
We won 195 more hours for my son – and $21,000
My son Alexis was born with severe Down Syndrome, and I have been his care provider for the past 12

My son Alexis was born with severe Down Syndrome, and I have been his care provider for the past 12

In this issue: Update: Threats to IHSS funding continue Does your client need more IHSS hours? “We won 195 more
UDW caregivers are still fighting cuts to Medicaid and IHSS This year, we have faced numerous threats to our health
Dear UDW members, The electronic timesheet option UDW members fought for is now a reality and making a positive impact
Your client’s monthly IHSS hours are based on a social worker’s assessment of the kinds of care they need and
Maria Vega
District 2
Maria has been a proud member of United Domestic Workers (UDW)/AFSCME since May 2011, bringing over 15 years of dedicated service to both her union and her community. As a caregiver since 2011, Maria has devoted herself to providing compassionate, quality care for her 93-year-old mother, who lives with health complications, mobility challenges, and dementia.
Maria is a committed union activist who has attended five or more AFSCME conventions and remains an active participant at her local Santa Ana office. She has stood on the front lines advocating for working caregivers, including joining protests at City Hall in the fight for fair wages. She has also invested in her professional growth by completing training through the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program.
Outside of her union work, Maria is a devoted mother to three adult children, a loving grandmother to a grandson, and a grandpup. Her dedication to family, both at home and in the homes of those she cares for, reflects the heart of what UDW stands for.
Charlotte Neal
District 8 – North Area 1

Billy Brooks, Jr.
District 1

Linda Galbreath-Brooks
District 1
Retired from Kaiser Permanente, 27 years of service, working in surgery as a surgical technologist, working as a service representative, in psychology, nephrology, GI, Oncology and various other departments. Was a PartyLite, candle consultant for 21 years.
Been a UDW Member for eight years. Volunteers for our Union & for Dr Affallo;s Health Fair every first Wednesday @ Jackie Roberson’s YMCA.
In my free time.I love piano, and gardening in my back yard. I love helping and meeting people.

Lidubina Perez
District 3
My name is Lidubina “Lido” Perez, I live in the city of Perris, California. I am first generation immigrants from Michoacan Mexico. Graduated from Channel Islands high school located in Oxnard, CA, where my father worked as a field worker for many years. I graduated from Cal State San Bernardino with a B.A. and finally received my Bilingual teaching credentials from UC Riverside. Worked for Riverside Unified School District as a 3rd grade teacher, then for Val Verde Unified school district. I am a mother of four amazing adult children and a grandmother of four awesome grandchildren ranging from 8 to 17 years old.
I retired from my teaching career to care for my son Diego after he completed the ValVerde Adult program. I have been his care giver all his life, but full-time since 2013. I have been part of the UDW since 2006. Became an active participant in Political committee and Human Rights committee since 2025. I see the important role all my fellow IHSS caregivers play in their clients’ lives, and it is a humbling and honor to be part of such a humane and essential movement, to keep our loved ones safe in their home.
Elianna Campos
District 8 – North Area 1
“My name is Elianna Campos, and I am honored to be a candidate for Delegate to the AFSCME Convention in August 2026. I am a proud Family Child Care Provider, small business owner, advocate, and community leader who has dedicated nearly 20 years to serving children, families, and fellow early childhood educators.
As the Founder and President of the NCal Family Child Care Alliance, I have worked tirelessly to support, educate, and empower family child care providers throughout our communities. I believe that providers are the workforce behind the workforce, making it possible for parents to work, attend school, and contribute to our economy while ensuring that children receive quality care and education.
My advocacy work has focused on elevating the voices of providers, particularly women, immigrants, and small business owners who are often underrepresented in important policy discussions. Through leadership development, community organizing, educational workshops, and public advocacy, I have helped providers build confidence, strengthen their businesses, and become active participants in shaping the future of early childhood education.
If elected as a Delegate to the AFSCME Convention, I will proudly represent family child care providers and advocate for fair wages, professional”

Star Pleasant
District 1
“Hello UDW Local 3930 family,
I am STAR PLEASANT, and I am asking for your vote to represent our local as an AFSCME delegate.
In my years as a member, I found a true passion in our union. Throwing myself into the fight from day one, I have stepped up as a leader, volunteer, and temporary organizer. Together, we have fought side-by-side for the dignity, livable wages, and benefits we all deserve.
My work spans from local neighborhoods to national goals: community resources planning, working GOTV campaigns, leading new hire orientations, and standing on the front lines to protect vital medical programs for our vulnerable families. When outsiders try to silence us, the response is simple: rally together and speak up.
This journey has defined my career path. Running for delegate is about bringing this fierce energy to the national floor to learn from the best contract negotiations across the country. That knowledge will be brought straight back home to fight for a strong statewide collective bargaining agreement—ensuring we can all afford to live and thrive in the state we work so hard to care for.”

