Current job title:
Professor of Writing and First-Year Studies, Stockton University
President, Council of New Jersey State College Locals
Locals:
Stockton Federation of Teachers (Local 2275)
Council of New Jersey State College Locals (Local 9997)
Union positions:
President, Council of New Jersey State College Locals (Local 9997)
President and chair, Stockton Federation of Teachers (Local 2275)
Executive vice president, Stockton Federation of Teachers (Local 2275)
Member, Stockton Federation of Teachers negotiating team (Local 2275)
Grievance officer, Stockton Federation of Teachers (Local 2275)
Secretary, Stockton Federation of Teachers (Local 2275)
Team PayDay Party co-chair, Stockton Federation of Teachers (Local 2275)
My union story:
I grew up in a union household, and I launched my first issue campaign in fifth grade when I wrote a petition to reinstate our elementary school student council and secured 300 signatures — a super majority. Though my campaign was ultimately unsuccessful and landed me in the principal’s office, I learned that everyday people can work toward change and that it’s far harder for those in power to ignore issues when hundreds of people stand for the same cause.
At Stockton University, I learned about and witnessed the power of the collective and solidarity when I had the privilege of studying with and being mentored by Anne Pomeroy and Rodger Jackson, initially as a first-generation college student and later as a new faculty member. Though I started my union leadership journey as a co-chair of SFT 2275’s notorious Team PayDay Party, a one-semester stint as secretary suddenly turned into an interim vice president position when our then-president had a medical emergency and the VP transitioned to president. As an untenured, second-year faculty member, I was organizing rallies on our campus and writing press releases as the CNJSCL battled the Chris Christie administration during statewide negotiations.
Once I saw and felt what it was like to materially improve the lives and livelihoods of my colleagues, there was no turning back.
Interests/hobbies:
I love poetry, hiking, yoga, snowboarding and cooking. I live in gratitude with my incredibly supportive and adventurous husband and my brilliant and fierce daughter.