WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) congratulates Board Member Roxanne Brown on her election as President of the United Steelworkers (USW).
“At NED, we have long recognized that when people stand up for their rights through independent associations—not controlled by the state—they embody the same spirit of self-government that fuels democracy movements around the world,” said Damon Wilson, NED President and Chief Executive Officer. “Roxanne’s unwavering commitment to workers’ dignity and her belief in democratic participation as the foundation of economic opportunity make this moment especially meaningful.”
“Around the world, we see that when workers can compete on a fair playing field that is free from coercion and forced labor, it not only strengthens democratic societies abroad, it also protects American workers and businesses here at home,” said NED Chairman Peter Roskam. “Roxanne’s election is a powerful reminder that economic freedom and political freedom rise together, anchored by citizens who organize, lead, and lend their voices to strengthen democracy at home and abroad.”
Since its founding in 1983, NED has worked with partners around the world to advance economic freedom, accountability, and human dignity in societies where authoritarian regimes manipulate markets, exploit workers, and suppress civic voice. Through its core institute, the Solidarity Center, NED engages with local and international organizations to promote fairness, transparency, and respect for fundamental rights in the workplace, which are essential building blocks of democratic resilience.
NED supports partners whose efforts to defend economic integrity and open, rules-based markets are central to countering the tactics of autocratic regimes that weaponize economic dependence to consolidate power. By promoting transparency, combating corruption, and strengthening accountability in global commerce, these partners help reinforce the rule of law, expand broad-based prosperity, and uphold the democratic values that sustain free societies.
