2024 BOD Special Election Candidate Biographies

Article 7, Section 703 of the UNAC/UHCP Constitution states:

“When either a temporary or permanent vacancy occurs in the Directors between Conventions, the Executive Council shall elect a member of the elected Executive Council members to fill such vacancy until the term expires. The Executive Council shall have the power to determine how the election of a member to fill the Director(s) position shall be conducted. The Executive Council shall designate a member of the Executive Council to serve as chairperson to coordinate the election process.”

Please be aware:

  • Nominees must meet the qualifications listed in Article 6, Section 606 of the 2024 UNAC/UHCP Constitution to run for a Board of Director position.
  • The voting process as determined by the UNAC/UHCP Executive Council is electronic voting via Election Buddy.
  • The Affiliate/Chapter will assign one Voting Representative to vote on behalf of the Affiliate/Chapter at the July 20, 2024, Executive Council meeting.

 

CANDIDATE BIOGRAPHIES 

Cheryl Rene Walker, UTSC

As a veteran Occupational Therapist, dedicated patient advocate, and passionate union activist, it is my great honor to ask for your consideration as a UNAC/UHCP Board of Director. My name is CHERYL WALKER, I have worked at Kaiser Orange County for the last 22 years and have been a member of UNAC/UHCP since UTSC became an affiliate, 10 years ago. Throughout my life I have been dedicated to improving the quality of life of those within my workplace, the local schools and my community.

My passion for the labor movement has grown over the last 10 years. Like many others, I was a CAT member, then union steward, and finally affiliate Officer. But my passion turned into an inferno after having the privilege of participating in the Membership Matters Academy in 2023. Acquiring a greater knowledge of the Labor Movement and working alongside UNAC/UHCP leaders, inspired me to further engage and educate our members to strengthen the power of our union and the communities we serve. After MMA, I applied and became the current Orange County LMP Council Labor Tri-Chair. I also had the opportunity to become a Beyond Bias trainer through AFSCME. It has been inspiring to work in unity with other Affiliates and Locals to enforce our contracts and obtain fair and equitable work conditions and patient care.

I am so grateful to be a member of UNAC/UHCP and a represented therapist. I have learned that a passion for justice combined with honest respectful communication, integrity and a persistent work ethic can lead to magnificent outcomes. I pledge to bring those qualities and dedicated work to both our current and future UNAC/UHCP members if elected as a Board of Director. Thank you.