UNAC/UHCP BOD Candidate Biographies
Biographies are optional and candidates are not required to submit a biography.
Vycki Huynh
Candidate Statement
My name is Vycki Huynh and I am excited to be running as a candidate for UNAC/UHCP’s Board of Directors. I have been a Registered Nurse since 2005. I joined Kaiser San Diego in 2010 and my journey with the union began in 2013 as a Steward. In 2016, I transitioned into the Contract Specialist role, where I had the privilege of working directly with our members, addressing their concerns, and ensuring their voices were heard. With a solid track record of service and dedication, I am passionate about strengthening our union and advocating for the best interests of our members.
I served as an Affiliate Associate Officer for KSDHCPA from 2018-2021, and began leading our affiliate’s community outreach efforts. Over the last 6 years, we’ve volunteered with local organizations that are working to resolve homelessness, eliminate healthcare disparities, combat domestic violence, and improve the environment.
Since 2021, I’ve served as an Affiliate Vice President, a role that has allowed me to focus on building and strengthening our steward structure. I’m also involved in multiple committees within Kaiser. My focus has been on strengthening our union’s position and working collaboratively with members to achieve our collective goals.
My passion for working with memberships and my commitment to the growth of our union have driven me to seek a position within UNAC/UHCP’s Board of Directors. I am dedicated to fostering a supportive and dynamic environment where every member’s voice matters, and where we can continue to achieve great things together.
Kadi Gonzalez
Candidate Statement
I, KADI GONZALEZ humbly ask for your consideration for Board of Director as I want to give back to our union that I love so much. As a Registered Nurse of 25 years in DOU/ICU/L&D/OBGYN, I have seen firsthand the difference healthcare professionals make in our patient’s lives, and how safe staffing ratios matter. I have advocated to our Representatives in Sacramento to hold hospitals accountable. For example, CPDH to oversee nurse: patient ratios are followed and invest in Community Colleges. The goal being to help make Nursing school more affordable, which will help the Nursing shortage. I’m passionate about this as I believe I wouldn’t be a nurse today if it weren’t for the top education I received at El Camino College.
I believe “Injury to one is injury to all” and I have a powerful sense of justice. I stand with the underdog and fight for those in marginalized communities. As a mom of a child with learning disabilities, I went to Sacramento to advocate for inclusion to my Congress Members. Kids with disabilities thrive when they are with typical peers. Segregation in Special Education is wrong, just like it was wrong to segregate based on color.
My experience as a Steward, Contract Specialist, Convention Delegate, Strike Captain, Community Organizer and Alliance Partnership Representative has helped me educate members about their rights and be the voice for those who are afraid of speak up.
If I am elected, I promise to listen to YOU and represent ALL members no matter the size of the Affiliate. I will lead with integrity and will help build a stronger, more inclusive union. I do what is right, even when it’s not easy and will be fearless for the members. YOU ARE THE UNION and have the power to make positive changes.
Jennifer Colcol-Marquez
Candidate Statement
My name is Jennifer Colcol-Marquez. I am an RN Case Manager at the Downey Medical Center.
I was a former KDRNA Union Steward and was an elected delegate for the 2016 UNAC/UHCP Convention in San Diego. In 2018, I transitioned to SCNSC and have had the honor and privilege of serving as the current SCNSC Vice President for the past 6 years.
In my current role, I have collaborated with Staff Representatives in enforcing our contract and educating management on how to work in partnership.
I am passionate about member engagement and walking alongside members in their union journey. As an officer, I have recruited many SCNSC stewards. In addition, I have invested time in mentoring new officers to secure the future of our union. Our voice is one of the most powerful tools as advocates. Whether I am attending Executive Council to represent our members or standing with our union family on the picket line to support Chino Valley and the Prime 9 at St. Francis, I know my job is to keep your voice at the forefront.
Along with my skills and experience as a Union leader, let me be your voice. Let me have the opportunity to bring our ideas and viewpoints to the table to help unite us all.
As a member of the Board of Directors, you have my commitment to serve nurses and healthcare professionals across all of our affiliates. I truly value the foundations of enforcing respect and integrity. We, the members of the Union, are the priority. I believe that together, we will build a stronger foundation as ONE UNAC/UHCP. I thank you for your time and I look forward to serving you all.
Please vote Jennifer Colcol-Marquez for Board of Directors.
Nicole Lam
Candidate Statement
In my early years, I gained firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by the labor movement. My mother’s 30-year tenure as a receptionist at Kaiser Permanente, during which she endured a grueling strike as a single parent, deeply influenced my commitment to workers’ rights. Growing up in a family of union members, I witnessed the harsh realities of labor disputes firsthand.
I began my career at KP in 1993 as a Lab Assistant and have since progressed both professionally and politically. In 2008, I joined UNAC/UNCP as a steward, dedicating my personal time to attending Winegarten meetings and addressing grievances. My direct exposure to labor issues and management injustices fueled my passion to serve in various leadership roles, including KSDHCPA, President, Vice President, and Affiliate Associate and Board of Directors. Serving on local boards, the Board of Directors, SD Labor Council, and Coalition of Labor Union Women has been immensely rewarding, allowing me to advocate for nurses and advance the labor movement.
