{"id":1388,"date":"2022-04-11T10:56:51","date_gmt":"2022-04-11T14:56:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/?p=1388"},"modified":"2022-04-12T16:52:33","modified_gmt":"2022-04-12T20:52:33","slug":"everyday-pef-heroines-pef-statewide-womens-committee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/issue\/volume-40-no-3\/everyday-pef-heroines-pef-statewide-womens-committee\/","title":{"rendered":"Everyday PEF Heroines Recognized"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1241 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/EverydayH.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/EverydayH.jpg 300w, https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/EverydayH-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/03\/EverydayH-125x125.jpg 125w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>For the second year in a row, during Women\u2019s History month in March, PEF recognized and celebrated female members who have demonstrated significant accomplishments or leadership. Members were asked to nominate women in the union\u2019s ranks who have demonstrated at least one of the following qualities:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Leadership<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Service and community engagement<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Key characteristics of a leader<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Committed to diversity, equity and inclusion<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Continued support of union values<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Women\u2019s History Month was established by Congress in 1987 to address the fact that, \u201cthe role of American women in history has been consistently overlooked and undervalued in the body of American history\u201d and that to remedy this \u201cthe President is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe such month with appropriate ceremonies and activities.\u201d (Public Law 110-9) In his 1987 proclamation, President Ronald Reagan stated: \u201cI call upon all Americans to mark this month with appropriate observances to honor the achievements of American women.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The following PEF members were honored and recognized. Included below their title and agency is a quote from the individual who nominated them.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Melissa Mead<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Disability Analyst 3<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">OTDA<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8220;Melissa had such a strong work ethic and knew the value of her Union. Up until COVID, she drove herself to work nearly every day, as her health permitted, and was faithful and dedicated to the state of New York. She also documented her own end of life. One message simply stated, \u2018It\u2019s not COVID.\u2019\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Gina Lopez<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Parole Officer<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">DOCCS<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8220;Gina is the division leader for New York State parole. She has really shined over the past year as a vocal advocate for the needs of officers and the parolees on their caseloads. Gina has traveled the state, engaging members in organizing and advocacy work through rallies and media campaigns to raise awareness around the Less Is More reform legislation.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Randi DiAntonio, PEF Vice President<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Licensed Master Social Worker<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">OPWDD<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cRandi has been a constant support of the PEF members. She is always available if there is a problem. She is committed to helping all PEF members.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Leslie Huston<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Parole Officer<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">DOCCS<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cPO Huston demonstrates the qualities of a leader on a daily basis. She selflessly teaches, coaches and mentors anyone who crosses her path. She is always observant and looking out for a fellow parole officer who may be having a bad day.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Nora Higgins<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Teaching and Research Center Nurse 2, Region 12 Coordinator<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stony Brook Hospital<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cShe goes above and beyond every day in all she does. Nora shows her commitment by the actions she takes. She talks the talk and walks the walk. We are fortunate to have such a wonderful and committed person in our union.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Shaquana Perry<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Recreation Worker<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">OMH<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cShe runs a nonprofit for those in need and is always working in her community to make it better.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Carmen Pimentel<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Teaching and Research Center Nurse 2<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Downstate Medical Center<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cCarmen is a true and compassionate nurse at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn. She sees to it that all the patients in her unit receive excellent care. She supports her staff and makes good decisions. She\u2019s diligent and hardworking.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Lasoria<\/span><\/b> <b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Thomas<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Teaching and Research Center Nurse 3<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Downstate Medical Center<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cA leader is a person who directs the group of nurses she works with to become the best nurses they can be without judgment. Mrs. Thomas demonstrates this quality every day at work.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Muriel Hardy-Lee<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Social Work Assistant 3, PEF Trustee<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">OPWDD<\/span><\/b> <span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cMuriel is our union rep and is always advocating for our rights as well as hers. They have tried to cut into her union hours, and she stands up to the administration and never is unavailable to fight for us. She gets things done like no one I have ever seen in her position.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Michelle Carter<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Addictions Counselor 3<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">OASAS<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cMichelle served as a shop steward and council leader, and with the support of leadership was able to advocate and execute a plan for the safety of PEF members to include a safe enclosed nursing station.\u00a0 Nurses were acknowledged and team meetings were held. She advocates for social justice and supports the team.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Jenny Blake<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Nurse 2 Psychiatric<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">OASAS<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cJenny has poured her creativity into the Bronx ATC by her acts of kindness and appreciation by honoring Black History Month, Womenswear Month, Nurses Month, all holidays and creating billboards for members that we have lost throughout the years. She takes the lead in these projects that allow the agency and visitors alike to see the commitment to service and how proud she is to be a person of service.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Carmela Triolo<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Standards Compliance Analyst 2<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">OMH<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cCarmela is steadfast, persistent and committed in her work as our PEF Steward. She is always available to answer questions, offer support and seek answers. Many colleagues are hesitant to speak up for fear of adverse reactions from management. Carmela speaks for them and is courteously persistent even when she is not treated respectfully.