Cruz Mora, Department of Health Care Services
What made you decide to start working for the State?
I decided to start my career at the State as a Student Assistant at DSH, after interning for the Capitol State Assembly in college. This immediately set off a chain reaction which afforded me the opportunity of upward mobility because I became an Office Technician at EDD until I finally landed at DHCS as an analyst- all this because we are privileged to have union protections and benefits!
How has your leadership evolved since becoming a steward?
I am currently a Job Steward at DLC 762 in downtown Sacramento. I’m thankful for all the wonderful Union siblings I’ve met so far who have seen something in me that makes them want to invest and develop me into a leader.
So far as a steward, we have radically shifted the workplace into a Pro-Union, Pro-Worker worksite and I am excited to see what comes of it in the future. Solidarity forever!
What motivated you to step into leadership?
I’ve been told that I am a natural born leader and for a while I didn’t believe it but now I truly understand this responsibility is greater than one person it’s about the collective and the greater good and I’m honored to be sharing the space with SEIU Local 1000. I’m excited to see what other opportunities I’ll stumble upon at Local 1000.
What continues to inspire your involvement in this work?
We will celebrate our wins, but there is so much more we need to be doing at our work sites to inspire courage with members. I will not rest until we have 100% Union membership. Justice motivates me to keep on fighting and demanding for better working conditions and prevailing wages.