Horace Turner
District 8

Vu Nguyen
District 2
I graduated from Cypress College with AA degree from 2025 and started with the data technician job with 3 company like Digicom, Pm2net and Outsource company.
As right now, I works as IHSS provider . And I would like to develop more career in this field .

Walena Logan
District 3
Hello Fellow UDW members,
My name is Walena Logan, and I have proudly served as an IHSS care provider for over six years. Throughout my time as a caregiver, I have developed a deep appreciation for the important work we do to support individuals and families in our communities.
I am passionate about advocating for caregivers and ensuring that our voices are heard. I actively participate in union activities and enjoy volunteering whenever possible. Through my involvement in the TEO Program, I have gained valuable experience engaging with members, building relationships, and encouraging participation in issues that affect our profession.
As a delegate, I would be committed to representing fellow caregivers with integrity, dedication, and a strong desire to strengthen our union. I believe that together we can continue to improve working conditions, promote member engagement, and support the vital services we provide every day.
Thank you for your consideration and support.
Walena Logan
IHSS Care Provider & UDW Delegate Candidate
Vera Gooden
District 5 – Area 2
I have been a caregiver many many years I enjoyed being the person I’m today giving back and help the elderly I have taken many courses in certification of certificates being a union member since 2009 I’m always ready to stand up and fight for our clients to be there voice in a time where they feel pressure I learn more about my job and able to receive knowledge.

Cheryl Sevier
District 1
Hi , My name is Cheryl Sevier and I have been a member of UDW local 3930 since 2007 and I believe in my union and I just would like to consider myself as a candidate of the ASFMCE 2026 convention. I also like to in solidarity with my union when we fight we win and was on the bargaining team for more things that has happened in our union we are sisters and brothers and we are strong in number.

Margaret Clark
District 3
Hi my name is Margaret Clark I’ve been a udw member since 2021 I’m 71 years old I live in Hemet California. I’m involved with the udw because I want to be part of the fight for the best care possible for our love ones.

Shikha Bansalg
District 1
Shikha Bansal is a UDW member, IHSS provider, caregiver, writer, and community advocate from San Diego. As the mother of a daughter with autism, she understands firsthand how essential home care, disability services, and caregiver support are to families across California.
Shikha’s advocacy is rooted in lived experience. She has spoken before the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, sharing her family’s story and the importance of protecting care services when the UDW contract was renewed. That experience strengthened her belief that caregivers must have a voice wherever decisions are made about healthcare, public services, and working families.
A former television journalist and producer, Shikha now uses writing and community engagement as tools for advocacy. Her opinion articles on caregiving, disability, elections, and public policy have been published by Times of San Diego and other outlets.
She is also an active UDW volunteer who participates in canvassing and member outreach. Through conversations with voters and community members, she listens to concerns about affordability, healthcare, education, and the future of care work.
As a delegate candidate, Shikha hopes to represent caregivers and home care providers with honesty, compassion, and commitment.

Tiffany Truong
District 2
Tiffany is a mother and a wife who give up her job to stay home to care for her 84 years old mother who is blind and uses the cane, walker, wheelchair with a few medical conditions. The hours that were given to her caring for her mom in a very little. However, her works are more of a 24/7. Though, there are good days and there are bad days. She works tiredly each and everyday. But she still have the energy and the times to come and join us to fight for our fair wages, join our rally when every was needed. She also involve in the Health and Welfare to support our members. Most important thing that i really admire her for is helping the member who needed help with their client and she would come to give a hand.

Samuel Cardenas
District 1
Me considero una persona honesta , responsable y etica , con mis conviciones, y disfruto mucho de poder ayudar y orientar en medida de mis posibilidades, a toda nuestra gente mayor y discapacitada que merece tener mejor calidad de vida y merece ser escuchada.
Norma Alonso
District 5 – Area 1
Mi hombre es Norma Alonso soy provedora de mi hija Roxana y soy miembra de UDW provedora por 17 años me siento orgullosa de ser porte de este sindicato porque hemos trabajado mucho y hemos tenilogrado mucho y seguiremos abogando para lograr lo que merecemos.

Mollie Johnson
District 1
IHSS is the first opportunity I have had to join a union in 35 years of work. My previous career was teaching yoga and massage therapy. Both of these jobs are hard work with limited hours. Without a union a lot of unfair practices go unchecked. I am enthusiastic to support and represent UDW workers.

Julie Richardson
District 6 – Area 1
Before entering home care, Julie completed Certified Nursing Assistant training to pursue a career working with the elderly in nursing homes. After witnessing how often residents were treated without dignity or respect due to policy within the facilities, she made the decision to leave the institutional care industry and transitioned into IHSS caregiving. She now takes care of her grandmother who suffers from dementia and cannot live alone. Julie finds joy in being active in her community and loves problem solving bringing new creative solutions to age old issues. As Chair of the Civil and Human Rights Counsel, she advocates for fairness, transparency, and dignity for both clients and providers. With nearly two decades of hands-on experience, she hopes to bring fresh new ideas to improve the home care program while doing her best to make sure every member’s voice is respected and heard when it comes to shaping the future of our Union.

