Bethany Khan: An Unapologetic Organizer and Storyteller

Emerging Alumni Awardee Bethany Khan (BA ‘09, journalism), "passionate about organizing and winning for working families in Nevada," harnesses the power of words to advocate for marginalized communities and elevate underrepresented voices. Through her strategic communications work with the Culinary Union in Nevada, she has advanced labor rights, mobilized workers, and influenced key political outcomes, including pivotal national and local elections. 

What brought you to the University of Minnesota and how did you end up studying what you did?

As the first person in my family to attend and graduate from college, going to the University of Minnesota - Minneapolis was a pivotal moment for me. Growing up, college wasn’t something I knew was possible for me. My path to the University of Minnesota started in high school when I earned college credits through Advanced Placement (AP) courses. One day, my AP European History teacher handed me a transcript showing I had earned college credits, and that sparked the realization that college could be a reality for me. 

A field trip to the University of Minnesota’s west bank campus sealed the deal. I loved the campus – it felt like its own city – and I could picture myself studying in the beautiful libraries. I had no idea what college to apply to, so when I ultimately chose the College of Liberal Arts (CLA), it was a bit of luck, but it turned out to be the best decision. I truly thrived at CLA.

What do you do now? What energizes you about it?

Today, I’m the Director of Communications and Digital Strategy for the Culinary Union, Nevada’s largest union and immigrant organization, representing 60,000 hospitality workers. Every day I get to write for a living and tell the stories of workers – people like my own family – who are striving for better lives. I’m energized by the opportunity to amplify the voices of Black, brown, immigrant, and working-class communities who deserve more than survival; we all deserve to thrive.

Reflect on one of the defining experiences from your time as a CLA student. What impact does it have on your life today?

One of my favorite memories is my journey from attending the day one Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence (MCAE) orientation and ending my term at the MCAE graduation ceremony. As a first-generation student, it was special to celebrate alongside other students of color, immigrants, and first-generation graduates like me. I walked twice – once at the multicultural ceremony and again at the main commencement – but that smaller, intimate ceremony with my community meant everything. It reminded me that education isn’t just about individual success and we don’t win on our own; it’s about lifting up entire communities and having each other’s back. That principle continues to guide me in my work today.

What are some ways your liberal arts education provided a foundation for what you do now?

My liberal arts education and being the President of the College of Liberal Arts Student Board gave me the freedom and opportunity to explore diverse subjects, from leadership to social justice to the art of storytelling. My education helped me see the systemic and institutional roots of injustice and equipped me with a vocabulary and the confidence to fight for change. Those classes, especially in social justice, shaped my understanding of equity and organizing. In my career, I often reflect on what I learned at CLA about centering the voices of marginalized communities. 

My journalism degree taught me about storytelling, but my liberal arts education reinforced that not every narrative has “two equal sides.” There’s the corporate, anti-worker side of the boss, the man, the company – backed by decades of propaganda – and there’s the workers’ side. CLA gave me the confidence to unapologetically challenge the boss and champion the stories of working people and stand in our power.

What should current students understand about your profession if they are considering it for themselves?

I love working in the strategic communications and advocacy space. It’s a dynamic field that spans political and electoral races, organizing campaigns, media narratives, and strategic storytelling. Every winning campaign requires a strong communication strategy to effectively put together the right pieces. Working for an organization like the Culinary Union makes movement work especially fulfilling. It’s inspiring to see the immediate and long-term impact of our efforts. For instance, I’ve been part of campaigns that have taken decades to achieve – like making the Las Vegas Strip 100% unionized – and shorter campaigns, like a recent 69-day strike where workers took on a multi-billion dollar boss and won the best contract ever.  

For students considering this profession, know that while it’s not a 9-5 career, it’s deeply rewarding. Winning campaigns and movements have the power to change lives forever, and being part of that process from conception to victory is one of the most rewarding experiences. It’s a career where I’m still constantly learning, adapting, and finding ways to support organizing at every level.

Where did you spend most of your time on and around campus? What do you miss about your old haunts?

Most of my time was spent around University Avenue, between Sanford Hall, Dinkytown, and Annie’s Parlour, where my friends and I would grab a malt and fries. It was such a dynamic and vibrant area – a little village within the larger campus. What I loved most is the sense of community. Everywhere I went on campus, I’d run into someone I knew. It always felt like there was a connection waiting around every corner. That made campus life really special.

What's next? What are your personal/professional goals for the next five years?

In the next five years, my goal is to continue fighting for workers’ rights, holding powerful interests accountable, demanding what our community deserves - and winning. The work we’ve done at the Culinary Union – from taking on Big Pharma winning first in the nation drug transparency laws for diabetes and asthma, passing 100% COBRA health care coverage to help all workers in the country during the pandemic, and unionizing every casino on the Las Vegas Strip – has shown me what’s possible when workers organize and demand change. I want to ensure that Black and brown workers, immigrants, and women always have several seats at the table and that we continue to transform the landscape that we organize daily for future generations. It’s not a question of “if” working people will win – it’s a matter of “when.”

This story was edited by Sally Adams, an undergraduate student in CLA.