Creating New Leaders Through Empowerment

Our celebration of Black History Month recognizes historic leaders who have been at the forefront of changing the social and cultural landscape of our country, fighting for better rights, better opportunities and the American Dream. Through their leadership and accomplishments, they inspire the leaders of today, and the future.

Tracie Kimbrough is a member activist in Los Angeles who’s working to create a new cadre of union and community leaders in her work as the chair of Local 1000’s Women’s Empowerment Committee. She works as a Employment Program Representative at the Employment Development Department, and serves as a job steward.

The Women’s Empowerment Committee is responsible for organizing and training female members to be leaders and to educate all members about issues of importance to women members.

Recently, Kimbrough and a team of fellow leaders, including Sylvia Ramos and Misty Del Rosario, took the lead and organized our union’s participation in the second annual Women’s March, joining hundreds of thousands of others in marches in Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento and Redding.

“Our members saw firsthand the power we have when we stand together and are part of a much larger re- sistance, said Kimbrough. “They saw the connection between politics and how we show our power.”

Last week, Kimbrough hosted the second annual “A Taste of SEIU”—a celebration of community, culture and culinary delights—showcasing the talents of our members and area chefs.

“A Taste of SEIU” is about building community, says Kimbrough. “When you break bread together, you learn about each other and discover there’s not a lot of difference between us.”

Tracie is inspired by Oprah Winfrey and her ability to overcome real barriers to improve the lives of those less fortunate. She resonates with Winfrey, who says, “Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life, because you become what you believe.”