Alí R. Bustamante Ph.D. & Valerie Bustamante

Ali R. Bustamante is an economist, educator, and children’s book author whose work bridges academic research, public policy, and storytelling. He became the first children’s book author published by Hard Ball Press after sharing a story he wrote for his son, Many & the Mango Tree, with publisher Timothy Sheard at a labor conference. Captivated by the tale’s message and heart, Sheard immediately offered to publish it—launching a new chapter in Ali’s mission to empower through words. His book emphasizes values of community, resilience, and justice—core themes that also shape his professional career.

Ali currently serves as Director of the Worker Power and Economic Security Program at the Roosevelt Institute. His previous roles include Chief Economist for the Louisiana Workforce Commission, Senior Research Associate for the Southern Economic Advancement Project (SEAP), and Principal at Impact Econ Research. He has also held academic appointments at the University of New Orleans, Florida International University, Loyola University New Orleans, and Miami Dade College, focusing on labor economics and social policy. His work explores how government can play a proactive role in shaping equitable markets, enhancing life outcomes, and restoring trust in democratic institutions.

A strong advocate for policies that address systemic inequality, Ali pushes for public options, conditional public investments, and stronger regulatory frameworks as tools to improve both economic growth and equity. His insights into labor markets, public policy, and racial and regional disparities have been featured in major media outlets including The New York Times, CNN, NPR, USA Today, Forbes, Barron’s, and The Miami Herald. Across all his endeavors—whether academic, economic, or literary—Ali Bustamante remains committed to creating a future where every person, regardless of background, has the freedom and opportunity to thrive.