Eric Bowers, Department of Veterans Affairs
What made you decide to start working for the State?
Benefits, retirement, and an opportunity to help my community.
How has your leadership evolved since becoming a steward?
My leadership has evolved by trying to set expectations on what we as union stewards are able to help with and how we can help our fellow employees achieve their career goals and have a safe and cohesive work environment to work in.
What motivated you to step into leadership?
A bad boss who would constantly belittle and talk down to employees in my department. I felt that we as employees needed to have a voice that could not only stop the inappropriate behavior but could also act as a go-between to settle problems at the lowest level possible.
What continues to inspire your involvement in this work?
My fellow employees continue to inspire my involvement, and seeing that my voice as a steward can actually create change in our work environment for the better of not only employees in my department but all state employees.