Member. Steward. Secretary. President.
I’ve experienced the full span of union membership. I signed my card on my first day of work, became a steward, then ran for local leadership at the Executive Level. I know our local inside and out, and I’m running for re-election to preserve and build on everything we’ve accomplished.
MY PATH IN LOCAL 328
My career is built in service to our members
2014 - Joined OHSU and signed my union card on day one. I knew what workplaces without union protection felt like, and was ready to be represented!
2016 - Became a union steward and have served our members in this capacity ever since.
2021 - 2023 -Elected Local Secretary, serving on the Executive Board, providing me with historic knowledge of our local’s executive functioning.
2023- Elected President of AFSCME Local 328. Served as Chief Spokesperson at the Bargaining Table and got straight to work for our members.
Today - Running in the presidential runoff to continue working for every member of Local 328
OUR CONTRACT AT WORK
My career at OHSU is proof that our union delivers
I started my job at OHSU in a part-time support role. With the strength of our collective bargaining agreement, I was able to apply for and gain promotions which has positioned me in a senior position, offering the most pay and benefits I’ve ever had. This process… my experience… is why I believe so deeply in fighting for strong internal advancement opportunities and protections for every member in our contract.
Part-time Administrative Assistant - My first role at OHSU, which was a step down for me because I wanted to work at OHSU. I joined Local 328 as a dues -paying member on my first day.
Administrative Coordinator - My first promotion to a represented position. Utilizing career building resources from the Career and Workplace Enhancement Center (CWE), I was able to compete successfully as an internal candidate.
Grants & Contracts Coordinator - Advanced into a specialized professional role, supported by our contract’s internal candidate protections.
Grants & Contracts Administrator - My current position, and the result of years of professional growth made possible by our contract that prioritizes our members’ careers.
Our collective bargaining agreement prioritizes internal Local 328 candidates for represented positions. My own career has benefitted directly from these protections. A union that fights for, and builds your career is essential, and that’s the union I’m committed to continue building.
WHY I JOINED OUR UNION
I didn’t want to fight alone
Before I worked at OHSU, I had a job where my manager left and I quietly absorbed their workload. I did a good portion of a management job well above my pay grade. I was promised raises, bonuses, title changes… all of which never materialized until I threatened to quit. That was a horrible feeling and I never wanted to fight alone for what was right in the workplace again.
At another job, I was asked to train my replacement who was a man who did not have a college degree (when I did), and was hired at five dollars more an hour than what I was making. I was expected to accept this and to say it was incredibly hurtful and shocking would be an understatement. That would never have happened to me in a union.
Instead of one person fighting alone for what’s right in the workplace, collectively we are over nine thousand fighting together. That’s why I joined, and that’s why I stay.
MY STORY
From New Orleans to Oregon
I was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, and thought I would spend my adult life there. My family and I lost everything in hurricane Katrina. After bouncing around the US in the direct aftermath of the storm, I settled in Portland, Oregon. In my life, I have experienced homelessness and food insecurity. I know what it’s like to count out change just to cover basic needs. I know what poverty feels like firsthand, and thankfully I know what it’s like to leave it behind.
My union job has given me wages that continue to grow and support a quality of life I’d never had before. It gave me the stability to take chances, run for leadership, and grow, because I built a strong foundation beneath me.
Oregon welcomed me when I had very little. It has become my second home and has given me a safe place to flourish. I want to give that back, and I’m doing it by helping to make OHSU a better place for its workers and the people of Oregon.
OUTSIDE THE UNION
A little about who I am
Volunteer
I’ve been a volunteer with Meals on Wheels People, the NW Film Center, Dress for Success, and as a foster for Rabbit Advocates. Supporting my community, arts and culture, and giving animals a safe and loving place while they wait for their forever homes is all very important to me.
Hobbies
I love to craft and am especially fond of textile arts. I knit, cross stitch, embroider, and am learning to sew. My latest endeavor is quilting and it’s rewarding work!
Ready to vote for Jennie?
Every vote in the runoff counts and I hope to earn yours! Voting opens June 19th, so watch your OHSU inbox for your individual voting link