Born in Mexico, Lucia Albino Munguia arrived in Quebec as a farm worker, after which she made her way in food retail. In 1996, she started working at Provigo as a cashier and made her way up to the grocery assistant manager.

In 2013, she joined the Quebec Food and Commercial Training Centre (CFACQ) team to accompany the learners in their personal and professional processes, namely with newcomers, people with a disability, individuals wishing to change their career or Local 500 members. Sharing her personal background contributed to facilitating their integration into Quebecer society.

Engaged in union life, Lucia has been sitting on the UFCW United Latinos Committee since 2016. Since 2017, she has acted as a union representative for Local 500, where she puts her experience into the service of union workers.

Lisa Blackwell-Brown joined the Women’s Network in 2014 and has been an active and dedicated leader ever since. Throughout her tenure, she has held several leadership roles within the Network and is currently serving as Recorder, having been elected to this position in 2023. Her continued involvement reflects a strong commitment to advancing women’s leadership and advocacy within the labor movement.

Ms. Blackwell-Brown holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Dayton, a Juris Doctor from Widener University School of Law, and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Labor and Employment Law from Wayne State University. Prior to joining UFCW Local 1994 on a full-time basis, she worked at Legal Aid in Baltimore, where she represented abused and neglected children—experience that shaped her dedication to public service and worker advocacy.

In addition, Ms. Blackwell-Brown spent four years living in Quito, Ecuador, where she taught English to attorneys while developing fluency in Spanish. She returned to UFCW Local 1994 in 2013 after previously interning with the Local during her summers before law school.

Currently, she serves as Secretary-Treasurer of UFCW Local 1994 and as a Field Representative for public safety units, including Cumberland City Police and the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. She previously served as Recorder from December 2020 until her election as Secretary-Treasurer in September 2021.

Brandy Branco has spent her entire working life in fashion retail, with experience ranging from high-end brands to everyday consumer markets. She began her career with her current employer, H&M, as an entry-level employee and, within eight months, was promoted to Sales Coach. In this role, Brandy onboarded new employees, welcomed them into the company, and guided them through training and development. Through her leadership and mentorship, several colleagues were supported and inspired to achieve promotions to similar roles.

On October 9, 2025, the sales advisors at the H&M store in Toronto’s Dufferin Mall voted unanimously to join UFCW Local 1006A—a win in which Brandy played an integral role. She is now an active member of her union’s negotiation committee, where she continues to advocate for both her own growth and the advancement of her fellow workers’ careers.

Family is a central part of Brandy’s life. She was raised in two vibrant and loving Portuguese families by parents who immigrated to Canada at a young age. They instilled in her the values of sacrifice, a strong work ethic, empathy, and compassion. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Brandy credits her family’s unwavering support as a cornerstone of her personal and professional identity. This foundation informs her commitment to advocacy, meaningful relationships, and her continued career development.

Bea Bruske was re-elected for a second term as President of the Canadian Labour Congress in May of 2023. Bea is a graduate of the University of Manitoba’s Labour Studies program.

Bea’s passion for the rights of working people was ignited in 1987 when she and her UFCW Local 832 co-workers held the line for 125 days. Since then, Bea has served workers and their families as an activist, workers’ advocate, negotiator, community organizer and labour leader.

Since her election, the labour movement has achieved great victories that improve the lives of working people in Canada. 

Secretary Treasurer
UFCW Local 832

Marie started her journey with UFCW 832, Manitoba’s largest private sector union, at Safeway and then St. Boniface Hospital. She came on staff in 2002 as a relief representative, becoming a full-time union representative in 2003.  

Since 2008, Marie has held senior leadership roles at the local, including Director of Servicing, Executive Assistant to the President and Director of Operations – overseeing three office locations and two training centres across Manitoba. In 2021, she was unanimously elected Secretary-Treasurer of Local 832 by the Executive Board and has been acclaimed into the position in the last two elections.

Marie also serves on executive council of the Manitoba Federation of Labour, UFCW National Council and UFCW International Advisory Board, is a trustee for several pension and benefit plans, employee representative on the Manitoba Labour Board and a board member for Manitoba Blue Cross.

Anouk Collet is an Executive Assistant to the National President of UFCW Canada. With more than 20 years of experience in negotiation, organizing, training, and member services, Anouk first joined UFCW in 2001 and became a Regional Director for Quebec by 2013. During her 20+ year career, she has served as a Vice-President of the Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec (FTQ) and on the Board of Directors for the FTQ’s Fonds de solidarité.

