Candidates for Area Board of Director
Update: see the results
For Board of Director positions, the three NEA candidates and the one AFT candidate with the most votes are elected. There are no run-offs. Elections for Area Chairs, if needed, will be held during the Second Round.
Note Candidate photos, flyers, statements, and links are now all added. Candidate statements/flyers are not UTLA’s statements/flyers. UTLA does not edit, censor, or endorse any of them.
Contested
2022-2023 North Area
NEA UTLA Board of Director
Rebecca Solomon
North Area has been my home for more than half of my 24 years in LAUSD and is where my kid attends school. The North team of Jasmine Wang, Jessica Rodarte, and Chris Wenell has worked over the last years to build a powerful participatory union. We are asking for your vote as we continue our focus on racial and social justice and strong school site chapters capable of fighting for member rights and community needs. In North, I have worked hard in our team to bring in more new chapter chairs and to support the building of CAT teams. Our area prides itself in member engagement, power, and leadership… and it shows in every meeting and space.
With your support, the Unity and Strength Team will continue to build a powerful organizing union that can win what students, communities, and educators need in this contract fight and beyond! Vote for Jasmine Wang for North Area Chair! Vote for the whole US Team - including Rosa Jimenez for Secondary Vice President and Denisha Jordan for Treasurer.
Chris Wenell
Your vote is an honor and a strong choice. I’m prepared to continue leading in North Area with Jasmine Wang, Jessica Rodarte, and Rebecca Solomon. Our team is diverse, organic, and experienced. We have worked hard to promote openness, fairness, and responsiveness in North Area.
I'm K-12 LAUSD with an IEP since 1st grade. I speak deftly from the perspective of a black man whose achievements in education and on the job have all been hard-won challenges. In addition, I also draw from my payroll and human resources experience in the legal industry to connect with and support members.
I explicitly model bridge building between Black, Brown, and Asian communities. Together we can protect teacher rights, counter misguided administrative initiatives, and reinforce our benefits.
Chapter chair has always been my most critical role in UTLA, working to harmonize relations between teachers and admin at schools.
Please vote Team US-- Jasmine Wang for Area Chair, Rosa Jimenez, and Denisha Jordan.
AFT UTLA Board of Director
Mark Ramos
I am a proud UTLA educator of 14 years and have been the North Area AFT Director for the last 6 years – up to and through the 2019 strike. I hope to have the honor of being re-elected to serve through this current contract fight! I was a UTLA chapter chair for 9 years on the Contreras and Roybal campuses, fought RIFs, am now at Franklin HS, and serve on the UTLA bargaining team. I have the honor of working closely with talented North Area cluster leaders and chapter chairs. I am also a proud LAUSD parent to a 2nd grader in North Area.
Before becoming a teacher, I was a full-time union organizer for 2 years in California, Minnesota, and Florida. I was also a community organizer in North Area’s Filipinotown and NELA neighborhoods for 15 years. I deeply care about the union, I work hard, and I have the experience to do the job well.
I hope to further strengthen our union alongside an experienced team: Alex Orozco for Secondary VP and Gloria Martinez for Treasurer!
Jasmine Z. Wang *
I'm a 9th year secondary social studies teacher at Downtown Magnets HS and current North Area Board of Director, cluster leader, and CAT member. Beyond being an educator and union leader, I am also a single mother of an LAUSD pre-teen, daughter of immigrants, Students Deserve organizer, and LAUSD graduate. Because of my background, this fight is deeply personal in that the fight for educators is also a fight for our kids. I put in the work to organize my son’s elementary school against co-location, organized my school site for the strike, and am now organizing clusters in North area. With the North Area and Citywide Unity and Strength team, I’m excited to continue the transformation of UTLA towards racial and social justice, building school site power, advocating for public education, and educator support and well being as the future North Area Chair and BOD.
I have worked with and learned tremendously from the passionate advocacy and organizing of Rosa Jimenez and Denisha Jordan!
2022-2023 East Area
NEA UTLA Board of Director
Yolanda Tamayo
Re-Elect UTLA East Area Board of Directors!
Working together to:
- Continue to support all East Area members at all school sites.
- Work with UTLA leadership on the strategic plan to continue standing strong and focused on our set goals.
- Be present at all Board of Directors, House of Reps, PACE, and Area meetings to keep all members informed!
- Work alongside Eastside Padres to organize parents and community members who support public education.
- Continue to work alongside and keep elected LAUSD School Board members accountable.
- Meet regularly with Region 4 East leadership to bring our issues to the local superintendent.
