On June 3, 2023, members, family, friends, and staff came together to recognize members who completed the Union Steward program and Unsung Heroes at the 31st Annual Area D Member Recognition Banquet. Hodel’s Country Dining in Bakersfield was a beautiful venue, with its famous fried chicken and tri-tip. Association President Adam Weinberger joined the festivities as the guest speaker, where he gave an inspirational speech about what it means to be a member volunteer and further the mission of CSEA.

The Fresno Field Office presented 26 jackets to new stewards who had successfully completed the Union Steward Program. In addition, twelve members were presented the Unsung Hero Award. These award winners were nominated by their chapter for their contributions behind the scenes. 

Finally, Area D Director Helena Perkins presented her second annual “ICE” Award to Gloria Huerta, Cutler Orosi Chapter 253. The ICE Award stands for Integrity and Champion of Engagement. As the Area D representative on the PACE Committee and Chapter President of Cutler Orosi Chapter 253, Gloria is a shining example of volunteerism in her own community and statewide. 

Congratulations to all new Stewards and Award Winners!

2023 Union Steward Jacket Recipients 

• Darnesha Cardenas, Porterville Chapter 38 

• Raquel Quezada, Porterville Chapter 38 

• Guadalupe Labrada-Davila, Bakersfield City Schools Chapter 48

• Frances Morales, Lamont Chapter 58 

• Elvira Moreno, Lamont Chapter 58 

• Sonia Olivo, Arvin Chapter 164 

• David Olais, Cutler Orosi Chapter 253 

• Christy Martinez-Avila, Palmdale Chapter 296 

• Michael Guillermo, Lancaster Chapter 297

• Silvia Sahagun, Lancaster Chapter 297

• Crystal Cooper, William S. Hart Chapter 349

• Janice Dennington, William S. Hart Chapter 349

• Kathy Hefferon, William S. Hart Chapter 349

• Jordan Meraz, William S. Hart Chapter 349

• Katie Cain, College of the Sequoias Chapter 408

• Osiris Deleon, College of the Sequoias Chapter 408

• Stacy Reeves, Lindsay Chapter 438

• Amy Paul-Frank, Acton-Agua Dulce Chapter 473 

• Courtney Dibene, Keppel Chapter 516 

• Pablo Peraza, Antelope Valley High Chapter 612

• Lisette Godinez, College of the Canyons Chapter 725

• Kenneth Dejonge, Terra Bella Chapter 764

• Dawn Castillo, Strathmore Chapter 794 

• Guadalupe Ramos, Strathmore Chapter 794 

• Socorro Ruiz, Strathmore Chapter 794

• Ryan Daugherty, Bishop Chapter 878

Recipients of the 2023 Unsung Hero Award:

• Antonio Arana, Saugus Chapter 112 

• Sonia Olivo, Arvin Chapter 164

• Samantha Quintino, Vineland Chapter 185

• Gloria Huerta, Cutler Orosi Chapter 253 

• Deborah Robinson, Palmdale Chapter 296 

• Felicia McLaughlin, Sulphur Springs Chapter 298

• Arleen Haggard, William S. Hart Chapter 349

• Jordan Lamb, College of the Sequoias Chapter 408 

• Dena Groves, Rosedale Chapter 508 

• Andrea Varney, College of the Canyons Chapter 725 

• Tony Robison, Terra Bella Chapter 794

• Alex Greenland, Bishop Chapter 878

MRE Photo Credit: Clair Fujioka