Women Leading with Purpose: CT State Senator Julie Kushner

Connecticut State Senator Julie Kushner’s journey from small-town Iowa to Danbury, Connecticut, where she has been a resident for 31 years, is a testament to her passion for social and economic justice. Her work has been deeply influenced by her upbringing, advocacy work, and time spent organizing workers for over four decades.

Kushner grew up in Hamburg, Iowa—a town of 1,600 people at the time—before moving to Lincoln, Nebraska. Her experiences growing up as part of the only Jewish family in a predominantly German-American community left a lasting impression. “I was keenly aware of being different,” Kushner recalled, “but my parents taught me that being different was a positive thing.” These early lessons in empathy and justice laid the foundation for a lifelong dedication to equity.

Reflecting on her transition from New York City to Danbury, Kushner noted the importance of community. When she and her husband first moved to Danbury, they baked pies and delivered them to their new neighbors to quickly establish connections. “Now, having lived in Danbury for 31 years, I’ve lived here longer than anywhere else. It’s a wonderful community,” Kushner shared.

Arts and culture remain an important focus for Kushner, who grew up surrounded by music and theater. From experiencing Broadway’s Fiddler on the Roof at age 12 to enjoying the vibrant music scene of Lincoln, Nebraska, the arts have played a significant role in her life. Today, Kushner is committed to increasing accessibility to the arts in Danbury, particularly by advocating for the establishment of a central arts center.

As a state senator, Kushner has been instrumental in efforts to raise the minimum wage and establish paid family medical leave, initiatives that she credits to years of advocacy and coalition-building. “The advocacy work that moves the agenda at the state capitol comes from the people,” Kushner explained. “It’s the advocacy work that drives the change.”

For Kushner, advocacy and organizing are not just career pursuits but guiding principles that have shaped her life. From her early days as a union organizer negotiating better working conditions and fair wages to her political campaigns, her approach has been grounded in coalition-building and persistence. “Patience, perseverance, and persistence,” she emphasized, “Advocates are the ones who truly drive change.”

Kushner shared that the establishment of Connecticut’s paid family medical leave program took eight years of relentless advocacy by a coalition of organizations ranging from labor unions and women’s advocacy groups to senior citizen organizations. “I’d love to take all the credit for that,” she admitted, “but it wouldn’t be true. It was the work of countless advocates and movements coming together.”

Despite political differences, Kushner maintains that her advocacy work is not about party affiliation but about improving people’s lives. “There are Republicans who support paid family medical leave and raising the minimum wage. Because at the end of the day, it’s about fairness and ensuring everyone has access to a decent quality of life.”

Kushner also highlighted the importance of engaging young people in advocacy. “I want to retire someday—not right away—but when I do, I want someone to step up and fill that spot.” She expressed her admiration for younger generations who are driven by social justice and eager to influence policy.

Ultimately, Kushner’s passion for public service is driven by her commitment to making Connecticut a better place for everyone. From advocating for education and climate change initiatives to supporting diverse communities throughout Danbury, her dedication remains unwavering. And her message is clear: real change comes from the people.

As she prepares for future projects, Kushner continues to work toward a vision of a more equitable and culturally vibrant Connecticut.