March is Women’s History Month, and as a union made up mostly of women, every year we celebrate and uplift women not just throughout history but also those making a difference for their communities in the present day.
These are just some of the incredible women who make up our union:
Johanna Puno Hester- Deputy Executive Director of UDW/AFSCME Local 3930 and Vice Chair of CCPU
Johanna serves as an elected AFSCME International Vice President, Vice President of the California Labor Federation, and Vice Chair of Child Care Providers United, where she helped lead historic wins for family child care providers, including collective bargaining rights and health care and retirement benefits for 40,000+ providers. A dedicated champion for working families, Johanna began her labor organizing career in the 1990s, leading the unionization of 2,000 Los Angeles recreation and park assistants, and has since organized workers at universities across the country. Colleagues and community members recognize her unwavering commitment to workers’ rights, immigrant and civil rights, and the broader labor movement.
Hanadi Al Nuaimi- Home care provider, Placer County
Hanadi has been an IHSS provider for her parents since 2022, bringing compassion, strength, and leadership to every part of her work. A proud UDW member, Hanadi is a dedicated advocate for caregivers and currently serves as Vice Chair of the UDW Health and Welfare Council. “I do this work because caregiving is an act of dignity, resilience, and love.
My journey began as a caregiver for my parents, where I witnessed firsthand the strength and sacrifice this work requires. As an IHSS provider and union representative, I advocate for the women whose labor is often invisible but essential. Uplifting women caregivers means honoring their work, protecting their rights, and ensuring they are respected, supported, and heard. When we invest in caregivers, we strengthen families, communities, and our collective future,” said Hanadi.
Ivonne Bejar-Family child care provider, Sacramento, CA
When Ivonne Bejar and her husband had their first daughter, they had no child care options. So, Ivonne started her own child care service. She discovered her passion for care work, even staying in touch with the families she cared for years after. She’s also part of UDW’s statewide bargaining team, fighting to ensure providers across California are paid the true cost of providing quality care.
“What I love most about my work is the opportunity to create a safe and loving environment where children can explore, learn, and grow. For me, each day is a new adventure where I have the privilege of witnessing how their unique personalities and talents blossom. My mission is not only to care for them but also to foster their confidence and curiosity, ensuring that every child feels valued and loved,” said Ivonne.
Laurie Dyson- Home care provider, Roseville, CA
Laurie is a devoted mother who cares tirelessly for her 21-year-old daughter, Emily. She stays up most nights with her, accompanies her to doctor’s appointments and therapies, administers medications, manages nutrition and hydration through a G-tube, and attends to every daily need—from bathing and hair care to brushing teeth. “I am not a medical professional or a trained therapist; my qualifications are only the love and dedication I have for Emily,” Laurie says. “I work 24/7, for practically no pay, to ensure she stays safe and happy.
This work chose me, I didn’t seek it, but the sacrifices we make are worth every sleepless night and tireless day. The smile I get in return is priceless. The care we provide is vital, and the ones we love are worth everything.” Laurie’s dedication reminds us that caregiving is not just a job, it’s an act of love, and resilience.
Helene Ginter- Home care provider, Chico, CA
Helene’s care journey began at just 13 years old after her brother’s life-changing car accident, shaping a lifelong calling to care for others. Years later, as a single mother working to finish college, she began providing overnight childcare so other women could work and attend school—building community while supporting her own family. From serving on the Butte County Child Care Planning Council to sitting beside dear friends in hospice, Helene has always answered the call to care.
An IHSS provider since 2021, she now provides live-in support for Dawn Mayo and Michael Bright, bringing patience, dignity, and presence into their daily lives. As a proud Local Board Member of our union, she also carries forward her family’s deep union roots, advocating so caregivers across her region feel seen, heard, and supported.
“This work is just love, plain and simple. It’s being present for people the way I’d want someone to be present for my own flesh and blood.” She also reminds us that caregiving is not about tasks, but about humanity: “The real stuff of caregiving isn’t about tasks. It’s about knowing when to talk and when to just sit quiet. It’s about dignity.”
Shikha Bansal- Home care provider, San Diego, CA
Shikha has been an IHSS provider for her daughter, bringing compassion, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her caregiving. A proud UDW member, Shikha is committed to uplifting family caregivers and strengthening care. In her daily work, she provides hands-on support with personal care and daily living tasks, coordinates medical and supportive services, advocates within complex systems, and offers constant emotional support to ensure her daughter can thrive at home.
Beyond her caregiving responsibilities, Shikha speaks out for fair wages, benefits, and policies that recognize her work. “Caregiving is an act of love and skilled essential labor. It’s real work and when we honor caregivers, we strengthen our entire community,” she said.
Erika Prado- Family child care provider, Merced, CA
Erika has been a family child care provider in Merced County for six years, caring for children of all ages and helping families balance work and life. “I cherish creating a warm and mindful environment where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow. I also find joy in guiding and supporting other providers in their journey. I joined UDW to connect with a community that values and uplifts the meaningful work we do,” she said.
Vivian Renee Kuykendall- Family child care provider, Antelope, CA
Vivian began her career in federal service at the Internal Revenue Service in San Francisco in 1979. After retiring, she followed her heart and opened Genesis Christian Infant/Toddler/Preschool Childcare in August 2004. For over 20 years, she has dedicated her life to caring for children, which has always been her true calling.
“I have always known I was destined to work with and love children. Through Genesis, I strive to create a safe, nurturing, and loving environment where every child feels seen, valued, and protected. Being part of their early growth and supporting families is more than my profession—it is my purpose. It is truly my life’s blessing to pour love, guidance, and care into each child and help build the foundation for their future. I stand on this with all I have in my being. At Genesis, we are determined to help change lives and give love and support to families in our community and beyond,” she said.