kent State University during his undergraduate studies.