- Most importantly, listen to and be the voice of UTLA East Area members!
Re-Elect UTLA East Area. Board of Directors!
Working together to:
- Continue to support all East Area members at all school sites.
- Work with UTLA leadership on the strategic plan to continue standing strong and focused on our set goals.
- Be present at all Board of Directors, House of Reps, PACE, and Area meetings to keep all members informed!
- Work alongside Eastside Padres to organize parents and community members who support public education.
- Continue to work alongside and keep elected LAUSD School Board members accountable.
- Meet regularly with Region 4 East leadership to bring our issues to the local superintendent.
- * Most importantly, listen to and be the voice of UTLA East Area members!
Olegario Maravilla
My name is Olegario Maravilla. I have been a teacher for more than 28 years. In that time, I’ve taught special education and dual-language instruction classes, have worked in administration and as a parent coach, and have served on the UTLA House of Representatives.
I am proudly running for the NEA Board of Directors, East Area, I remain committed to addressing the issues that our members’ find most important. We are all aware of the intrinsic value that our members bring to public education, and as such, members’ needs must be chief among our priorities. I aim to do just that.
I am also running to not only represent NEA, but to strengthen and unify our coalition of members, parents, and students around our shared goals and values. Specifically, we must ensure that schools have the resources they need to succeed, such as counselors, psychologists, PSAs, and librarians.
I look forward to your vote for Board of Directors.
Adrian Tamayo *
Re-Elect UTLA East Area Board of Directors!
Working together to:
- Continue to support all East Area members at all school sites.
- Work with UTLA leadership on the strategic plan to continue standing strong and focused on our set goals.
- Be present at all Board of Directors, House of Reps, PACE, and Area meetings to keep all members informed!
- Work alongside Eastside Padres to organize parents and community members who support public education.
- Continue to work alongside and keep elected LAUSD School Board members accountable.
- Meet regularly with Region 4 East leadership to bring our issues to the local superintendent.
- Most importantly, listen to and be the voice of UTLA East Area members!
Antoine Taylor
Hello Dear Colleagues. It would be an honor to serve on the Board of Directors for the East Area. I have served both as a student and teacher for LAUSD. I am passionate about helping students in every capacity including special education, English learners, students experiencing homelessness, and minority students. I have experience as a Chapter Chair, served as a member of the House of Representatives, School Site Council, and LSLC.
As an elected member of the Board of Directors, I will fight to ensure their is comprehensive mental health support for teachers and students, provide teacher-led professional development for all educators, build a more inclusive and democratic UTLA("representation and collaboration"), ensure necessary support for Special Education teachers and students, and uplift the voices and experiences of our Early Education teachers.
I look forward to serving students and teachers alike if given then opportunity. I ask for your vote for Board of Directors.
2022-2023 West Area
NEA UTLA Board of Director
Noah Lippe-Klein
My name is Noah Lippe-Klein. I am a teacher at Dorsey HS, a member of Students Deserve, on UTLA’s Racial Justice Task Force, and on UTLA’s Bargaining Team.
I am fully committed to the fight for racial justice, helping our schools fight against charter co-locations, removing bad administrators, expanding mental health supports for our students, and building power among our 35,000 members so Carvalho is forced to concede to us around our contract demands, our health benefits fight and our broader vision for schools and communities.
I want to be part of building campaigns and organizing with you.
Please vote for: Marie Germaine, Jennifer Villaryo, Stacey Yakimowich and myself for West Area Board of Directors.
Also, please join me in voting for Cecily and the entire Unity and Strength Team:Cecily Myart-Cruz - President
Georgia Flowers Lee - NEA
Julie Van Winkle - AFT
Maria Miranda - Elementary
Rosa Jimenez - Secondary
Jennifer McAfee - Secretary
Denisha Jordan - TreasurerMarie Germaine
My name is Marie Germaine. I am an Autonomous Schools Coach, NBCT, and mentor teacher. I taught at Baldwin Hills Elementary for 23 years and served as chapter chair for 17 years. I am a UTLA Board Member and on the CTA State Council. The fight against co-location at BHE led me to organize parents, community members and teachers into a collective body that is Neighbors in Action for Baldwin Hills Elementary School. I am committed to building power in our schools and communities.
I am in this fight to win our BRP!I am looking forward to serving the members of UTLA for the 2023-2026 term!
Please vote for: Jennifer Villaryo, Stacey Yakimowich, Noah Lippe-Klein and myself for West Area Board of Directors.
Please join me in voting for the entire Unity & Strength team!
