Brandon Arreaga (he/him/his)

Brandon is an enrolled member of the Omaha (UmonHon) Tribe of Nebraska. He is also a descendant of Mexican heritage as his father is from Coahuila, Mexico, This makes Brandon a first generation Arreaga born in the United States. Brandon acknowledges and embraces both parents' Indigenous roots and strives to continuously learn more about his cultural identifies. 

Brandon had aspirations of a career in construction at an early age. However, societal constraints led him to a hard life revolving around gangs and violence. Brandon decided to turn his life around while being incarcerated at the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility. Through an education program to help inmates with job training, Brandon completed his first year of carpentry through an  Iowa Central Community College. Upon his release and completion, he became a member of North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters Local 948 in Sioux City, Iowa - which he is now the chair for a committee of apprentices.

Brandon has made remarkable strides towards rehabilitation as a recovering addict and alcoholic. He is not shy about sharing his story and hopes that it inspires and gives strength to anyone struggling with addiction and substance abuse. Brandon offers his time to the Residential Treatment Facility, a work release for Iowa's Third Judicial District and Rosencrance Jackson's inpatient treatment facilities. Brandon is a member of a 12-step program and involved with All Kings, a nonprofit organization that helps formerly incarcerated men learn leadership skills to become better successful men. Brandon began to volunteer with Great Plains Action Society which led him to Washington D.C. advocate for Union issues . through a partnership between United Today Stronger Tomorrow and Great Plains Action Society. As a father of three children, he is very passionate about positive transition from negative backgrounds and making influential contributions to his community in any way.