Tribute to Beth Saldaña

Beth Saldana 1958-2020
December 01, 2024

This page is currently being developed. Check back for a more full (and accurate) biography about Beth in the coming months. Submit your stories and anything missing to the Area K Webmaster as we continue to honor her legacy in Area K and across CSEA.

Elizabeth "Beth" Saldaña was an inspirational activist, mentor, and leader to CSEA members in Area K and across California for almost 4 decades. Beth's ability to make you feel valued and "the only person in the room" when she talked to you is one of the many reasons why her advocacy and leadership reverberate across CSEA. Her mentorship built leaders who serve in Chapter Executive Boards and Association-level positions across our union to this day.

Beth's previous service to CSEA includes:

Beth passed in late 2020, far sooner than we hoped. We honor Beth's legacy each day by building leaders who effectively advocate for the rights and dignity of classified professionals, their families, and working people everywhere and improve the lives of CSEA members, students, and communities across Area K and all of California.

SDFO Beth Saldaña "Under Her Wings" Memorial Award

The San Diego Field Office's local "Under Her Wings" Memorial Award is named in her honor, given each year since 2021 at the Member Recognition Event in the Spring to an Area K member who exemplifies her spirit of mentoring leaders, activism, and involvement in advancing the rights and dignity of classified professionals across San Diego and Imperial Counties with great care and kindness.

  • 2024: Robert Johnson, Vista Unified Chapter 389
  • 2023: Rachel Macias, Escondido Union High Chapter 219
  • 2022: Bea Mora, Central Union High Chapter 726
  • 2021: Issel "Izzy" Martinez, San Diego Paraeducators Chapter 759