- Cecily Myart-Cruz - UTLA President
- Georgia Flowers Lee - NEA VP
- Julie Van Winkle - AFT VP
- Maria Miranda - Elementary VP
- Rosa Jimenez - Secondary VP
- Jennifer McAfee - Secretary
- Denisha Jordan - Treasurer
Ebony L. Batiste
I am running for West Area Board of Director. My mother was a teacher in Valley West and was a part of UTLA. She understood then that representation matters. The Board of Directors is more than just who runs your area meetings once a month on Wednesdays. It’s a part of a larger group of UTLA members who are the fiduciary body of our union. Out of the 50 BOD members, only a few are African-American. I believe, as did my mother, that representation matters. You know the old saying, "If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu." I want to continue to support teachers with bully principals, knowing the Ed Code and our contract inside and out. For 7 months I’ve been fighting for you as a member of the Bargaining Team. As the Prof Rights Cmte chair, being newly appointed to the Cmte of Credentials with the CTC, along with my work with the NEA, CTA, HOR, and the PACE EBoard, my board experience will be a valuable asset to our union. I want to be that voice that represents the teacher!
I am an 18 year educator with 15 years teaching in elementary school and chapter chair for 3 of those years. I have been a salary point adviser for 3 years. I have been on the West area Board of director team for 8 years combined and am excited to take the experience I have, along with my team of Noah Lippe Klein, Marie Germaine and Stacey Yakimowich into being the area chair for west area!
I have had the opportunity to serve in UTLA in many ways including, board of director, PACE Committee, hiring committees, grievance review committee, CTA budget committee, the bargaining team, CTA human rights cadre trainer and have been awarded the WHO award, CFT Pride of the Union Award as well as the unsung hero award.
I am committed to building power in our schools and communities, fighting for racial justice and continuing to organize our union to transform education in Los Angeles and with our co-conspirators around the globe. Please vote for Noah, Marie, Stacey and me, Jennifer Villaryo2022-2023 Central Area
NEA UTLA Board of Director
Christina Johnson
My name is Christina Johnson, I’ve been teaching in the Los Angeles Unified School District for the last seven years and have been a UTLA House of Representatives member for the last 4 years. This is my first year outside of the classroom as an instructional coach. I'm running to be a Board of Directors member for the Central Area because I know there are other educators like me that don't feel like their voice is being heard, they don't feel like they have a seat at the table, and they don't feel like they are being represented in our union. I want to be that representation for folks who not only look like me but feel like me. As your area rep, I will fight to:
- ensure comprehensive mental health support for teachers and students.
- provide teacher-led professional development to all educators.
- build a more inclusive and democratic UTLA.
- ensure necessary support for Special Education teachers and students.
- uplift the voices and experiences of our Early Education teachers.
David Feldman
My name is David Feldman and I am running for Central Area Board of Directors. It would be an honor to serve UTLA members in The BOD. I believe that the members of our union will not only save LAUSD but help the district thrive. UTLA must fight for our members not only on a citywide level but at the school site level as well. We must push for a great contract but also uplift members so we can defend our rights at our workplaces. UTLA must inform members on how to defend their day to day rights on issues such as sick days, discipline policy, and strengthening Local School Leadership Councils. I believe that if we are able to show our members the value of UTLA on bread and butter matters the rank and file will unite and fight for social justice in our schools in all of LAUSD. I believe in the potential and power of UTLA and I want to help us become an even better union!
Linda Cardwell
I meet the qualifications for the Office of UTLA Board Member. Currently, I serve on the UTLA House of Representatives, and I have been an active member of UTLA for over 20 years. I have served in the capacity of UTLA Vice-Chapter Chair, and now I am serving as Chapter Chair. I have served, and I continue to serve on the Central Area Steering Committee. I have been a Central Area Cluster Leader for about 8 years. Various times, I have served on the UTLA Leadership Conference Committee, and I have served as a volunteer at different Leadership Conferences. City, state, and Federal leaders have recognized my commitment to education. I have received many awards and certificates from members of Congress and from State Representatives for my dedication to encourage, to motivate, and to inspire youth to succeed. UTLA honored me last year with the Unsung Hero Award. Leaders have told me that I make our Union and our communities strong. I meet the Bord of Directors qualifications.