I consider my role a privilege, as I not only care for patients but also support our Health Care Professionals. I have full confidence in our Labor Management Partnership and its potential to benefit both businesses and employees. Therefore, I emphasize the importance of political engagement at the County, State, National, and Global levels, in addition to our local advocacy efforts.
As long as I have a platform, I will continue to champion workers’ rights and uphold the core values of our union and profession.
Belinda Redding
Candidate Statement
Belinda “Bea” Redding MSN, RN
KWHRNA
UNAC/UHCP Board of Director
2012-Present
I have been a Registered Nurse for 37 years, graduating from Indiana University. I moved to California in 1990 and have been UNAC/UHCP member since that time. I have been dedicated to our union’s cause since 2004. My commitment to active involvement began after an unjust suspension from the Critical Care Unit, driving me to better understand our contract and advocate for our rights.
In 2006, I transitioned to the clinic as Clinic President and served in this role for 12 years. I also served as a contract specialist for two terms, gaining a comprehensive understanding of our contract and the National Agreement. I have served on several committees during my time as a UNAC/UHCP member to include the Elections Committee and Constitution Committee. When there is worked to be done, I am often know for stating, “I will go where ever the need is!” Elected to the Board of Directors during the 2012 convention, I have gained valuable insights into our union’s operations and contributed to key decisions at the state level.
My experience includes handling successful grievances, participating in organizing campaigns, engaging in political activities, contributing to negotiations, attending conventions, and advocating for healthcare reform. I participated in successfully organizing healthcare professionals in Sterling, Illinois, along with door knocking in the frigid cold weather of Fargo, North Dakota advocating for healthcare reform. Recently, we witnessed the unjust termination of our colleagues at St. Francis Hospital. I was right beside them picketing, rallying, and protesting, demanding justice.
There is still much work to be done, and my passion for advancing our cause remains strong.
In Solidarity,
Bea
Semanu Mawugbe
Candidate Statement
My name is Semanu Mawugbe. Simply call me SEMANU. I have been a registered nurse for 15 plus years. Fourteen of those years with Kaiser Hospital, Panorama City. I am presently a Med-Surg/Oncology charge nurse. I am married to my lovely wife Eugenia, also a charge nurse, and a proud father of 3 young adults. I have been an officer for nearly ten years, first as treasurer and now hospital VP of our affiliate KPRNA. I served 2-terms on the Finance Committee and termed out as member of the Political Endorsement Committee. I have been a Tri-chair of LMP for two years and a sponsor of multiple UBTs. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and hope to complete a Master’s program some day.
I have made it a mission to represent all the members of UNAC/UHCP to the best of my ability with the knowledge I have gathered, and continue to acquire.
My presence is felt with every meeting on the board because I seek ways to ALWAYS represent ALL the affiliates well and equitably. I bring diversity, integrity, and dedication to the table as part of my contribution to the board – one more voice of reasoning.
When there is a call to action you will find Semanu there, be it a rally, volunteering, or a picket line. You can rest assure I will be arriving on a big, red motorcycle.
I enjoy riding my motorcycle safely everywhere I go, except when it is raining in California!
I am humbly seeking your vote to be re-appointed to the UNACUHCP Board of Directors where I hope to continue my quest to have your voices heard and always do what is right at all times.
Loan Nguyen
Candidate Statement
Loan Nguyen for Board of Directors
You Will Win With Nguyen !
I humbly ask for your vote as a vote for diversity in our union. Diversity makes us stronger and deepens our understanding of each other. As a daughter of a Vietnam War veteran, my dad taught me to put all your effort into helping others and fighting for dignity and choice. As an immigrant, my Mom went back to school to become a nurse assistant even though English was her second language which started my path working in healthcare when I got involved as a candy striper in high school. Now as an Occupational Therapist, I look forward everyday to helping others lead their best lives. This is what I strive for in our union for each of us as we prepare for bargaining 2025. Each person needs to use their voice and we need to listen to each other’s viewpoints. One person is not as strong as all of us collectively together. I got your back and as a Board of Director member, I promise to bring your interests and concerns to the forefront. I believe in gaining strength from our many different workers in our union. Members are the backbone of your union and the heartbeat that carries our union through tough times and celebrates the best times. We need strong leaders and I have represented these values as a past affiliate officer, current steward and current Board of Director member. Please vote for Loan Nguyen representing diversity in our strong union. The diversity in our union is our strength and I am very proud to be a member of UNAC/UHCP. Remember, You Will Win With Nguyen. Please vote for Loan Nguyen as Board of Directors. Thank you and great appreciation for your consideration.
***You Will Win With Nguyen. *** Diversity Counts *** Lean in and Learn more *** Every Voice Matters ***