Student Testimonial

Dear Donor, 

I hope this message finds you in good health. My name is Nissi Cantu, and I’m a dual-degree MPP/MBA candidate at Georgetown University. I’m reaching out because I’m deeply concerned about the challenges facing workers in the gig economy and the need for thoughtful regulation to address these issues. As this sector continues to grow and shape how we work, we have an incredible opportunity—and responsibility—to ensure it benefits everyone involved. 

The gig economy has transformed millions of lives by providing flexible work opportunities. Platforms like Uber, DoorDash, and Upwork have created a way for people to earn additional income or, for some, a full-time living. I’ve seen this impact firsthand in my hometown community as well as living in DC for the past three years That said, the rapid growth of the gig economy has also brought challenges that we can’t ignore. Workers who are classified as independent contractors often miss out on essential protections like health insurance or paid leave. At the same time, these platforms collect huge amounts of personal data, and workers rarely have any control over how it’s used. While I know regulating these platforms is complex, I believe we can strike a balance that ensures fairness without stifling innovation. 

Some of the changes I hope to see include:  

● Policies that provide gig workers with access to critical benefits while preserving the flexibility they value.  

● Stronger data privacy protections, ensure workers have more control over their personal information.  

● Greater transparency from platforms about how decisions—like pay rates and scheduling—are made.  

There’s already some great work happening in this space. Organizations like the National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) and the Aspen Institute’s Future of Work Initiative are advocating for solutions that address these issues. Supporting their efforts and collaborating with other leaders in this space could make a real difference. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I truly believe we’re at a pivotal moment where we can shape the gig economy into something that not only fuels innovation but also treats its workers with dignity and fairness. If you’d like to discuss this further, I’d be happy to connect. You can reach me at nc809@georgetown.edu. 

Sincerely,  

Nissi Cantu 

McCourt School of Public Policy & McDonough School of Business 

Georgetown University