Anibal Avila-Hernandez
My name is Anibal Avila-Hernandez and it has been an honor to serve as UTLA-Central Director for the last three years. I have also served as chapter chair at Normandie Elementary School for 5 years. I served both the House of Representatives and UTLA-Central steering committee for 4 years. As a director, I have worked with the rest of the UTLA-Central area team consisting of Stacie Webster, Claudia Rodriguez and Mark Muskrath to get rid of difficult principals. I’ve supported schools and members by building empowering structures such as Chapter Action Teams and Local School Leadership Councils. Additionally, myself along with the rest of the UTLA-Central team have made it a priority to be the voice of UTLA-Central members and to put UTLA-Central first. If elected, my priority is to continue to work as a team to establish structures at the school sites that will further empower members.
I urge all my colleagues in UTLA-Central to also vote for Claudia Rodriguez and David FeldmanClaudia Rodriguez
I Claudia Rodriguez, have taught in LAUSD for 29 years in K-5 grades and began to serve as vice-chair and later chapter chair since 2010. In 2016 I joined UTLA Central Area's Steering team and began working alongside previous Central Area directors. I have served as Director for the last 6 years and during this time is has been our goal to build "Central Area's Voice" by building, organizing, and strengthening each school site in Central. It has been an honor to represent and currently serve on the UTLA Leadership Conference Committee, House of Reps, the UTLA Constitution Committee, UTLA Budget Committee, Who Awards Committee, and this year's 2022 Bargaining team. At the state and national levels, I serve as a representative member of NEA, CTA and CFT. There is still much to do and I look forward to continuing to build, organize, strengthen, alongside our Central Area team.
Vote for Stacie Webster, Claudia Rodriguez, Anibal Hernandez and David Feldman!2022-2023 Valley East Area
NEA UTLA Board of Director
Nicole Patin
As a more than twenty year proud and enthusiastic member of UTLA, I have experienced the immense power our unity has created, and benefitted from the guidance and support of the amazing leaders who have encouraged me to seek leadership myself. I am Chapter Chair for over eighty 80 members, started our Local School Leadership Council, and helped lead us in our historic 2019 strike. Additionally, I serve in the House of Representatives, VE Steering Committee, PACE Committee, and our Expanded Bargaining Team. The education and insight I have gained are empowering and inspire me to seek your vote to serve as NEA Board of Director for Valley East. I want to amplify our power in the fight to win our Beyond Recovery Platform, and for the soul of public education for our students and for all educators. Join me and also vote for these experienced leaders: A. Orozco UTLA Secondary VP, G. Marrinez UTLA Treasurer, V. Casas NEA Director Valley East, L. Newsome AFT Director Valley East
My name is Lauren Gordon-Ruderman, and I am running for Board of Director for Valley East. I have been a loyal LAUSD educator and UTLA member for 17 + years, and am currently UTLA Vice-Chair for the Virtual Academy’s ISWL. To date, I have taught general and special education across grade levels and needs. Holding two credentials and an MA in SPED afforded me firsthand awareness of the joys and challenges of working as an LAUSD educator. I am aware of the issues that impact our teachers. If elected, I shall fulfill the essential responsibilities of the position, while passionately working to change conditions impacting our UTLA members. Additionally, I shall work with our United Team for Change as a unified voice committed to creating better outcomes for LAUSD employees. Our team is ready to seek results that resolve any issues compromising and/or threatening the job stability of our members. If entrusted with your vote, it would be an honor to serve you in these capacities. Thank you.
Victoria Casas
Since 2014, I’ve proudly served as a Valley East director and I’ve gained a deep understanding of how our union works and acquired experience in building campaigns city-wide and at school sites. In addition, I’ve served on the Core Bargaining Team since 2014 where I have represented you and most proudly worked to win the best COVID safety language in the country.
As a director, I’ve worked with UTLA leaders city-wide to build a transformational union that empowers it’s members through an organizing approach rather than a service approach resulting in a nationally and internationally recognized powerhouse union that has inspired others in the labor movement to do the same.
Our strike moved this city toward us because they felt and heard our organized and unified voices. We must continue building on that momentum, so I ask that you vote for myself, Nicole Patin, Leonard Newsome and Scott Mandel for Valley East and Alex Orozco for Secondary VP and Gloria Martinez for Treasurer!
Gary Fraigun
My name is Gary Fraigun, and I am running for Board of Directors for Valley East. I’m a veteran special education teacher of 22 years, I've been on the UTLA House of Representatives and NEA Representative Assembly multiple times. I am aware of the issues that impact our teachers. If elected, I shall fulfill the responsibilities of the position, while working to improve conditions for our UTLA members and students.
I know what it’s like to be in a tough teaching situation and I know what we need to make things better.
Thank you.
