Former Democratic campaign staffer Alaina Hampton has found a new job. The news comes on the heels of her settlement in a discrimination lawsuit against organizations tied to Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.
Hampton says she had struggled to find work after she brought harassment allegations against former Madigan aide Kevin Quinn. She accused Quinn of harassing her multiple times via text message.
"I’m just grateful to put this behind me," she said. "It has been certainly a very long three years, very traumatic and exhausting, and it's really nice to be able to put it in the past and move forward."
Hampton was hired by Washington, D.C.-based E Street Group, a national campaign consulting firm. She will open a Chicago-based Midwest office for the firm in January.
Partner Will Hailer said Hampton stood out.
“I think she has the unique ability to kind of dive right in with a campaign and assess what's working, what's not working, create strategic goals, and really drive home the ability for both candidates and causes to succeed,” he said.
E Street's clients include U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota. She is one of two Muslim women elected to Congress in 2018 and is a frequent target of presidential attacks.
Hampton said she will work on campaigns until the March primary, and then turn to women’s issues.
Meanwhile, Hampton also said she wants to start a foundation to pay for therapy for those who have dealt with workplace harassment or abuse.
She plans to build a network of therapists and trauma-informed yoga instructors and meditation leaders, and has started a meetup network through a support group in Chicago, which she hopes to take statewide.
"I'm working on just creating a safe space for people to come together and not have to feel so isolated," she said. "The goal there is to set up monthly wellness events ... essentially large group yoga, and a meeting space for people to come together and share their story. "
She has raised $25,000 for the foundation project so far and is planning for a February launch.
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