Page 6 - Work Force January 2025

CSEA activists prepared to LEAD the way
When it comes keeping our union strong, it is important to develop the skills of future CSEA leaders.
Recently, 41 CSEA activists from across the state completed the ninth class of
our union’s Leadership Education And Development (LEAD) Program, which helps prepare activists with the skills they need to continue to build and strengthen our union and the labor movement.
“Congratulations to
all of the activists who
completed our union’s
LEAD Program,” said
CSEA President Mary E.
Sullivan. “These activists
did a tremendous job
learning and honing
skills that will make
them leaders now and
for the future of CSEA.
LEAD requires a strong commitment
of applicants. The process is long and intense, but upon completion, LEAD graduates are even more prepared to help our union move forward together.”
The intensive, 12-month program was presented over five, weekend-long sessions. The participants completed numerous educational, interactive workshops on topics including union skills, team building, labor history, economic issues, social justice, public speaking and strategic planning.
Presenting the programs were CSEA staff from the Education and Training and several other departments, as well as representatives from AFSCME and other groups.
LEAD participants also completed assignment between sessions. Class members also created and implemented projects that not only built their local or unit, but the labor movement.
From left, former CSEA Director of Education and Training Kali Zervos, CSEA Special Assistant to the President Sharon Lovelady-Hall and CSEA Director of Education and Training Lauren Jackson.
CSEA Director of Legislative and Political Action Fran Turner gives a keynote speech at the graduation ceremony.
6 The Work Force
January 2025
Sullivan
LEAD Program graduates:
Bill Alund
Alicia Bodmer
Laura Bryant Charlene Carter Heather Christensen Terry Cirillo
James Coleman David Critelli
Nicole Davis Matthew Freyer Catalina Guzman Timothy Heyden Beverly Jean-Pierre Anita Johnson
Joseph Leggett
Patrick Liere
Kathleen Love
Onrae Love
Andrew Maroney
Valarie Massulik
Joyce Matthew
Victor Mendoza Fanysha McCray Christopher McGlinchey Melissa Norton
Marie Renee O’Neill Kristen Pizzirusso Sheri Porter
Jennifer Regg Kathy Romain Diana Rose
Holly Roth Celestine Scriven Mollie Soko
Ian Spencer
Sandra Suy Stephanie Teachman Cathrin Treonze Angela Vasquez Morris Ware Jr. Adrienne Waugh
From left, Finger Lakes DDSO Local 4th Vice President Catalina Guzman, on behalf of the LEAD class, express their appreciation for former CSEA Director of Education and Training Kali Zervos.
Top photo: The LEAD Program graduates pose for a group photo. (Photos by Joan Heffler)