Our Voice, Our Power: CSEA Women’s Conference inspires, empowers members
SARATOGA SPRINGS — At our union’s recent Statewide Women’s Conference, hundreds of attendees learned how to use their voices to gain power and make positive changes in our union.
The biennial conference was organized by our union’s Standing Women’s Committee.
CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan, who also serves as the committee’s officer liaison, stressed that the Women’s Conference is member- driven, with the Standing Women’s Committee planning and executing the conference and its programs.
In accordance with the conference theme, “Our Voice, Our Power,” both plenary and breakout programs focused on helping union members find their voices and tell their stories.
“During the conference, we reflected on moments when women have used their voices to fight for and gain rights and effective change,” said Sullivan. “Now more than ever, it is important that we come together to use our voices to hold onto our protected rights and freedoms.”
Additional conference sessions included topics such as labor history, assertiveness, confidence building, public speaking, building a women’s committee, women veterans resources and wellness. Nearly all sessions were presented and moderated by women.
The Irene Carr Leadership Award was also presented to Western Region 2nd Vice President Sheri Ambuske for her extraordinary work on behalf of union members and her community.
Attendees also had the chance to meet with CSEA vendors to learn the latest resources and benefits available to CSEA members. Vendors also sponsored coffee hours and charging stations to give attendees a chance to recharge themselves and their devices.
— Janice Gavin
Images by Therese Assalian, Janice Gavin and Madison Ruffo