Debora De Angelis is the Director, Political Action & Member Engagement with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW Canada) Locals 175 & 633, representing more than 70,000 members across Ontario.  UFCW Canada represents over a quarter of a million workers across North America.

She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Labour Management Relations, from the University of Toronto. While in University, Debora was a retail worker, who made history by organizing her coworkers at Suzy Shier to exercise their labour and collective bargaining rights.

As Secretary-Treasurer of the UFCW Women’s Network, Debora champions initiatives that improve the lives of working women, representing the 52% of UFCW’s 1.3 million members who are women.

Debora dedicated 25 years working at UFCW Canada, in many roles including: Director, Ontario Region and National Coordinator for Strategic campaigns where she was instrumental in the National agreement signed between UFCW Canada and Uber Canada on January 27, 2022, Chair of UFCW National Council Women & Gender Equity Committee, she sat on the Board of Directors for OHCOW and the WHSC, to name a few roles.

Glacier Effs-Samuel is the Recorder of UFCW Canada Local 1006A and also serves as a Vice-President on UFCW Canada’s National Council. 

 Glacier's journey with UFCW started in 1994 when she began working as a cashier at a grocery store in Mississauga, Ontario. Glacier first became active in her union as a steward, finding it a powerful way to promote equality, fairness, and human rights. She believes in empowering workers with knowledge to become active in their union and communities. 

 In her role as a Union Representative at Local 1006A, Glacier represents workers from various sectors, including grocery retail, airport foodservice, and transit. 

 As a woman of colour, Glacier understands the obstacles that women, 2SLGBTQi, Indigenous, and racialized workers face daily and is passionate about removing these barriers and changing the landscape for a more inclusive world.

In 2026, Glacier was recognized as one of Canada's 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women by the 100ABCWomen organization. 

Glacier Effs-Samuel est la secrétaire-archiviste de la section locale 1006A des TUAC Canada et siège également comme vice-présidente au Conseil national des TUAC Canada.

Le parcours de Glacier avec les TUAC a commencé en 1994 lorsqu’elle a débuté comme caissière d’épicerie à Mississauga, en Ontario. Glacier s’est d’abord impliquée dans son syndicat comme déléguée syndicale, y trouvant une puissante façon de promouvoir l’égalité, la justice sociale et les droits de la personne. Elle croit qu’autonomiser les travailleurs et les travailleuses les outille pour un militantisme au sein de leur syndicat et de leurs communautés.

À titre de représentante syndicale de la section locale 1006A des TUAC, Glacier représente des travailleurs et des travailleuses de divers secteurs, dont les épiceries, les services alimentaires d’aéroport et les transports.

En tant que femme de couleur, Glacier comprend les écueils que les femmes, les Autochtones et les personnes 2SLGBTQI+ et racialisées vivent tous les jours au travail. Elle est passionnée par la suppression de ces barrières pour changer le paysage actuel en un monde plus inclusif.

En 2026, Glacier a été reconnue par l’organisme 100ABCWomen comme l’une des 100 femmes noires canadiennes accomplies.

Rosannie Filato is a legal professional, labour relations practitioner, and public leader based in Montréal. She currently serves as a Director at TUAC 500, where she oversees strategic initiatives, represents members, and advances workplace rights with a strong commitment to equity and collaboration. Before stepping into this role, she built a career as an attorney and union representative, specializing in grievance arbitration, mediation, and conciliation.

Rosannie also served four years as a City Councillor for the Villeray district and held multiple positions on Montréal’s executive committee, where she championed public safety, social inclusion, youth issues, homelessness, gender equity, and sports development. Her public service reflects a deep dedication to community well‑being and progressive policy.

She holds degrees in Law (LL.B. and J.D.) from Université de Sherbrooke and a Master’s in Industrial Relations from Université de Montréal. Rosannie is recognized for her integrity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to social justice.

Liz Fontanez serves as the Organizing Director for UFCW Local 342, where she has proudly dedicated her career since 2009. She began her journey in the union’s Appeals Department and went on to serve as a Union Representative and in several other key roles within the organization. Liz was first recommended for leadership by former President Richard Abondolo and now has the honor of working under his daughter, President Deana Abondolo.

In her current role, Liz leads with passion and purpose—fighting for workers who feel unheard and creating opportunities to transform lives. She is proud to work alongside a dedicated team of organizers who have become like family, united by their commitment to justice and worker empowerment.

