December 12, 2025 — The first half of this year presented significant challenges as we all adapted to changes under the new federal administration. The latter half of the year has been marked by growth, enhanced connections, and a strong commitment to caring for ourselves and one another.
I am pleased to share that the Statewide Women’s Committee (SWC) continues to expand its membership at a remarkable rate, now boasting 100 members. In addition to ongoing recruitment efforts, the committee is dedicated to supporting women’s committees across the various PEF regions. We assist with both the activation and reactivation of committees in areas seeking to renew their engagement. For those interested in contributing to these efforts, please contact me at Michele.Rosello@pef.org, providing your name and region. Kindly include “Women’s Committee Reactivation” in the subject line. A meeting is planned next month (January 2026) to organize and advance these initiatives.
July 2025 was quite eventful for the SWC. Every year, the United Association for Labor Education (UALE) Women’s Summer School of Unions and Worker Organizations sponsors four regional “women’s schools.” Downstate assistant chairperson Alison Rissing and I attended the 48th United Association for Labor Education Women’s Summer School of Unions and Worker Organizations, held at Cornell University in Ithaca in early July. This event provided an excellent chance to connect with women from various unions and expand the SWC’s network. The UALE Northeast Summer School for Union Women is an intensive five-day residential program designed to unite pro-labor women — including rank-and-file members, staff, and officers from unions and worker centers — to enhance their knowledge of both the American and global labor movements. The program aims to develop participants’ skills and prepare them to take on more active roles as union members and leaders.
As your chairperson, I had the pleasure of co-leading with Elizabeth Pellerito, the Director of Labor Education Program at UMass Lowell, the “Ella Baker” section during the morning sessions and Alison and I attended and participated in labor-related workshops in the afternoon. This year’s theme, “Love & Resistance: Building a New World,” encouraged participants to emphasize care, joy, and collective strength as crucial foundations for advancing liberation and justice. The opportunity to teach, facilitate, and empower women leaders has been a meaningful professional milestone for me. The SWC is actively fundraising to establish a scholarship that will support interested committee members in participating in this valuable leadership development experience. We are currently selling SWC T-shirts for $25 each. If you wish to purchase, please place your order via this page before Jan. 10, 2026.
The committee held its first membership meeting at the end of July, where members learned about plans for the remainder of the year and discussed creating an events calendar for 2026. Members were invited to share feedback and express their interests. One subject discussed was encouraging committee members to volunteer to attend coalition meetings that are affiliated with the SWC. Active committee members who are interested and available to attend coalition meetings should email Michele.Rosello@pef.org with “Coalition Meeting” in the subject line. I encourage all committee members to participate! Lastly, a review was conducted on possible topics for a SWC Leadership Conference in the future, along with a discussion about creating a proposal for a SWC podcast that would be made available to members.
Attending the AFT Civil, Human and Women’s Rights Conference, “We Are the Line: Fighting for a Better Life for All” in October of this year, provided another opportunity to expand the SWC’s network. Discussions were held about the rise of authoritarianism and how building bridges of solidarity strengthens the labor movement to defend our democracy. David Huerta, President of SEIU in California, discussed his arrest during a protest at an immigration raid in Los Angeles, while Evelyn DeJesus, Executive Vice President of AFT, described being racially profiled at the airport. It is inspiring to see their bravery and resolve in upholding what is right, especially during these challenging times.
Approximately 52 SWC members attended the 47th Annual PEF Convention in Lake Placid, in October and received a t-shirt reflecting the event’s theme, “Stronger Roots, Bolder Future.” We staffed a table in the vendor area, which provided an opportunity to engage with both current and prospective members from across all regions. Attendees were invited to participate in Women’s History Trivia and spin the wheel for prizes.
I would like to acknowledge and personally thank Regina Ng for her invaluable support in distributing survey applications to new members and facilitating the sale of raffle tickets for the Self Care and Cheer basket, which contributed funds toward the UALE Summer School Scholarship. Approximately 70 new members joined the committee through signups at the vendor table.
Additionally, to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the Region 8 Women’s Committee collaborated with the SWC to design and distribute a Breast Cancer Awareness Button to all delegates. The buttons were handed out to delegates at registration, highlighting the committees’ joint support for the cause. We hope you got yours.
The SWC Meet and Greet 2025 at Convention was also highly successful, attracting three first-time delegates. The event provided an intimate setting for existing and new committee members to convene over refreshments while Executive Council Members in attendance — Monica Moore, Upstate Assistant Chairperson, and Maureen Kozakiewicz, Treasurer — were introduced. Committee goals for the coming year were outlined, along with details about the UALE Union Women’s Summer School Scholarship. Jennifer Whitehead, a new committee member and first-time delegate, was the winner of the Self Care and Cheer Basket. Thanks to the committee members who participated despite other engagements on the same evening.
There is more work to do in the new year, and the SWC is dedicated to doing it with you! We will continue to fulfill our mission by supporting members of the committee and the PEF membership at large.