April 28, 2026 — In the words of the great John “Hannibal” Smith, the leader of the fictional A-Team, “I love it when a plan comes together!” I trust that you all enjoyed the celebrations of a powerful and productive Women’s “Herstory” month in March. For the Statewide Women’s Committee, March 2026 marked the successful achievement and execution of key goals.
Revitalizing and forming committees
I am beyond excited to report that the Region 1 and Region 5 committees met and began planning events for members. After the initial meeting at the end of January with the Statewide Committee members who expressed interest in activating/reactivating women’s committees in their regions, I received an email in March from Leslie Apacible, a Statewide Women’s Committee member and Council Leader of Division 399 (OTDA), who reached out to notify me that she was holding the first Region 5 Women’s Committee Meet and Greet on March 23. It was an honor to be asked to attend virtually as a guest speaker.
Subsequently, I contacted Kayla Mootry, a fellow Statewide Women’s Committee member and a training specialist at Buffalo Psychiatric Center, who had previously expressed interest in establishing a committee in her region. I am pleased to report that Ms. Mootry held the inaugural Region 1 Women’s Committee meeting at the regional office in Buffalo on April 7. Unfortunately, I was not available to attend that first meeting virtually, but I was there in spirit! Congratulations to Leslie and Kayla, as well as their Regional Coordinators and the participating members who attended each meeting, for their efforts and collaboration.
Don’t worry if you missed the first meetings, more are scheduled for June, and you can reach out to Leslie at Leslie.apacible@pef.org and Kayla at mootry0824@yahoo.com for more information on how to get involved.
Black women in labor history
At the beginning of March, the Assistant Downstate Co-Chair Alison Rissing and I attended Dr. Danielle Phillips Cunningham’s book talk at Rutgers Labor Education Center on Nannie Helen Burroughs and other Black women union organizers. Burroughs was an educator, orator, religious leader, civil rights activist, feminist, and businesswoman who fought for equal rights as well as opportunities for women beyond the duties of domestic housework.
The presentation emphasized the impact of Black women in labor history and union leadership, explored differences between white and Black feminists, and featured a panel of Black women authors and educators who shared insights into women’s studies, labor history, union leadership, and Black culture.
The Statewide Women’s Committee is excited to work with PEF’s Black Caucus of Professional, Scientific, and Technical members to further explore and discuss cultural and labor issues alongside panelist Dr. Chrystal Moulton, Associate Director of Collections at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, a division of the New York Public Library.
Make sure your membership information with the Black Caucus is current, so you receive the latest updates. If you need to update your contact information, reach out to Gwendolyn Culpepper Stevenson at GCulpepper@pef.org with the subject line “Update Membership.”
Pay equity in Queens
In recognition of Women’s History month, I was invited by the Office of the Borough President in Queens to participate with other female community leaders in a formal discussion to explore the current state of pay equity for women in Queens with Deputy Borough President Ebony Young.
During a one-on-one meeting with Young in February, we examined the ongoing issue where discussions about inequity happen frequently but rarely lead to lasting solutions, structured follow-up, or implementation. Drawing from her experience working on a project in Greenland, Deputy Borough President Young organized intentional, facilitated conversations with culturally specific groups, using carefully crafted questions to address obstacles to pay equity, cultural and power dynamics, safety, voice, and opportunities for advancement.
The Pay Equity Roundtable that I was invited to was held in March at the 82nd Street Academics in Jackson Heights and included Hispanic women leaders from Queens, who fielded questions covering topics such as the wage gap, occupational segregation, pay transparency, and employer accountability. Although we didn’t discuss every question, the session was lively, informative, and filled with laughter and meaningful exchanges about the needs and experiences of Hispanic women. I am excited about the next phases of this initiative and will provide updates moving forward.
Commission on the Status of Women
It was great to reconnect with the women union leaders from around the world who attended the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) as delegates who were tasked with engaging in UN policy debates and dialogue sessions.
The CWS is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. This year’s reception was held by AFT President Randi Weingarten with delegates from Education International and Public Service International. Unfortunately, I could not attend this year as a delegate because I was racing the Ironman 70.3 Triathlon in Little Elm, Texas. (Yes, I finished!)
Supporting tradeswomen
In keeping with the spirit of solidarity and support of fellow union sisters, I had the pleasure of supporting my sisters in the trade unions at the NYC Tradeswomen DeWalt Takeover in Townson, Maryland. The event brought together more than 200 inspiring tradeswomen from seven different states to close out Women in Construction week and Women’s History month. It was more than a gathering — it was a reminder of the strength, unity and opportunity within union trades.
The event was co-organized by Nikosa Barett from NYC Tradeswoman Meet Up and my Tradeswoman sister Thelma-Louis Fernandez, a Career Tech Education Instructor and Executive Board Member of Sheet Metal Workers Local Union No. 28, who was honored earlier in the week at the Labor Press Women in Labor Awards, along with PEF Membership Benefits Administrator Stephane McLean-Beathley.
What started as a response to women feeling isolated in the trades has grown into a powerful movement rooted in connection, mentorship and opportunity. I was honored to participate. I am also happy to report that I have been invited to speak at a panel discussion that will be held next month in New York City sponsored by the New York City Tradeswomen Meet Up. Please refer to this flyer for more information about the program.
Red Carpet for Social Justice
Lastly, it warms my heart to be able to report about a social justice event that members of the PEF Hispanic Committee and myself were able to financially collaborate, support and participate in called the Red Carpet for Social Justice. In honor of International Women’s Month, sisters from New York unions and community organizations hosted the Red Carpet for Social Justice at DC 37 Headquarters – The Terrace on Barclay in New York City.
This year’s theme, “Give to Gain — When Women Rise, We All Thrive,” reflected the shared commitment to women’s leadership, equity, and community empowerment. The Red Carpet for Social Justice, founded by 1199SEIU and now supported by more than 40 unions, community groups, and social justice organizations, has become a signature space for celebrating women’s voices, cultures, and contributions to the labor movement.
In 2024, the coalition’s persistent advocacy achieved a major statewide milestone: International Women’s Day was officially recognized as a commemorative holiday in New York. Building on this victory, the coalition continues to advocate for the day to become a paid holiday statewide.
We were invited to walk the red carpet as representatives of our native countries, each highlighting a specific social justice issue. Vivian Falto represented Puerto Rico, focusing on Diversity & Equity in the Workplace and Language Justice. Leticia Rivera represented the Dominican Republic, advocating for Worker Rights and Labor Justice. I represented Panama, addressing Workplace Violence. Altogether, 21 women participated, showcasing the diverse nations that form the coalition.
Just two and a half weeks after this year’s event, the coalition mourned the passing of its founder, Sister Minerva Solas, who led the Red Carpet for Social Justice Coalition. For nearly 60 years, she dedicated herself to organizing health care workers, strengthening communities, and championing dignity and respect for working people.
Minerva inspired leaders and was relentless in her pursuit of social justice. I feel privileged to have worked alongside her in the coalition and to have celebrated together at the March event. She was powerful, steadfast, and unwavering in her commitment to what was right. Her impact will endure within the coalition and among all those whose lives she touched throughout her remarkable career.
