Jeanette Aranda

Enforcement Strategist, Seattle Office of Labor Standards (OLS)

Enlighten Forum Panelist, “Knowing Your Rights: at the Office, Onsite, Offsite”

Biography

Jeanette was born and raised in the Midwest (Go Chiefs) to Mexican immigrant parents, who experienced labor exploitation and unfair labor practices throughout lives. Jeanette holds a master’s and bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Washburn University. She began her labor enforcement career in 2001 with the US Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, where she spent 18 years as a Federal Investigator. J

Jeanette also battled wage theft and tax fraud at the Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters as the Labor Compliance Representative. Jeanette has dedicated her life to protecting the nation’s workforce through education, outreach, and enforcement.

In her current role at OLS, Jeanette focuses on strategic enforcement through collaborative partnerships, prioritizing complaints by overseeing the intake process, and streamlining investigative procedures to maximize available resources.

Jeanette is grateful for the work ethic her mother instilled in her and takes pride in the work she does to help vulnerable workers. Jeanette loves cleaning, remodeling her home, and spending time with her beautiful daughter Noa.