Vote for United Team For Change making UTLA work for You, Your job, Your pay, Your benefits, Your Retirement, & Your Professional Respect! Leading in solidarity for member-driven solutions, contract-enforcing, & advocating for union campus services, so teaching and learning can be enjoyable again. Join UT4C.com!
https://ut4c.com
https://twitter.com/voteut4c
https://www.facebook.com/voteut4cScott Mandel *
VOTE SCOTT MANDEL
VALLEY EAST AREA CHAIR38 YRS TEACHER
15 YRS DIRECTOR
9 YRS AREA CHAIRI am running on my record as your Area Chair since 2007:
PROTECTING TEACHERS FROM ABUSIVE ADMINISTRATORS:
I work diligently to get abusive administrators moved out. References: the staffs of Brainard El, Broadous El, Burbank El, Chavez ASE HS, Columbus El, Coughlin El, Fair El, Lowman Sped, Mt. Gleason MS, Morningside El (2X), North Hollywood HS, Olive Vista MS, Panorama City HS, Ranchito El, Reed MS, Riverside El, San Fernando El, San Fernando HS, Saticoy El, Strathern El, Sylmar HS, Vena El, Verdugo Hills HS.RESPONSIVE TO THE NEEDS OF TEACHERS:
I answer all calls/e-mails within hours. As busy as we all are, as stressful as this job can be, I believe it is critical for your union to respond immediately, and resolve problems as quick as possible.I strive to represent Valley East teachers’ positions in UTLA.
Vote for my VE Leadership Team: Victoria Casas, Nicole Patin & Leonard Newsome
2022-2023 Valley West Area
NEA UTLA Board of Director
Kyna Collins
We are MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER! We are proudly running to represent Valley West because we are committed to continuing the work of making positive and much needed changes in our area. Serving as members of the Steering Committee together has allowed us the opportunity to learn ways that we can strengthen our union. Through personal connections with colleagues throughout the valley, we are well aware that our members’ needs have to be prioritized in the way we conduct our union. If elected, we commit to begin implementing systems that will make us more united and honor true justice. Our goals include: creating a transparent budget system, honoring and respecting the work of our chapter chairs, co-chairs and CATs by investing in them directly, respecting and valuing your time, and making sure that everyone’s voice is heard. Our main goal is to build and strengthen solidarity, not just in Valley West, but across all areas and beyond so that we may live up to our own name of UTLA!
Ivannia Nolasco
We are MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER! We are proudly running to represent Valley West because we are committed to continuing the work of making positive and much needed changes in our area. Serving as members of the Steering Committee together has allowed us the opportunity to learn ways that we can strengthen our union. Through personal connections with colleagues throughout the valley, we are well aware that our members’ needs have to be prioritized in the way we conduct our union. If elected, we commit to begin implementing systems that will make us more united and honor true justice. Our goals include: creating a transparent budget system, honoring and respecting the work of our chapter chairs, co-chairs and CATs by investing in them directly, respecting and valuing your time, and making sure that everyone’s voice is heard. Our main goal is to build and strengthen solidarity, not just in Valley West, but across all areas and beyond so that we may live up to our own name of UTLA!
Wendi Davis
I have the experience necessary to best serve the members of Valley West. I have represented Valley West on the BOD for 15 years, 18 years in the House of Representatives, and on the Core Bargaining Team. I regularly seek out all members’ opinions and needs, and take into account all who need competent and focused transparent representation. Over the years I’ve become very knowledgeable about our contract, and have made defending members against problematic principals my highest priority.
A director must be a voice for Valley West leadership as it is a board member's most important responsibility to be at every meeting, ready to collaborate and educate the citywide officers as to the concerns of those whom we represent. It is also a director's duty to respond to the immediate needs of members in need of assistance and representation at school sites.
Vote to Re-Elect your Valley West Leadership Team: Wendi Davis and Melodie Bitter for NEA Directors
Melodie Bitter *
Melodie Bitter for VW Area Chair and NEA Area Director
I have been a teacher in Valley West for 35 years and one of your UTLA directors for the past nine years.
Throughout my years as your director, my primary goal has been to service the members of Valley West schools. I regularly get back to members within 24 hours, and have been available to help them when faced with difficulties at their school sites. I’ve become extremely knowledgeable about our contract and have consistently used that knowledge to protect your rights against problematic principals.
Our entire team has accomplished much during this time, serving the needs of our members, making Valley West one of the top two areas in every important area: UTLA participation, recruiting Chapter Chairs, and winning Valley School Board races.
