A New Chapter

Time for some big news!

I'm excited to share that I have accepted a position as the Organizing Director with the Rutgers Council of AAUP Chapters. I will be leaving CWA at the end of this month and starting my new position on December 1.  There are no words to describe all of what I'm feeling as I prepare for this big step, but I'll do my best.

I cannot wait to join the already incredible union building being done by members and leaders at Rutgers and NJIT. I have watched their work from afar and knew as soon as the position was posted that it is where I wanted to be in the Labor Movement right now. Not only that, but this move brings me back full circle to my alma mater in a role that I never would have imagined when I first stepped onto the Rutgers College campus and into Brett Hall. 

In my room at Brett Hall 

While a lot has changed in my life (and on that campus) since then, my new office will be two doors down from the house I shared with 5 other incredible Rutgers women during our final 2 years at RU. Even after 25 years, there are still familiar glimpses as I take this step, and I am thankful for those. It really does feel like I am coming home and I know that Joe - who helped me move into Brett Hall as a freshman - would have been happy to see it.

Graduation Day 2000

My 25 years in CWA have been special to me. I have met some of the most impactful people of my life through our Union. My son was raised as a CWA baby, attending his first rally in utero at the NJ Statehouse in May 2010 as well as many more since then. 

Baby's first union rally - May 2010

Verizon strike - August 2011

During my time with CWA, I have been through many highs and many lows, learning the meaning of true solidarity each step of the way. Most importantly, tens of thousands of workers have tangibly improved their lives as a result of the work I have had the privilege of supporting over the years.

Essex Arc organizing - December 2003

While I have enjoyed the mix of organizing work I've done with our International Union, CWA Local 1037 will always be my home. I know that I am where I am today because of the kick ass leaders, members, and staff of that Local. Hetty Rosenstein saw something in me at 24 years old that I hadn't yet seen in myself and she poured herself into mentoring me. She taught me that doing the right thing is the most important thing (even when it costs you) and she modeled the power and importance of leadership development - lessons I have carried with me for decades as an organizer and union staffer.

Power of Women in the Labor Movement - March 2018

I am thankful that in my current position I've been able to continue doing consequential work with Local 1037 and the Local's community partner New Jersey Communities United in organizing childcare workers throughout the state. Workers, parents, and community members are doing big things fighting for affordable, high quality childcare for all and I can't wait to see what's next as they keep organizing! 

Leaving my official role with CWA is hard exactly because of this critical work and the deep relationships that drive it. CWA members who are fighting for justice on the job will always have my chanting voice, my walking feet, and my heart. Thankfully, I know that no matter where I end up, I will forever find love and solidarity anytime I am back with my 1037 and NJCU family. 

It is time for me to take the next step in my organizing work. In this new position, there is room for me to lead and grow and I have deeply appreciated the enthusiasm shown to me as I agreed to take it on. I am looking forward to a new challenge and to being surrounded by a spirit of solidarity and collaboration as we take on big fights together. It's more important now than ever and I feel uniquely prepared for this step in this moment. Much love to all of you who have supported me through the hard times over the last 25 years and helped clear the way for this opportunity for me. 

When you know, you know, and this one is a no doubter.