President's message

As we head into the heart of summer, I find myself filled with pride and gratitude—for the incredible work our members do, and for the opportunity to gather soon at CSEA’s 99th Annual Conference.

This issue of Focus is all about celebrating you, the essential backbone of California’s schools and community colleges. Across the state, classified employees show up every day with determination, compassion, and skill. And while we know the value of our work, it’s powerful to see it recognized at the highest levels.

Inside these pages, you’ll meet some of our brightest stars—our Classified School Employees of the Year and Community College Classified Employees of the Year, honored for going above and beyond for students, colleagues, and campuses. You’ll also read about our inspiring ACE chapters and our national REACH Award winner, reminding us that classified excellence is felt not just here at home, but across the nation.

These stories represent the very best of who we are. But they’re also reminders that every CSEA member has a story worth celebrating—because every one of you makes a difference.

As we prepare to come together at Annual Conference, I hope you’ll carry this spirit of celebration with you. Let it energize you. Let it remind you why our union matters. And let it reaffirm the truth we live every day: Classified employees don’t just support education—we make it possible.

Thank you for all that you do. I can’t wait to see many of you in July.