Vote to Re-Elect your Valley West Leadership Team: Melodie Bitter and Wendi Davis for NEA Directors
Dawn Alpi
We are MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER! We are proudly running to represent Valley West because we are committed to continuing the work of making positive and much needed changes in our area. Serving as members of the Steering Committee together has allowed us the opportunity to learn ways that we can strengthen our union. Through personal connections with colleagues throughout the valley, we are well aware that our members’ needs have to be prioritized in the way we conduct our union. If elected, we commit to begin implementing systems that will make us more united and honor true justice. Our goals include: creating a transparent budget system, honoring and respecting the work of our chapter chairs, co-chairs and CATs by investing in them directly, respecting and valuing your time, and making sure that everyone’s voice is heard. Our main goal is to build and strengthen solidarity, not just in Valley West, but across all areas and beyond so that we may live up to our own name of UTLA!
AFT UTLA Board of Director
Wendy Lozano
We are MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER! We are proudly running to represent Valley West because we are committed to continuing the work of making positive and much needed changes in our area. Serving as members of the Steering Committee together has allowed us the opportunity to learn ways that we can strengthen our union. Through personal connections with colleagues throughout the valley, we are well aware that our members’ needs have to be prioritized in the way we conduct our union. If elected, we commit to begin implementing systems that will make us more united and honor true justice. Our goals include: creating a transparent budget system, honoring and respecting the work of our chapter chairs, co-chairs and CATs by investing in them directly, respecting and valuing your time, and making sure that everyone’s voice is heard. Our main goal is to build and strengthen solidarity, not just in Valley West, but across all areas and beyond so that we may live up to our own name of UTLA!
Gabriel Serrano
I have an agenda. My agenda is to fight for our most vulnerable students. Our fight as a union should be to uplift all students by empowering our union members. I am running for Board of Directors to ensure that UTLA becomes a more democratic and student-focused union. As professionals we must leverage our union’s power to advocate for our profession. This is how we get fully-staffed schools and true, enforceable caps on class sizes, most urgently in special education. Those of us who serve students with autism remember when the norm for our class sizes doubled after our last strike. We cannot let this injustice stand. As an educator and proud union member, I have been a champion for the vulnerable and marginalized populations of students and teachers in LAUSD; as a member of the West Valley Area Board of Directors, I will continue to struggle alongside my sisters and brothers in UTLA to repair the harm and uplift our profession.
2022-2023 Harbor Area
NEA UTLA Board of Director
* indicates that the candidate is also running for Area Chairperson
Angela Chavez
My name is Angela Chavez. I am a Chapter Co-Chair, UTLA/NEA Delegate, and 22-year LAUSD educator. When faced with conflict with an administrator at my school site, I had to learn to become my own champion. I studied the contract and CA Ed Code, read district bulletins and began to assert my contractual rights. I often felt alone through my struggle. I wished for more guidance, support, and communication from my union representatives. I want a different experience for you. You matter!
Therefore, if elected as a Harbor Area Board of Director my goal is to champion for you! I know the work is hard, and how at times we can feel undervalued and unsupported. I want to empower you to be leaders and together have an amplified voice. If you are weary, I'm here to encourage and advocate on your behalf! You matter!
Area Directors are responsible for leading, serving, and attending meetings; as your representative, my advocacy will reflect you and your needs in Harbor Area schools. You matter!Monica Caballero
It is an honor to run for the Harbor Area Board of Directors as part of the UNITY & STRENGTH team.
I am a special education teacher who has taught SDC, RSP, and the alternate curriculum. I am currently an RSP inclusion teacher at Dodson MS and previously served as chapter chair at Wilmington STEAM Magnet. This year, I made a successful bid to join the Harbor Area Steering Committee. As Harbor Area NEA Board Director, I plan to:
- Fight for better salaries and benefits for ALL members
- Fight to lower class sizes for ALL schools and grade levels
- Fight for fully funded public schools to stop privatization and unwanted co-locations
- Support chapter chairs and all members in organizing around site issues and contract enforcement
- Strengthen communication between chapter chairs and UTLA Leadership
Vote for the diverse, experienced, and progressive UNITY & STRENGTH HARBOR AREA TEAM of MONICA, PHYLIS, and NORLON, and vote for the entire UNITY & STRENGTH team!
Petrina Miller
In 2019, we were able to stop a giant in its tracks for 9 days. Our voices were heard across the country and we made our concerns about how we were being treated known. And we made them listen–for 9 days. What happened after 9 days? We were left with unfulfilled promises and questioning if it was even worth it.
