Chelsea is a proud 17-year member of OPEIU Local 2. As a union activist, she currently serves as a shop steward at her workplace and previously served as chair of the LGBTQIA+ Committee at her local. Chelsea also serves on the executive board of the Northern Virginia Labor Federation. She's passionate about helping workers advocate for themselves in the workplace and is always down to help organize a collective action when management doesn't do right by the workforce.

Why CLUW is important to Chelsea: 

"Women and femmes are the lifeblood of our workplaces and our communities. It is an honor to serve as a leader within the Coalition of Labor Union Women. I look forward to welcoming more women & femmes into our dynamic organization." 

Why CLUW is important to Charron:

"I joined CLUW to stand in solidarity with other union advocates and be a part of the women’s labor movement. At the chapter, I want to be able to help increase our membership, engage in community outreach and involvement, and maintain an impactful presence in the legislative/political arena." 

Lizbeth is an activist, actor, academic and active member of the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). She currently serves as a Local Board Member for SAG-AFTRA’s Washington-Mid Atlantic Local. Before becoming a local board member, Lizbeth traveled throughout the region mobilizing on picket lines during SAG-AFTRA’s historic 2023 strike. Lizbeth is passionate about engaging fellow union members and encouraging them to level their personal and collective agency to build a stronger union.  

Why CLUW is important to Lizbeth:

"I became involved in CLUW as a way to unify with women unionists to address common challenges and concerns facing working women, while also actively addressing social justice and legislative issues facing our communities at large. With membership spanning throughout 70  international and national unions, CLUW has provided a support network uniquely positioned to understand the dynamics I experience not only as a working woman but also as a union activist. I am grateful to work alongside the inspiring and energetic members of CLUW as we fight for change."

Carol currently serves as the president of the MD DC Alliance for Retired Americans. She previously was the Executive Director of the Coalition of Labor Union Women, a position she held for 20 years. She also was the Administrative Officer of the Washington Baltimore Newspaper Guild (CWA) for 4 years. Earlier she was elected as the president of her AFSCME local (2187) in Philadelphia for 13 years. She began her career as a social worker for the City of Philadelphia addressing the needs of abused and neglected children. 

Why CLUW is important to Carol:

"I got involved with CLUW before the first conference in 1974 during its initial organizing phase as I felt that women needed to be heard in the labor movement, both by having their needs met in collective bargaining agreements and in leadership positions within their unions. CLUW provides educational opportunities and encourages and inspires women to run for office in their unions and for elected positions within their communities. It provides a supportive network which is so important. CLUW also has stood on the front lines of fighting for reproductive and social justice. CLUW has been an important part of my life and I am proud to be a member." 

Elise Bryant, CLUW President Emerita, got her start in the labor movement as a member of the Wobblies (Industrial Workers of the World). She is the former executive director of the Labor Heritage Foundation and founding director of the DC Labor Chorus. Award winning playwright and social justice activist,  Elise is also a labor educator and taught at the University of Michigan Labor Studies Center and the National Labor College. In 2017 she was elected Vice President of CWA/Newspaper Guild Local 32035 and President of the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW). She was re-elected as the president of CLUW in 2021 and chose to turn over the CLUW reins of leadership in 2025, but continues to serve CLUW as an at-large executive board member of DC Metro Chapter. 

Why CLUW is important to Elise:

"CLUW is the only national organization that brings working women together from 59 unions — large and small! I was fortunate to meet the founding members and CLUW Presidents Olga Madar, Joyce Miller and Gloria Johnson when I was the coordinator of the Michigan Summer School for Women Workers. They inspired me to get active in my union and to help “educate, mobilize and organize” union women. The founding motto of CLUW is “A woman’s place is in her union” and that is still true, but now I say a woman’s place in her city and county government, the U.S. Congress and the White House. When we join with our brothers, men of quality who are not threatened by women seeking equality, we are unbeatable. Together we will make the United States of America a 'more perfect union!'"