Candidates for 2023 Runoff Election
Note Candidate photos, flyers, statements, and links are all added, as well as video statements and Q&As for citywide candidates who participated. Candidate statements/flyers are not UTLA’s statements/flyers. UTLA does not edit, censor, or endorse any of them.
Contested
2022-2023 UTLA Treasurer Runoff
Denisha Jordan
Denisha Jordan, M.Ed., ATC
I have been a secondary PE teacher for 21 years. I have won fights against a bully principal, and against unsafe working conditions. I taught during the pandemic. My current and former colleagues can vouch for my ability to build positive relationships, my knowledge of member rights and contract language, and my compassion when supporting members through stressful or fearful circumstances.
I made the choice to run for office because I believe that I am able to be part of the change that needs to happen in UTLA. To be ready on day one, I have completed the CFT treasurers training course. I believe in fiscal transparency and leading with integrity. As the only rank & file candidate, I understand our current teaching conditions and our students’ current needs.
As Treasurer, I will ensure that UTLA remains solvent and strengthen new member recruitment. I want to establish a process and system where every new hire (prospective member) is contacted and personally invited to join UTLA to ensure that new membership is a priority. I believe in building relationships with members in order to meet their needs and to strengthen our union.
I believe that the rank and file should be part of the decision-making process within our union. I want to provide opportunities for all members to understand the internal structures of our union, encourage more inclusion and involvement from all rank and file members (counselors, early ed, adult ed, special ed, substitutes, HHS, etc.), and have active recruitment for member involvement at the affiliate level through workshop and conference attendance.
I have the support and endorsement of current and past officers, Cecily Myart-Cruz, Arlene Inouye, Juan Ramirez, Dan Barnhart, and Colleen Schwab. I will be ready on day one. I am committed to doing the work necessary to win our Beyond Recovery Contract fight and to continue to serve the members of UTLA. I believe that I am the most qualified candidate.
Statement
Q&A
Gloria Martinez
I’ve had the honor to serve our members as Elementary VP for 6 years, and I am proud to be running for UTLA Treasurer.
Through our conversations, I’ve learned many lessons about the needs our members face daily. I’ve acquired skills that have helped us build campaigns to push back on top-down mandates such as Carvalho’s proposed calendar, how to work collaboratively with others to elevate issues, such as special education through our national campaign, Fulfill the Promise. Representing you on our bargaining team and leading us through our historic strike have been some of the greatest honors I’ve had as your officer.
It is these hard discussions we’ve shared that have prepared me to be ready to lead on day one in my new role. As your Treasurer, I will ensure that we are protected from anti-union attacks, that our membership be a reflection of our strength and continue building strong budgets that reflect our priorities.
For 6 years, I’ve had the opportunity to be mentored by some of the best unionist in the country. One of them being Alex Caputo-Pearl. I am proud to have earned his endorsement along with the endorsement of so many of you.
As a child of Mexican immigrants, I learned at a young age, from my parents, the power we as workers hold. As a student at Fishburn Elementary I recall helping my mother trim loose threads off of garments she brought home after a long day at work. These lessons instilled in me principles that define who I am as a woman, a teacher, an advocate and as elected officer of the second largest educators’ union in the country, whose members share similar backgrounds as mine and of the students we teach.
I look forward to taking on Carvahlo and the fight we have embarked on together.
And just like at school sites, experience and leadership matters.
This is why a vote for me for Treasurer and Alex Orozco for Secondary VP is a vote for EXPERIENCE and PROVEN LEADERSHIP. We are the team that will be ready to lead on day one.Statement
Q&A
2022-2023 Valley West Area Chair
Wendi Davis
As a veteran teacher, Valley West Board Director, and chapter chair, I am the most qualified to lead Valley West as Area Chair. I have the experience necessary to serve Valley West members as Area Chair. I know the contract and have prioritized defending members against problematic principals. I regularly seek out all members' opinions and am a competent, focused, transparent director. I work with Northwest superintendents to rid our schools of lemon principals. I have attended state and national conferences and workshops to be an influential union voice. I am a Core Bargaining Team Member, NEA, CTA State Council Representative, and AFT and CFT delegate.
As Chair, I will be a voice for Valley West leadership who collaborates and educates citywide officers about the concerns of the members I represent. In addition, I respond to members' needs and provide assistance and representation at school sites.
Vote for Wendi Davis for Valley West Area Chair and Denisha Jordan as UTLA Treasurer
Wendy Lozano
Hello, my name is Wendy Lozano and I aspire to be your next Valley West Area Chair. I am currently a Valley West Cluster Leader, a UTLA House of Representative, a member of the UTLA Expanded Bargaining Team, and a member of Reclaim Our Schools Los Angeles. I am a proud union member and I have built great relationships with our union siblings and community members through grassroots organizing. As Area Chair, I plan to continue building solidarity within our area while identifying and fostering new leaders to ensure the longevity of our union. I am committed to honoring your time, clear concise communication and support for all members, from the individual to the Chapter Chair and Cluster Leader. Vote for me so we can create a more informed, engaged and empowered Valley West. Vote WENDY LOZANO for Valley West Area Chair.
I support Gloria Martinez for UTLA Treasurer. Gloria is a proven city-wide UTLA officer, with the depth of bargaining and organizing experience we need right now.
2022-2023 North Area Chair
Mark Ramos
I am grateful and humbled to be re-elected as AFT Board of Director and now hope to gain your vote for North Area Chair. I am running alongside experienced, talented unionist Gloria Martinez for UTLA Treasurer. We are endorsed by Alex Caputo-Pearl.
Currently, I am a member of the UTLA bargaining team and work with a phenomenal team of North Area Cluster Leaders and Chapter Chairs. As Area Chair, I hope to further this work in our escalating fight against Carvalho. I have been a UTLA educator for 14 years and the North Area AFT Director for the last 6 years, including through our 2019 strike. I served as Chapter Chair for 9 years at Contreras and Roybal. Now I teach at Franklin High school and am a proud LAUSD parent to a 2nd grader in North Area. Before teaching, I was a full-time union organizer for 2 years in California, Minnesota, and Florida. I've also been a community organizer in Filipinotown and NELA for 15 years. I would be honored to have your vote for UTLA North Area Chair.
Jessica Rodarte
Dear North Area,
It is an honor to have been elected to be part of your Board of Directors.
I’m writing today, to ask for your support as I run for Area Chair.
Besides being a newly elected member of the North Area BOD, I am currently a member of HOR, and one of the Vice-chairs of the Cortines VAPA UTLA chapter. I have been actively engaging in the work of UTLA around racial justice and the implementation of Ethnic Studies for years. As a representative in the legislative bodies of NEA and CTA, I have been able to work on these issues, not just at the state level, but at the national level.
I believe in leading North Area through shared power and responsibility. Running North Area should be a team effort, where directors, steering committee, and chapter chairs share in decision-making and leadership.
I am asking you to believe in me, the way I believe that UTLA holds the key to giving our students and educators the schools that they deserve.
In Solidarity and Power.