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Geraldine Stella<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Director, PEF Health &amp; Safety Department<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cGeraldine is committed to making significant changes in DOCCS facilities to make them safer for all employees. She is 100% dedicated to the union mission and goes above and beyond the scope of her duties to guide and assist employees who require help.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Leisa Abraham <\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Psychologist 2, Region 3 Coordinator<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">OPWDD<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cLeisa is hardworking, honest and committed to our union &#8211; she is focused and dedicated to improving the lives of the members of Region 3 and the individuals with developmental disabilities that she serves.\u00a0 Leisa has delivered masks and goodie bags to our frontline heroes, met with members to encourage them to become stewards at the School for the Blind, and set up appreciation and letter-signing events at all work sites.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Pam Cockle<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Supply Chain Manager<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Allegany County Employees<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cPam has represented her members at Allegany County Employees as their Council Leader for many years. She has proven to be exceptionally adept at contract enforcement and our grievance procedure. Pam holds regular local LM meetings and is fearless in asserting right over wrong.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Shelby Wisneski<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Social Work Assistant 3<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">OPWDD<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cShelby represents our OPWDD members as a Council Leader across multiple regions. She holds regular meetings and promotes PEF&#8217;s values and keeps her members informed. She is a leader who knows how to follow through.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Jennifer Bradt<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Nurse Administrator<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">OPWDD<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cI have known Jennifer for a long time as I first met her at a Region 3 nurse meeting which she chaired. Her Leadership abilities were apparent then and I was impressed with her professionalism and the respect that the 100+ nurses bestowed upon her that day.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Erica Pandolfo<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Senior Attorney<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">OPWDD<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cMs. Pandolfo is a strong advocate for self-determination and supported decision making for people with developmental disabilities. She is passionate about ensuring safe transitions from special education to appropriate adult services for individuals entering into our service system.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Susanne \u201cShoshana\u201d Stein<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Management Specialist<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">DOH<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cShoshana is a great supervisor. I just started at the state and she&#8217;s been fundamental to finding my place in the agency. Not just for me, either &#8211; everyone I&#8217;ve worked with has told me how lucky I am to be working under her. She&#8217;s always been upfront and clear, and she&#8217;s made coming to work a real pleasure.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Nilima Chokshi<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dietitian 2<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">OMH<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cShe leads and encourages every person in our department and other departments to be a team to improve quality of service for our patients. She has been at RPC for almost 30 years, and it shows how deeply she cares about our patients and staff\/peers caring for those patients.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Elizabeth Morrisey<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Temporary Assistance Specialist 2<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">OTDA<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cShe has shown a leadership role in spite of the lack of a speech supervisor for over a year.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Vivian Falto<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Associate in Education Children with Disabilities<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">SED<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cVivian has worked tirelessly with local PEF leaders at the Shirley Chisholm Bldg. in Region 11 to fight for health and safety concerns of our members across multiple agencies. As a result, PEF has put together a team of activists and staff who are organizing and improving the work environment for everyone.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Renee Schemitz<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Social Work Supervisor 1 LCSW<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">OMH<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cShe is always the one to help and get down and dirty when needed. She values her staff with understanding and during the pandemic she made sure staff was always safe. She is not only a great leader, but also always there for clients as well as staff.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Amy Bonner<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Senior Recreation Therapist<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">OASAS<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cAmy has been a vocal advocate in her workplace. She stands up for her coworkers to be treated with fairness and respect. She took the lead on coordinating her colleagues in forming their own division to ensure they\u2019d be better represented at the local level with management.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Michele Silsby<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Senior Case Manager, Region 1 Coordinator<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Roswell Park<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cAs the Region 1 Coordinator, Michele has exemplified leadership. Michele uses her leadership skills to advance the mission of PEF and women within the region. She never hesitated to start the region\u2019s Women\u2019s Committee and is committed to preserving the memory of our fallen sister, Judy Scanlon.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Darlene Williams<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Occupational Therapy Assistant 2, PEF Vice President<\/span><\/b><br \/>\n<b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">OMH<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cDarlene is serving her first term as Vice President and second term as Contract Chair.\u00a0 The value of these two roles scream leadership. Our Vice President is a hardworking union sister, and she deserves all the accolades.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For the second year in a row, during Women\u2019s History month in March, PEF recognized and celebrated female members who have demonstrated significant accomplishments or leadership. Members were asked to&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":1389,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"division":[],"allowed_regions":[],"allowed_divisions":[],"class_list":["post-1388","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","issue-volume-40-no-3"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.6 (Yoast SEO v27.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Everyday PEF Heroines Recognized - PEF Communicator<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/issue\/volume-40-no-3\/everyday-pef-heroines-pef-statewide-womens-committee\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Everyday PEF Heroines Recognized\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"For the second year in a row, during Women\u2019s History month in March, PEF recognized and celebrated female members who have demonstrated significant accomplishments or leadership. 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