School District: Miller Place

My Journey as Elected Local 870 President 

I have proudly served as the elected Local 870 President since 2009 and as the local secretary since 2005. Before this, I held the position of Miller Place unit president for one term, which paved my way to joining the local team. With six children and helping my husband with his business, I have learned the significance of work-life balance. I successfully negotiated a better contract for my school district, understanding that compassion and genuine concern for our CSEA dues-paying members are essential to effective leadership. 

I have participated in multiple CSEA-required constitutional training and educational sessions to deepen my understanding of how the Union operates. CSEA is a member-driven organization. Collaborating with the previous Region President as a elected Region one VP, I helped organize successful Region One conferences. Over my 20 years as Local President, my goal has been to continually educate myself and share the knowledge I have gained through the various trainings, events and committees, including: 

•  Statewide Education and Training Committee, Scholarship Committee, Standing Legal Committee 

• 40 Annual Delegate meetings 

• Numerous Women's conferences 

• Health and Safety conferences 

• Rallies and blitzes across Nassau, Suffolk, and New York State 

I have prioritized membership meetings to provide valuable information to every attendee, emphasizing the importance of understanding our union's structure and the many staff departments within CSEA that benefit our members. This knowledge is crucial for helping our members realize the vastness of our union. My proudest achievement has been negotiating an excellent unit contract and supporting unit officers and members in improving contract language that enhances their quality of life and retirement benefits in Miller Place where it all began for me. 

I draw inspiration from the officers who have supported me throughout the years and cherish the conversations I've had with officers from 68 units of Local 870. Though many things have changed over time, the essence of our union remains: members helping members and fostering a supportive environment. Despite facing challenges, I have stood firm, knowing that when you act with integrity, the truth will prevail. 

Advocating for CSEA Members for 30 Years

My active involvement in CSEA began in 1996, motivated by a desire to help improve people's workplace experiences and ensure that employees are treated with respect under our school district contracts. My favorite chant and expression is “Show some respect, put it in our check!” 

Under my leadership and collaboration with the organizing department, we received the Nadra Floyd Award for successfully organizing a unit that had left CSEA and then returned. This achievement marks a significant milestone in CSEA history. 

I am committed to organizing new members by sharing my experiences and highlighting the advantages of union membership. I make myself available to our members 24/7, providing guidance and support, particularly given the varied shifts in school districts. I ask for your support in voting for our slate to continue Local 870's great work. 

Let’s Keep The Momentum Going! 

Through the years, Over 40,000 members have participated in our past regional conferences, membership meetings, and member appreciation events, all under an open-door policy at the Medford office. By hosting training sessions, mandatory constitutional workshops, and engaging in direct conversations with members and officers to collaboratively solve problems, I find the most satisfaction. 

While the elected officers of Local 870 have changed over the years, my leadership approach has remained consistent across all the school districts we represent. I value every relationship, both past present, and future, I am particularly grateful for the new team of highly qualified, member-focused officers running with me on our Navarro Team State. Their support is essential and valuable to me. 

My greatest fulfillment comes from listening to and celebrating the accomplishments of every unit officer who dedicates time and effort to serve our members. I aim to empower those unit officers and appointees to effectively carry out the union's work. 

"My goal, yesterday, today, and tomorrow, is to replicate my leadership skills among school district leaders and encourage them to implement the same training I received, bringing it back to the membership."

We welcome the chance to continue the support that Local 870 has provided under our leadership over the years. Our local has hosted numerous educational and training workshops at our Medford office, held successful Eastwind conferences with 400-500 members in attendance each year, and organized open house meetings to present CSEA participating providers. We offer walk-in assistance for members, membership drives, and meetings for units to gather, as well as scholarship awards for graduating seniors from our school district members. 

I advocate for the strategies that ensure our members receive what they need and see the value in their dues. This includes educating them about CSEA staff and their roles in: 

• Legislative action 

• Organizing efforts 

• Education and training 

• Health and safety initiatives 

• Political action committees 

• Women's committees 

• Constitution and Bylaws committees 

• Legal standing committees 

• Veterans' committees 

• Retire seminars 

Over the years I have chaired many committees, and I am currently a member in various above committees, including the Statewide Scholarship Committee, School District Task Force Committee, and I continue to advocate for workplace violence which we achieved in getting school district employees included in this protection. This was a long fight but together with our Region One Health and Safety director who has recently retired. This action was won by our legislative involvement through political action. I continue to advocate for the part time members who need a reduction in dues which is getting the attention of our Statewide President. This is an ongoing topic that I will continue to be a voice for. 

I am excited for the next four years as your local president who listens, implements and takes action on your behalf. Together with our next set of Local officers, we ask for your continued support, and in order to do that we need your vote on May 21, so look for your ballot in your home mailbox. Please vote by checking the box for The Navarro Team. We are excited about new ideas and past successes to continue serving our 870 memberships of 6700, throughout Suffolk County, we have a spirt of teamwork that begins with our 870 leadership. Together, we succeed because of the Leadership TEAM that is “All in for our school district leaders and members"!         

LET’S GO! Vote for The Navarro Team to keep it going strong!