Beyond her work at Local 342, Liz serves on the UFCW Women’s Network Executive Board, where she has been an active member for several years. Previously a Co-Coordinator, she now holds the position of Organizing Co-Chair, assisting in the planning and coordination of regional galas, fundraisers, childcare grant approvals, and workshops. She also works closely with the Lead Coordinator to manage event finances, ensuring the continued success and impact of the Women’s Network in Region 1.

Émilie Genin is a full professor at the Labour Relations School of the University of Montreal, where she teaches Human Resources Management. She holds a doctorate in Management Sciences from HEC Paris. Her main fields of interest and research are the following:

-      Professional equality and diversity

-      Gender and career

-      Women’s entrepreneurship

-      Professional and personal life balance

-      Definition and measure of work time, invasion of work on personal time, porosity of times

Her research was published in numerous scientific and professional articles, and in many book chapters. She regularly speaks in the media and has supervised the work of more than thirty postgraduate students in Labour Relations.

Sandy Gerber is a Communication Coach, Emotional Intelligence Trainer, and Best-Selling Author of 24x award-winning book, Emotional Magnetism. In 2026, she was named #16 on the World’s Top 30 Communication Professionals by Global Gurus and is the recipient of the 2025 Women of Influence Creative Innovator Award.

A TEDx speaker and the popular Magnetic Communication podcast host, Sandy delivers relatable storytelling keynotes and experiential training that help people to communicate with confidence and clarity.

With 25+ years of experience, Sandy’s built and scaled three companies, including growing NEXT Marketing Agency from a bedroom startup as a single mother into a Top 100 Fastest Growing Company in BC. She also once won a limbo contest at 14, which she still insists is one of her proudest accomplishments.

LaQuita Honeysucker serves as the Director of the Civil Rights and Community Action Department of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, the largest private sector union in the United States.

In this role, she is harnessing the UFCW’s diverse and inclusive membership to bring hardworking families a better life. Whether it’s fighting back against voter suppression, providing hope to immigrant workers, working to end exploitation of refugees, creating more opportunities for women, or expanding LGBTQ equality, Ms. Honeysucker is positioning America’s food and retail union as a powerful voice for all workers from all places.

Prior to this, she moved the union’s legislative and regulatory priorities forward as the UFCW’s Legislative Director.

She has extensive experience when it comes to lobbying members of Congress, federal agencies, and states on labor issues including food safety and nutrition, federal minimum wage, overtime pay, responsible economic development, civil rights, and immigration.

Before the UFCW, Ms. Honeysucker served as a Legislative Counsel in the office of Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott. Ms. Honeysucker provided counsel to the Congressman on pending legislation and policy initiatives including, but not limited to, housing, judiciary, civil rights, telecommunications, transportation, immigration, and healthcare.

Ms. Honeysucker received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Tennessee College of Law in Knoxville, Tennessee. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. Ms. Honeysucker is licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia.

President, UFCW International 

Milton Jones has been a labor activist and member of UFCW for over 45 years. He has also served at the UFCW in various capacities for 33 years. Milton began his career as a courtesy clerk at Kroger in Florence, Alabama then went on to hold various positions within the company. In September 2023, Milton was promoted to Secretary-Treasurer, before being elected as International President in May 2025.

Marcy Kelly serves as the Education Director for UFCW Local 1776, bringing nearly two decades of experience, dedication, and genuine passion to strengthening the union and empowering its members. Her journey with Local 1776 began as a summer intern, where she quickly discovered a deep commitment to labor education and worker advocacy. She officially joined the union staff in 2007 and has since grown into a respected leader known for her knowledge, integrity, and member-centered approach.

Raised in a proud union family, Marcy learned the importance of solidarity at an early age. Both of her parents served as union stewards, instilling in her a strong appreciation for collective action, fairness, and standing up for working people. This foundation shaped her career path as she went on to serve as both an organizer and a servicing representative, gaining valuable, hands-on experience advocating for members in the workplace.

Marcy is especially passionate about helping others succeed and is widely known for her positive attitude and solution-oriented mindset. As Education Director, she finds great fulfillment in training stewards, strengthening their understanding of workplace rights, and equipping them with the tools and confidence to lead effectively. Marcy firmly believes education is a cornerstone of union power and takes great pride in developing informed, confident leaders within UFCW Local 1776.