Maria Elena Millings
District 8 – Central Area 2
Maria Elena Millings is a dedicated early childhood educator, advocate, and community leader with more than 26 years of experience as a licensed Family Child Care provider in Oxnard, California. A proud Latina leader, Maria Elena has devoted her career to supporting children, families, and fellow child care professionals through education, mentorship, and advocacy.
Maria Elena holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and has completed graduate-level studies in Human Development. She is a Fully Certified Program for Infant/Toddler Care (PITC) Trainer and has participated in numerous leadership development programs focused on strengthening the early care and education workforce.
As President of the Latin American Child Care Provider Association (LACCPA), Maria Elena works to empower providers through professional development, networking, and community partnerships. She also serves as Chair of District 8 Central for UDW/AFSCME Local 3930 Child Care Providers United, advocating for policies that support child care professionals and working families.
Maria Elena is passionate about supporting child care providers, strengthening early childhood education, and advocating for children and families throughout California.

Maria Ivonne Bejar
District 8 – North Area 1
I am child care educator, leader, facilitator, mentor, and advocate dedicated to strengthening the lives of children, families, and the educators who care for them. Originally from Peru, I have devoted more than 35 years to early childhood education and over 23 years serving children and families in Sacramento, California. My background in Psychology, combined with my experience as a kindergarten teacher, school principal, and literacy instructor, has reinforced my belief that education has the power to transform lives and communities.
As the owner of a Bilingual Family Child Care and Preschool program, I create safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive environments where children can thrive.
I proudly serve as the UDW Local 3930 District 8 Area Representative and a member of the State Bargaining Team, advocating for fair compensation, professional recognition, and a stronger future for child care educators across California. I believe that when we invest in educators, we invest in children, families, and our collective future.
As an ELCC National Advisory member, AOK Facilitator, PITC Graduate, CCPU Education Fund Facilitator, and CCPU Leader, my mission is to empower educators to find their voice, embrace their leadership, and recognize their value.I

John Stevenson
District 1
When I first joined the union over 30 years ago, I had just turned down a high paying job with the State of California to look after my mother. IHSS and the UDW have have made an enormous difference in my life and it has been my privilege and honor to represent homecare workers across the nation from Sacramento to Washington DC.
Within San Diego I have served on the County Advisory Committee as member and chair and also on the Labor Council. Altogether, I have been a delegate to about a dozen conventions.
If elected, I promise to fiercely advocate for my brothers and sisters in labor within and without AFSCME, never forgetting those who work alone to make a dignified life for themselves and their families.

Roxana Escatel
District 3
I have been an IHSS caregiver for 7yrs. I have my Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources. I believe in Human Right. I believe in the work we provide to our clients as I took care of my Mother with Alzheimer’s and my Son with Cancer both of my Love one’s have passed away, but I stay to take care of other patients. I have gone to several rallies, that Shouts! what we stand and fight for.
I know I can be an Asset because of my beliefs.

Maria Lebron
District 1
My name is Maria Lebron. I am a dedicated caregiver with 21 years of experience through the IHSS program. I enjoy what I do, I feel I truly make a difference in my clients life. I’m also an active UDW volunteer for the past 6 years. I like to keep my colleagues informed and advocate for them if necessary.

Hanadi AL Nuaimi
District 6 Area 1
Hanadi AL Nuaimi has proudly served as an IHSS provider for her parents in Placer County since 2022. She is a dedicated advocate for caregivers and currently serves as the Area 1 Representative for District 6 and Vice Chair of the UDW Health and Welfare Council. Through her leadership within UDW, Hanadi has been actively involved in initiatives focused on empowering caregivers, protecting workers’ rights, promoting community engagement, and advocating for legislative reforms that improve the lives of caregivers and IHSS providers. Driven by her personal experience caring for her parents, Hanadi understands firsthand the challenges caregivers face every day. Her advocacy is rooted in ensuring caregivers receive the respect, resources, and protection they deserve.
Fluent in both English and Arabic, Hanadi bridges language barriers and provides meaningful support to UDW members from diverse backgrounds. She is recognized for her leadership, empathy, and strong interpersonal skills, along with her ability to connect with people, build relationships, and implement solution-oriented strategies that strengthen the union and support caregivers across the community. Outside of her advocacy work, Hanadi enjoys swimming, cooking, reading novels, and spending quality time with her family.
Marilyn Smith
District 3
I’m dedicated and passionate union advocate. Who has proudly supported UDW and labors rights for more than 40 years. I’m committed to promoting diversity, empowering workers, and ensuring that members’ voices are heard at every level. Throughout my years of service I have volunteered countless hours making phone calls, walking precincts, canvassing neighborhoods, and supporting various committees and campaigns. I also had the opportunity to speak with member of congress and advocate for issues that impact working families. I’m known as a strong, dependable leader who is deeply committed to strengthening my union and serving my community. So please feel free to say hello!
