Wells
ALBANY — CSEA/VOICE Local 100A President Pam Wells is the recipient of the 2020 CSEA Danny Donohue Leadership Award for the Private Sector.
The award, which was set to be presented in October at CSEA’s 110 Annual Delegates Meeting, recognizes exceptional leadership among CSEA activists.
As a family child care provider, Wells knows the issues providers face and represents the collective voice of a network of CSEA-represented providers across the state.
The relationships Wells has built along the way are testament to her commitment to exceptionalism in child care, the value of family and advancing positive change.
“Children, families, people in general are my calling,” Wells said. “There is nothing more important to me than the relationships I build with people, no matter how young or old. There is nothing of greater value.”
Wells’ leadership in the family/child care field is well known. Her advocacy efforts on issues that include adequate funding, resources and access to quality child care for all families find her lobbying in the New York State Capitol and even the halls of Congress in Washington D.C.
Wells was recognized as the 2019 Champion for Children Early Childhood Leader award from the New York Association for the Education of Young Children (NYAEYC).
Pam Wells disinfects toys used in her day care program. (Photo provided by Pam Wells)
“Life is better when we help others; it brings warmth and happiness to experience the joy children express at their success,” Wells said. “Some families need help. If my skills can help create change for them to be stronger, this motivates me to continue. I want to share what was so freely given to me: respect, acceptance and security.”
I grew up in a perfectly imperfect family,” Wells said. “I was born [as]one of six children and learned young that life was not about me, but about us. You need to be willing to be part of a team, be accountable, and know when to be heard. This has helped me as a child care and union activist and with respect to our advocacy efforts.”
Wells serves on CSEA’s Standing Safety & Health & School Meeting Joint Committee, Board of Directors (Private Sector) and as Trustee to the CSEA Child Care Providers Trust Fund.
“This is an honor and privilege to receive this award,” Wells said. “It validates CSEA’s mission and the virtues that we work by to ensure the continued growth and strength of our union.”
— Therese Assalian
Above, from left, Tiffany M. Malone, CSEA/VOICE Erie-Niagara Chapter Representative; Heidi-Jo Brandt, CSEA/VOICE Ulster Chapter Representative; Pam Wells, CSEA/VOICE Local President and Diane Abrams, CSEA/VOICE Erie-Niagara Chapter Member. (file photo)
