Page 4 - Work Force March 2025

President Mary E. Sullivan in touch with
Wor k Force
CSEA women influence labor history
BRYAN MILLER
Wor k Force ISSN 1522-1091
Official publication of
CSEA Local 1000, AFSCME, AFL-CIO 143 Washington Ave. Albany, NY 12210-2303
Mary E. Sullivan, President
Director of Communications and Publisher
MATHEW L. CANTORE
Deputy Director of Communications
JANICE GAVIN
Editor
JASON D. HOSIER
Graphic Production Specialist
SAGE POHLMANN
Graphic Production Specialist
BOBBY COMPANI
Digital Content Coordinator
JOELLE LUCENTE
Communications Assistant
Communications Specialists:
Long Island Region:
WENDI BOWIE
(631) 462-0030
Metropolitan Region:
DAVID GALARZA
(212) 406-2156
Southern Region:
JESSICA LADLEE
(845) 831-1000
Capital Region:
THERESE ASSALIAN
(518) 782-4400
Central Region:
NICHOLAS NEWCOMB
(315) 728-3375
Western Region:
VACANT
(518) 257-1270
Headquarters:
JILL ASENCIO
(518) 257-1276
The Publications Committee:
Chris Vogel, Chair Karen Bright
Tim Finnigan
Kathleen Rider Marnie Rounds John Wagner
The Work Force (USPS 0445-010)
is published monthly by
The CSEA Publication Office:
143 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12210. Periodical Mail Postage paid at
Post Office, Albany, New York 12288, and additional mailing offices.
Postmaster: Send address changes to: CSEA, Attn: Membership Department, 143 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12210
Readers: Send any comments, complaints, suggestions or ideas to: Publisher, The Work Force
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cseany.org
4 The Work Force
March 2025
The
TCSEA Family,
hroughout March, CSEA celebrates Women’s History Month, when we honor the contributions of women to our nation, culture, and labor movement. Understanding labor history and sharing our stories is essential, as the fight for equity continues. Looking at our union’s own history, there are influential women who have moved CSEA forward.
Beulah Bailey Thull became CSEA’s first woman president in 1934. While she served in the position for one year, she has a rich history in the labor and women’s rights movements. Thull was an active campaigner for women’s suffrage and co-founded the League of Women Voters of New York State. Thull’s leadership extended to national politics, where she served as a speechwriter for President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Irene Carr, who served as CSEA’s Statewide Secretary for 17 years, was a trailblazer in advocating for women’s
rights and workplace equality. She started our union’s first Women’s Committee and chaired the AFSCME Women’s Advisory Committee. She fought for training and
job advancement opportunities, pay equity for women and minorities and child care centers for state employees. In her honor, CSEA established the Irene Carr Leadership Award, which is presented to members
who demonstrate outstanding leadership
in defending and furthering the rights of
women and minorities in the workplace. Flo Tripi, who served as our union’s Western Region President for 18 years,
was a friend of mine who dedicated her
life to our union and fighting for workers’ rights. Known for her boundless energy and unwavering commitment to the
labor movement, Flo’s impact was felt far beyond the Western Region. Her leadership and advocacy helped shape policies that improved the lives of countless public sector employees. Flo’s legacy continues to inspire women in labor and beyond.
Honoring and remembering Beulah, Irene and Flo’s contributions, along with the many other women who have held leadership roles in CSEA is important for our union’s growth. As a union, we look to build on this foundation they laid before us with our upcoming CSEA Women’s Conference, themed “Collective Power, Collective Progress.”
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering the next generation of union women, ensuring their voices continue to shape CSEA’s future.
In Solidarity,
Mary E. Sullivan, President