Communications Co-ordinator
UFCW Local 832

Prior to joining UFCW Local 832 in April 2021, Crystal built a strong foundation in strategic communications as communications manager for a member-based national agriculture organization and prior to that, for a large insurance company. Throughout her career, she’s led internal relations initiatives, guided social and news media strategies and developed targeted messaging to strengthen engagement and deliver measurable value to members. 

Crystal cares deeply about collaboration and has focussed her career on building long-term expertise across diverse sectors while deepening her capabilities in leadership and project management. 

UFCW Local 832 is the largest private-sector union in the province of Manitoba.

I am a devoted wife and mother of four, a proud immigrant, and a dedicated community member. My career has been defined by unwavering commitment to worker rights and community empowerment. With over two decades of service to labor and advocacy, I emerged as a champion for working families in Northeast Ohio and beyond.

For more than 25 years, I have been a proud member of UFCW Local 880 in Cleveland, Ohio. My journey began as a worker at Giant Eagle, where I not only excelled in my role, but also became a trusted and constant advocate for my fellow union members. After my service there, I transitioned to-work for UFCW local 880 as a union representative—amplifying the voices of my colleagues and ensuring their concerns were heard and addressed.

My leadership transcends the workplace with my commitment to help people. I have proudly participated in numerous community activities and outreach over the years. This includes helping coordinate a mobile mammogram program to provide service for medically neglected women. I am an active board member to the UFCW Minority Coalition, a trustee for the CBTU Cleveland chapter, and a delegate for the Cleveland Central Labor councils of the AFL-CIO.These efforts are instrumental in strengthening solidarity, empowering underrepresented groups, and building a strong and inclusive community.

Coordinator, Human Rights, Equity and Diversity, UFCW Canada 

Emmanuelle works on the territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, Wendat peoples and other nations whose land was occupied due to settler colonialism. 

As Human Rights, Equity and Diversity (HRED) Coordinator for UFCW Canada, she is proud to serve as Chair of the UFCW Canada HRED Committee, the UFCW Canada Indigenous Sub-Committee, and as an Executive Committee member of the Executive Board for UFCW OUTreach. 

With 20+ years of experience in the labour movement, Emmanuelle leads national and equity-focused strategic programming and is dedicated to building worker power through an intersectional, feminist, and anti-oppressive approach.

Linda Mariani is a dedicated labour leader and advocate for workers’ rights, currently serving with UFCW Local 401. She joined the organization in December 2022 as Northern Director and Executive Assistant to the President, supporting strategic initiatives and representing members across northern Alberta.

Linda built a diverse career in Ontario rooted in public service and advocacy. She worked in mental health within the court system, supporting individuals facing complex challenges, and with adults who have developmental disabilities, promoting inclusion and dignity. She also held a variety of roles within a public sector union, gaining experience in labour relations and member representation.

Known for her collaborative approach and strong communication skills, Linda is committed to improving working conditions. She is passionate about women’s issues and supports environments where women are leaders. Her work reflects a deep commitment to equity, fairness, and building inclusive workplaces

Executive Assistant to the President • Labor Leader • Advocate for Working Families

Autumn Mitchell is a committed labor leader with nearly two decades of experience serving UFCW Local 99 in Arizona. Originally from Michigan, she moved to Arizona in 2005 and began her career in the labor movement. She started as an organizer and quickly advanced through several leadership positions, including Business Representative and Grievance Coordinator.

Today, Autumn serves as Executive Assistant to the President, where she helps guide the Local’s daily operations and plays a key leadership role in contract bargaining.

Beyond her work at Local 99, Autumn is an active member of the Women’s Network. In 2023, she stepped into a leadership role within the network, furthering her commitment to empowering women in the labor movement.

While deeply passionate about her work, Autumn considers her greatest accomplishments to be her two sons, Deshea (18) and Avery (11).

Autumn remains dedicated to advocating for workers’ rights and advancing fairness and equity for all working families. Her leadership and commitment continue to make a lasting impact within the union and the broader labor community.

Emeritus Chair, UFCW Women’s Network, UFCW Local 1500 Retiree

Rhonda Nelson served as Chair of the UFCW Women’s Network from 2009–2020, where she led key initiatives including Region 1 childcare grants that helped support working families. Her leadership and mentorship have impacted countless women across the UFCW.

A longtime UFCW Local 1500 leader, Rhonda held roles including Organizer, Union Representative, Executive Vice President, Field Director, and Trustee. She assisted thousands of members with grievances, benefits, and healthcare issues, and helped secure hundreds of successful contract settlements.