It is time for a change in the leadership of our union. As a frontline worker, I share your voice, I know your concerns and I am living your life. I know how it feels to not be heard or appreciated or given a seat at the table. Decisions that affect all should be made by representatives that can and will listen to what is wanted by members.
As your elected Area Rep I will hear from you, the members that I serve, and make sure your voice is heard without any filter. I will serve honestly and give all that I can to make sure your voice is taken seriously, as the professionals that you are. My name is Petrina Miller and I am running for UTLA Board of Directors, Harbor Division.Phylis Hoffman *
Hello, my name is Phylis Hoffman. I would be honored to serve as the Harbor Area Chair. I am humbled to be running for UTLA Harbor Area Chair with the Unity & Strength Team. I am currently one of the Harbor Area Directors & Chapter Chair of Harry Bridges Span School. My involvement with unions began when I was born. My father & mother were both union members. I’ve had a long career in LAUSD. I am an elected leader on UTLA’s PACE as VC of School Board. If elected Harbor Area Chair, I will
- Fight for better salaries & benefits for ALL members
- Fight to lower class sizes for ALL schools & grade levels
- Fight for fully funded public schools to stop privatization & unwanted co-locations
- Support chapter chairs and all members in organizing around site issues & contract enforcement
- Strengthen communication between chapter chairs & UTLA Leaders
Please vote for the diverse, experienced, and progressive UNITY & STRENGTH HARBOR AREA TEAM of MONICA, PHYLIS and NORLON and the entire team.
Norlon Davis
NORLON DAVIS for UTLA Harbor Area Board of Directors
THIS IS WHERE THE FIGHT BEGINS!
24 year fighter and UTLA veteran. Currently serve as the UTLA HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE CHAIR for over 3000 UTLA Itinerant Professional members including PSA Counselors, School Nurses, School Psychologists, Psychiatrist Social Workers, & School Counselors itinerant groups.THIS IS WHERE THE FIGHT CONTINUES!
UTLA House of Representatives (HOR), National Education Association (NEA), and California Teachers Association (CTA) Delegate. Represented HHS Professionals in UTLA/LAUSD contract discussions. I AM COMMITTED TO IMPROVING THE WORKING CONDITIONS OF ALL EDUCATORS. Washington, DC and Sacramento, CA to lobby for educator policies.THIS IS NOT WHERE THE FIGHT ENDS!
- PSA Counselors & Psychiatric Social Workers norming
- Caseload/Workload caps
- 6-hour on-site, 2 hour off-site duties
- Professional development/licensure
- OT pay for student emergencies
- Fair assignment Matrix/transparency
Jessica RodarteUncontested (candidates elected by acclamation)
2022-2023 South Area
NEA UTLA Board of Director
Please accept my deepest gratitude! As an unopposed candidate I look forward to serving my second term as a member of your UTLA South Area Board of Directors on July 01, 2023. I value your support and commitment to this union and look forward to working alongside you and representing you.
The ballots will be emailed in February for the contested seats and I want to make sure that you vote for the rest of my Unity & Strength team.This team that has served and led through the pandemic at school sites and areas throughout our district. This team has the most experienced candidates and is the team that I believe will move UTLA forward.
- Cecily Myart-Cruz - UTLA President running for re-election
- Georgia Flowers Lee - NEA Vice President
- Julie Van Winkle - AFT Vice President
- Maria Miranda - Elementary Vice President
- Rosa Jimenez - Secondary Vice President
- Jennifer McAfee - Secretary
- Denisha Jordan - Treasurer
Sincerely,
Claudia Silva
96th Street Elementary School Teacher, M.EdApril Thomas
Thank you for your commitment to students, their families and their communities. As an
unopposed candidate, I will begin my term as a member of your UTLA board of directors on July 1, 2023. The following members that I enjoy learning from, will be on the ballot that will be emailed in February for the contested seats and I want to make sure that you vote for the rest of my Unity & Strength team because they are great together.
- Cecily Myart-Cruz-UTLA President, running for re-election
- Georgia Flowers Lee-NEA Vice President
- Julie Van Winkle-AFT Vice President
- Maria Miranda-Elementary Vice President
- Rosa Jimenez-Secondary Vice President
- Jennifer McAfee-Secretary
- Denisha Jordan-Treasurer
This is the team that has served and led through the pandemic at school sites and areas throughout our district. Team Unity & Strength has the most experienced candidates and is the team that I believe will move UTLA forward. Let’s Go!
