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I began my federal career as a GS-3
supply clerk from 1976-1980 at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, California.
During that time I became a member of IFPTE Local 11 and I served part-time
collateral duties as an EEO counselor. I found the EEO work very challenging
and rewarding. In 1980, I entered the upward mobility program to become a
Mechanical Engineering Technician for Ocean Engineering. I completed the program
in 18 months and progressed through the years becoming more and more proficient
in my profession.
Seeing the writing on the wall with
the impending closure of Mare Island, I took advantage of the After Hours Education
Program and completed my B.S. in Industrial Technology through the extension of
the University of Southern Illinois at Mare Island, 20 years after my high school
graduation. This was a major accomplishment for me because it was full-time
school and full-time work, as well as raising my 10-year old daughter Somer.
I was only able to complete this monumental task because of the love and support
of my wonderful husband of 20 years, Rob Perez. In 1994 Ocean Engineering
was moved to Puget and I came with. Shortly after arriving I was approached
by Jim Adrian who was President of Local 12 at the time about becoming a steward.
I was impressed with what he had to say about getting more women involved in the
Union and decided to jump right in. Thanks to the encouragement and support
of the many great people in Local 12 I have been elected to the Executive Vice-Presidency
and am honored to serve.
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