She has also raised funds for cancer-related causes, served on multiple boards, and continues to support the UFCW International Women’s Network and Minority Coalition as an advisor, remaining active in advocacy and political work.

Lily Olson is Western Region Director for UFCW Canada. She organizes, facilitates, negotiates, services, and assists UFCW Local Unions across Western Canada. Lily also has a passion for politics and has been active in many election campaigns, engaging in everything from canvassing to managing and more.

Mary Parker began her career with Kroger in 2005, where her commitment to fairness, teamwork, and advocacy quickly stood out. After just a few years, she was asked to serve as a Union Steward, a role that sparked her passion for representing and empowering her coworkers.

In 2012, Mary was selected by her local union to become a SPUR (Special Project Union Representative)—an opportunity that allowed her to deepen her knowledge of organizing and contract enforcement. After one year in that role, her dedication and strong leadership earned her a full-time position with the union.

Mary’s involvement with the UFCW Women’s Network began in 2015, when her local president encouraged her to get involved. She quickly made an impact, becoming a Region 4 Coordinator, where she helped lead events and initiatives supporting women’s leadership and development throughout the region. Recognizing her communication skills and ability to connect with members, she was later appointed to the Women’s Network Executive Board as Communications Chair.

Through every role she’s held, Mary has remained deeply committed to empowering workers—especially women—to find their voice, build confidence, and take active roles in shaping the future of the labor movement.

Magali Picard was elected president at the 33rd FTQ Congress in January 2023, then was re-elected for a second term in November 2025, after having been vice-president of the FTQ and of the Fonds de solidarité FTQ, national executive vice-president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and president of the PSAC Quebec Council.

Magali Picard is a proud member of the Wendat Nation and an activist for the rights of Indigenous peoples and women. Throughout her career, she has fought for greater social justice for workers so that everyone can live in dignity. 

She began her career as a union activist in 1999 as president of Local 10042 of the Union of Veterans' Employees (UVE), affiliated with the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC). Her skills and enthusiasm were quickly recognized, and she rapidly rose through the ranks of the PSAC, affiliated with the Quebec Federation of Labour (FTQ).

Magali Picard is first vice-president of the board of directors and a member of the executive committee of the Fonds de solidarité FTQ.

She also sits on the Canadian Council and the Executive Committee of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and on the General Council of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).

She is also a member of the Labour and Workforce Advisory Committee (CCTM) and sits on the board of directors of the Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST).

In addition, she is a member of the board of directors of the Chaînon Foundation.

Rhonda Richards currently serves as the Collective Bargaining Co-Chair on the UFCW Women’s Network Executive Board, a position she was elected to in May 2024. She first joined the Women’s Network in February 2020 as Regional Coordinator representing the RWDSU Council.

Rhonda began her union journey in 1996, holding numerous leadership positions at her local, including Newsletter Editor, Activities Committee Chair, Bylaws Committee Member, Shop Steward, and Executive Board Vice President. In 2017, she joined the staff of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), bringing with her extensive experience in workplace safety and OSHA compliance.

Throughout her career, Rhonda has led organizing campaigns, served as a Health & Safety Trainer, and held several key roles within RWDSU—including Service Representative, Business Representative, and Deputy Regional Director. In April 2025, she was appointed Midwest Regional Director for RWDSU.

Rhonda’s leadership extends across the labor movement: she serves as Vice President of the RWDSU Executive Board, sits on the UFCW Advisory Council, is President of the Michigan State Joint Council, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 665, and a Board Member of the Michigan AFL-CIO. Her lifelong dedication continues to strengthen workers’ voices across the Midwest and beyond.

I have been a member of UFCW Local 1059 in Columbus, Ohio since 1991. I worked for Cub Foods and then Kroger through a buy out. I became a steward in 2006 and became a member political organizer in 2010 after volunteering for canvassing for Barack Obama in 2008. I joined staff as a Representative in 2013 and joined the OUTreach Board in 2017. I became the new OUTreach Chair in October 2025. When I’m not enforcing contracts and fighting for human rights, you can find me enjoying live music or enjoying women’s sports.

Barry Sawyer is the national president of UFCW Canada, the country’s leading and most progressive private sector union with more than 250,000 members from coast to coast.