In unity,
April Thomas
Teacher
South Area Steering MemberAFT UTLA Board of Director
Dear members,
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! As an unopposed candidate I will begin my term as a member of your UTLA board of directors on July 01, 2023. Ballots will be emailed in February for the contested seats and I want to make sure that you vote for the rest of my Unity & Strength team.
- Cecily Myart-Cruz - UTLA President - running for re-election
- Georgia Flowers Lee - NEA Vice President
- Julie Van Winkle - AFT Vice President
- Maria Miranda - Elementary Vice President
- Rosa Jimenez - Secondary Vice President
- Jennifer McAfee - Secretary
- Denisha Jordan - Treasurer
This is the team that has served and led through the pandemic at school sites and areas throughout our district. Team Unity & Strength has the most experienced candidates and is the team that I believe will move UTLA forward.
L. Cynthia Matthews
AFT South Area Board of Directors2022-2023 East Area
AFT UTLA Board of Director
Ingrid Gunnell
Re-Elect UTLA East Area Board of Directors!
Working together to:
- Continue to support all East Area members at all school sites.
- Work with UTLA leadership on the strategic plan to continue standing strong and focused on our set goals.
- Be present at all Board of Directors, House of Reps, PACE, and Area meetings to keep all members informed!
- Work alongside Eastside Padres to organize parents and community members who support public education.
- Continue to work alongside and keep elected LAUSD School Board members accountable.
- Meet regularly with Region 4 East leadership to bring our issues to the local superintendent.
- * Most importantly, listen to and be the voice of UTLA East Area members!
2022-2023 West Area
AFT UTLA Board of Director
Stacey Yakimowich
Dear West Area UTLA Members,
Thank you for your dedication to our students, communites, and UTLA! I am excited to begin my term on the UTLA West Area Board of Directors in July and hope you join me in supporting the Unity & Strength Team in the February election:
- Cecily Myart-Cruz - UTLA President
- Georgia Flowers Lee - NEA Vice President
- Julie Van Winkle - AFT Vice President
- Maria Miranda - Elementary Vice President
- Rosa Jimenez - Secondary Vice President
- Jennifer McAfee - Secretary
- Denisha Jordan - Treasurer
Experience and commitment make these candiates the perfect choice to lead: they have served UTLA through the pandemic and will overcome any obstacle to our student’s success.
I hope you also support the West Area Board of Directors Team: Jennifer Villaryo, Marie Germaine, and Noah Lippe-Klein. We are committed to building power in our schools and communities and continuing the fight for racial justice while organizing to transform education!
Unity & Love,
Stacey2022-2023 Central Area
AFT UTLA Board of Director
Stacie Webster *
Dear Members,
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I am looking forward to serving the members of UTLA. As an unopposed candidate I will begin my term as a member of your UTLA board of directors on July 01, 2023. Ballots will be emailed in February for contested seats and I want to make sure that you vote for the rest of my Unity & Strength team.
- Cecily Myart-Cruz - UTLA President - running for re-election
- Georgia Flowers Lee - NEA Vice President
- Julie Van Winkle - AFT Vice President
- Maria Miranda - Elementary Vice President
- Rosa Jimenez - Secondary Vice President
- Jennifer McAfee - Secretary
- Denisha Jordan - Treasurer
This is the team that has served and led through the pandemic at school sites and areas throughout our district. Team Unity & Strength has the most experienced candidates and is the team that will move UTLA forward.
In Unity,
Stacie Webster
UTLA Central Area Chair2022-2023 Valley East Area
AFT UTLA Board of Director
Leonard Newsome
I am a proud 33-year member of UTLA and support our Beyond Recovery platform. As a NBCT educator, I’ve devoted my life to providing quality education and leadership.
Along with my experience as a chapter chair, I’ve dedicated myself to advocate for equity and social justice. I see UTLA as a vehicle that can make this happen and have served in multiple spaces like the bargaining team, HOR, and lobbying in Sacramento with AFT/CFT for our members.
I’ve always strived to be a good organizer and inclusive leader and that approach led to my chapter having 100% strike participation during our historic strike! I also established and asserted UTLA’s power within our LSLC to champion teacher empowerment at my site.
I look forward to working and learning from this team of amazing leaders:
A team that brings DIVERSITY, EXPERIENCE, and POWER!Vote for Victoria Casas, Nicole Patin, and Scott Mandel for Valley East Directors and Alex Orozco for UTLA Secondary VP and Gloria Martinez for Treasurer.
2022-2023 Harbor Area
AFT UTLA Board of Director
* indicates that the candidate is also running for Area Chairperson
Crystal Murray