MEMBER FOCUS
Members of the Year
Meet your CSEA Members of the Year
by Tiffany Lew
CSEA honored five exceptional members as 2023 CSEA Members of the Year at this year’s Annual Conference: Gene Baker, John Sullivan, Diana Ochoa, Julie Glenn-Juuko, and Dana Moyer. They come from different classifications, but each demonstrates the passion, tenacity and generosity that embody the spirit of what it means to be a CSEA member.
Gene Baker
As a warehouse delivery driver for Fairfield-Suisun for 26 years, Gene Baker is the “nervous system of the district.” During COVID, drivers such as Baker handed out food to families every day, always lending a helping hand. Baker also makes sure that his team is taken care of by participating in committees, including the negotiation team and political action committee. His drive comes in part from fulfilling his childhood dream and following in his dad’s footsteps. He holds the union close to his heart – literally, too – showing up to work each day with a shirt representing CSEA.
John Sullivan
Every morning, Sr. Day Custodian John Sullivan is voluntarily outside of Northmont Elementary of La Mesa-Spring Valley greeting parents, helping with safety patrol and much more. He puts a little extra TLC in everything he does – from noticing when students might be going through a hard time and letting them know he cares to playing games during recess. He is always volunteering throughout various aspects of his life. On the negotiation team, Sullivan was able to get medical benefits after retirement back for members. As a Navy veteran, he engages students in the classroom to write letters with service veterans.
Diana Ochoa
Records Technician Diana Ochoa of Azusa, Records Technician for over 17 years, has been admiringly called both “bulldog” and “mama bear” by her colleagues. “I just love being able to be that voice for somebody,” she said. As a union steward, she has fought hard for members, including saving positions during layoffs throughout the district, increasing health insurance compensation and securing a salary increase. She is the first one to help at events and is an active fundraiser – whether for a trip to New York for drama students or a memorial scholarship.
Julie Glenn-Juuko
Childrens’ faces light up when Paraeducator Julie Glenn-Juuko works with them at Bay Elementary of San Lorenzo. Her commitment to CSEA members has no lesser of an effect with her strength of voice during meetings and near 24/7 availability. As a lead negotiator, she does not waver on what she wants to see on behalf of members, constantly working to fight for better working conditions for employees. Her work as a founding member of her District Solutions Roundtable team has led to classified members having a seat at the table during decision making.
Dana Moyer
Food Service Worker Dana Moyer at Westmont Elementary of Ocean View prepares, cooks and serves breakfast and lunch, as well as packs supper for their after-school program. During COVID, Moyer rose to the challenge by leading a team of food service workers and drivers, making sure everyone was washing their hands, gloving up and masking up. Her energy and excitement have driven her to be the first food service professional to be represented on the Ocean View executive board in likely two decades. Her efforts have resulted in member raises, kitchen guidelines and compensation for ServSafe training for more than 35 food service workers.