Barry’s union career began at age 15 when he joined UFCW Local 1977 as a part-time worker at a Zehrs grocery store in Orangeville. Before he turned 18, he was a shop steward, beginning a lifelong career of advocating for workers’ rights and union activism.

In 2000, when UFCW 1977 members at Zehrs grocery stores went on strike, Barry was on the front lines as a picket captain. Subsequently, he became a union representative at Local 1977 and worked his way up to regional director and executive assistant to the president.

When UFCW Local 1977 merged with UFCW 175 in 2011, Barry became regional director there, and in 2014, he joined UFCW Canada’s national office as executive assistant to the national president.

In 2025, Barry was elected UFCW Canada national president and UFCW International executive vice president.

Over the course of three decades, Barry has remained a steadfast and tireless advocate for UFCW members. He is also an enthusiastic organizer of community events and sports tournaments that raise money for several charities, including the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.  

Kahienes is a Kanien’kehá:ka woman of the Ronathahión:ni/Wolf Clan from the small Kanien’kehá:ka community known as Kahnawake (located on the South Shore of Montreal).  In 2021, she resigned her 20-year role as Social Counsellor with the Kahnawake Survival School to pursue her passion of continuing to share, learn and grow with People through her personal Venture: Sky Woman Circles.  She has also continued to nurture her passion for deepening Community ties through various Volunteer work and continued engagement with Youth and Elders.

Kahienes is a Community Helper in many facets and holds a B.A. in Arts & Sciences with a Specialization in Human Relations. She has walked with/assisted her own People and other Nations in the fields of Health, Wellness and Justice for most of her life.  She therefore has a colourful Medicine Basket that is filled with knowledge and skills that she draws upon to help People in their own personal and inter-personal growth needs that may one day enable them to make healthier and choices when faced with life’s wonderful dilemmas.

Katie Slaten is a psychiatric mental health registered nurse at the Harrell Family Center for Behavioral Wellness (HFCBW) at Lakeland Regional Health. Born and raised in Lakeland, Florida, she earned both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Central Florida, where she was also a member of the women’s table tennis team. Go Knights, Charge On!

At HFCBW, a 96-bed inpatient behavioral health facility serving adolescents and adults, Katie supports patients through specialized treatment programs including Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), Ketamine therapy, Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), Peer Specialist services, and Pet Therapy. She serves as a board member of the Unit Based Council and is currently preparing for certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse – Board Certified (PMH-BC).

Katie is also a proud union steward with UFCW Local 1625 and is actively involved in ongoing contract negotiations with Lakeland Regional Health, advocating for her coworkers and patients alike.

Deliana Speights is an international leader in the labor movement and a powerful voice for women workers. As International Chair of the UFCW Women’s Network, she works every day to ensure women see themselves not only as participants in their unions, but as leaders shaping their future.

 Speights’ journey with the Women’s Network began in the late 1990s, inspired by the belief that when women are supported, mentored, and empowered, entire communities are strengthened. Elected Treasurer in 2018 and International Chair in 2020, she has helped expand opportunities for women to lead, learn, and organize across the United States and Canada. Under her leadership, the Network continues to foster connection, confidence, and collective action among thousands of union women.

 Her leadership is rooted in lived experience. Speights began her career as a grocery worker in 1987 and understands firsthand the challenges working women face. That perspective fuels her commitment to equity, inclusion, and lifting others as she rises.

 Speights believes the labor movement is at its strongest when women lead with courage and compassion. Her work reflects a simple but powerful truth: when women rise, unions rise—and communities thrive.

Richelle Stewart is the Secretary Treasurer of UFCW Local 401 and comes from a strong union and meatpacking background. Richelle’s grandfather owned a small meat shop called Family Meats and her parents met on a union organizing campaign at the grocery store at which her mom was a cashier. Both went on to have accomplished careers in Canada’s labour movement.

Richelle’s first job was at a Superstore before she went on to become active in health care unions in Ontario as national youth committee chair, education assistant, an organizer working across Canada and the US, and eventually Director of Organizing.

In 2016, Richelle moved to Alberta to become the Northern director for UFCW Local 401. In 2020 she was appointed Secretary Treasurer following the death of long-time president Douglas O’Halloran and retirement of former Secretary Treasurer Theresa McLaren. She went on to be re-elected to the role in 2021 and again in 2025.

Kelly Tosato (she/her) was elected by a unanimous vote of the Executive Board and was sworn into her role as President of UFCW Local 175 on February 14, 2024, becoming one of the first women to lead a Local Union of this size.

