Union Women Sharpen Skills at Cornell

At the Union training at Cornell were (l-r) Celeste Kirkland, Sha Grant, Harriette Goodridge-Seymour, Nivea Luke, Sabrina Rosado, Beverly Bolden, Quardesia Farmer, Joan Bygrave, Shameia Colter, Lillian Richardson, Christine Hough, Denise Long, and Surena Shoemo
At the Union training at Cornell were (l-r) Celeste Kirkland, Sha Grant, Harriette Goodridge-Seymour, Nivea Luke, Sabrina Rosado, Beverly Bolden, Quardesia Farmer, Joan Bygrave, Shameia Colter, Lillian Richardson, Christine Hough, Denise Long, and Surena Shoemo

JULY 21 -- In early July, 13 TWU Local 100 women took part in a week-long program at Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Offered since 1975, these residential, college-based programs unite women workers, union leaders, and staff to strengthen labor knowledge and leadership skills. It was an opportunity for our Union Sisters to get an accelerated course in becoming even more effective than they already are.

Safety Director Celeste Kirkland said: “The women were put to the test; it’s a leadership class combined with life skills and how to fight for our rights. It’s about who you will become in the movement; what you will bring back to your organization.”

“This is about how to fight back in these treacherous times,” she added, “learning skills like noncompliance, contract negotiations, public speaking, and bargaining. It’s a heavy week – we there working from breakfast at 7:15 AM to 10 PM at night.”

Presented by the United Association for Labor Education, the leadership institute took place on the campus of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Instructors included officers, staff, and labor educators from unions, community organizations, and universities.

The program was an eye-opener for many union women who had not attended a program like this before. SM-A Christine Hough said, “I got a lot of empowerment, strength, and inspiration from it.”

More photos: Station Agent Sabrina Rosado makes a presentation. Sha Grant and seven sisters at the training.

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