 Previously, she was elected by the Executive Board to the position of Secretary-Treasurer in 2014, and then acclaimed as Secretary-Treasurer through Local Union Executive Board elections in 2015, 2019, and 2023.

Kelly’s involvement with the UFCW began in 1988/89 after she assisted with organizing her workplace, Pinty’s in St. Catharines, with UFCW Local 617P. She was then elected as the Union Chairperson at Pinty’s as well. Kelly was an Executive Board member for Local 617P leading up to its merger with UFCW Local 175 at which time she became a Vice-President on the Local 175 Executive Board. Kelly was also involved in the St. Catharines District Labour Council.

In 2001, the Local Union hired Kelly to be a Union Representative in the then-Central West region where she provided excellent servicing including bargaining collective agreements and grievance resolution for the members. In 2009, she became Director for Region 2 – one of the most diverse regions within the Local. After Kelly was elected Secretary-Treasurer by the Executive Board in 2014, she also took on the role of Director of Region 1 for the members in Northwest Ontario, and continued in that dual role for several years.

Kelly is involved on a number of Union-related committees including sitting as a dental plan trustee and being on the PBAS Board of Directors. On February 27, 2024, Kelly was elected to the position of International Vice-President at the International Executive Board meeting held in San Antonio, Texas. 

 As President of the largest UFCW Local Union in North America, Kelly is a strong advocate for all working people and a champion for the advancement of workers’ and human rights.

Karen Vaughan (she/her) is the elected Recorder of UFCW Local 175, a position she has held since Spring 2014.

Karen is a long-time member and steward at the Maplewood Long-Term Care Home in Picton, Ontario, where she works as a Registered Nurse since 1993. She has also worked at another UFCW Local 175 unionized healthcare facility, Trent Valley Lodge, as well.

Karen has always been an active member of the Union, taking up the role of steward almost immediately at Maplewood. As a leader in the workplace, Karen knows that there is strength in the Union. Over the years, she and her colleagues at the home have benefitted from improvements that were bargained for with her Union such as better wages, personal protection, health and safety, job security, and more.

Being a part of the UFCW Local 175 Executive Board since 2001 has given Karen the opportunity to bring the concerns of her colleagues in the healthcare system to the attention of the Local Union Executive. Over the years, Karen has instructed health and safety courses at numerous steward training sessions, has been on and advised her workplace Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC), and she assists as an emcee for the annual Healthcare Stewards Conference for the Local Union.

She is an active voice and champion for healthcare funding and a fierce advocate for healthcare workers across Ontario. In fact, Karen was a strong force behind the fight for a successful campaign to spread awareness about needlestick injuries for healthcare workers.

When not providing excellent, compassionate care to her long-term care clients, you’ll often find Karen at Ontario Health Coalition rallies, and taking every opportunity to speak up for workers’ rights, equal pay, and dignity and respect on the job.

Rena is originally from California and is Chinese American by way of Mexico. Her father was a restaurant worker and mother a domestic worker. They performed hard, low waged work and their jobs had no union representation. Rena's family had no health insurance, retirement savings, or anything else.

She attended UCLA on scholarship when the Justice for Janitors strike took place in Los Angeles in 2000. That fight by low wage workers (so much like her parents) to be visible and for a dignified living wage inspired Rena to join the labor movement. Against all odds, those workers dared to fight and hope—and they WON. It was Rena’s first glimpse of what is possible when workers organize to build power. After graduating in 2001, Rena became an organizer and has worked in Labor ever since.

Now as President of UFCW Local 663, Rena’s goal is to build power for workers. We need to organize for power throughout the food system – from farm to slaughter, processing, transportation, in to stores and how it gets into people’s homes and on their tables. By activating our members, organizing non-union workers and partnering with other unions, faith groups and community organizations we can improve the lives of all workers.

Born in Lima, Peru, Alejandra Zaga Mendez arrived in Quebec at the age of 14. She grew up in a single-parent family in the popular neighborhoods of Montreal. It understands the importance of our social network and the need to fight for a decent minimum wage and affordable housing. 

A specialist in environmental and economic issues, she holds a doctorate in sustainable development and conservation from UQO. She also served as president of the Québec solidaire party.

Elected solidarity deputy for Verdun in 2022, Alejandra is entirely dedicated to improving the quality of life of her fellow citizens. Now whip of the second opposition group, she is responsible in particular for issues related to the economy, finance, higher education and natural resources.