Women’s History Month Member Spotlights
Hortensia Blanco V.
Hortensia Blanco V. is a Homecare Worker, community organizer, and proud member of SEIU 503 who is deeply committed to advancing dignity, respect, and fair conditions for caregivers.
Through her work and leadership, she advocates for stronger protections for homecare workers while uplifting immigrant families and strengthening solidarity across her union and community.
Hortensia believes that when workers stand together and organize, they can build real power and create a more just future for working families.
Her work is rooted in the belief that strong workers build strong communities.
Theodora Ko Thompson
Theodora Ko Thompson is a lifelong learner and has been a proud member of SEIU for 20+ years. She has been active for legislative funding for education, and public services; a Union leader/activist for gender equality, equality, equity and inclusion. Theo served as Statewide Secretary and Regional Director on the Board, is the founder of the Asian Desi Pacific Islander caucus, active in Women’s Council, committees, and caucuses. She participated in the panel of 503’s participation of the film screening of “9to5: The Story Of A Movement” with other labor leaders.
At the University of Oregon Sub Local 085, Theo served as President, Vice President, Treasurer and Newsletter Editor and a steward. She is passionate about psychological safety from anti-bullying and harassment experiences. She was a non-traditional student working full-time while pursuing her studies, graduating with a vocational associate degree in graphic design, bachelor’s degree in journalism-advertising, and master’s degree in educational leadership – policy, management and organization. Valuing SEIU OPEU’s and School of Journalism scholarship, she was active in student multicultural publications; point of pride is her essay among seven essays selected for Comparative Literature’s department’s Nomad publication. Together with 085 President Dr Carla McNelly, she is co-author of UO’s Annual Senate Classified Leadership Award based on the three key issues of steward experiences: classified staff bullying experiences – this would this would lead to the Senate Taskforce’s recommendation for the creation and subsequent implementation of an Ombuds program as a campus resource. Theo also served on Lane County’s Equity and Access Advisory Board, as well as APANO’s Board. She is humbled and honored to be recognized for awards for UO’s Senate Leadership, Lane County Central Labor Council’s Labor Veteran award, and steward service on 503 Arbitration Screening.
Theo is committed to listen, learn, lead and advocate with heart for pragmatic dynamic solutions; advocating for access to education and training opportunities, dignity and respect for inclusive, safe and healthy workplace climates, uplifting member voices and our collective power to preserve and protect jobs, benefits, rights and union values. Theo ran the marathon in her youth and with her backpacking travel experiences, she loves to connect and build community with her passion for learning, languages, cultures, the arts (film, dance, music), travel, food, gardening and sports.
Jean Jones
My name is Jean Jones. I am a steward and the current/soon to be former Chair of Sub local 215 Clackamas County. I work as an OS2 for child welfare. I’m also Chair of the Indigenous Peoples Caucus for SEIU503, on the CHRC, Election Committee, and have previously served on the board of directors. I attended the SEIU International Convention in Philadelphia a few years ago where I gave a speech and attended 2 General Councils. Working for the state is my third career and I was glad to finally get a union job. Previously I was a massage therapist then a caretaker.
I care about equity, building community, and solidarity. I’m from a long line of union people. My mother was in SEIU and the Teamsters at different points in her life, and my father was in UA Local 290 as a pipe fitter. I’ve seen the real benefit of being a union strong and the support of a union when you need one. I’m also a proud member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. My people are from Oregon from before it was named and colonized, and I enjoy sharing the wonders of the natural world with people who want to be good neighbors. I’m always up for a nature walk or crafting while sharing a good story, or even a good silence. Every single person I’ve ever had the privilege of talking to has a unique perspective and story, so I’ve learned how valuable different perspectives can be. I’m dedicated to making the world a better place, even if only in small ways because any small action or piece of art could be the turning point that helps someone who needs it.
Denise Piza
Union leader, public servant, and community advocate Denise Piza ensures workers and communities across Oregon have a voice in the decisions that shape their lives.
Denise Piza is a leader in SEIU Local 503, serving as Latinx Caucus Co-Director, Sub local 219 Chair, and a worksite Steward. As a bilingual Mexican immigrant and longtime advocate for working families, Denise brings more than 15 years of experience organizing, mentoring leaders, and advancing equity in workplaces and communities across Oregon.
As a woman leading in labor, public service, and community spaces where women (particularly women of color) have historically been underrepresented, Denise is committed to expanding leadership opportunities for others. Within SEIU, she works to strengthen member leadership, build solidarity across worksites, and support women and workers from institutionally marginalized communities to step into positions of influence within the union.
Denise also served nearly a decade in elected and appointed leadership roles in Central Oregon, including as a City Councilor and the first Latina elected to serve in that role, where she helped advance policies centered on inclusion, community voice, and equitable access to local government.
Outside of her union leadership, Denise serves as a Program Lead with the Oregon Health Authority, partnering with communities across the state to advance health equity and ensure community voices help shape public policy and systems.
Denise leads with the belief that when women lead with courage, integrity, and care for their communities, they help build stronger unions, stronger workplaces, and a more just future for all workers.
Rechelle Ault
Rechelle brings a unique blend of communications expertise, political organizing, and frontline public service to her work with SEIU 503. Her career reflects a deep commitment to community engagement, equity, and strengthening the collective power of working people.
She began her early career in broadcasting and media production, a fast-paced environment where preparation, precision, and collaboration are essential. In the world behind the camera, every detail matters—lighting is adjusted, cameras are tested, and scripts are carefully reviewed before going live. This experience helped shape Rechelle’s ability to communicate clearly under pressure, think strategically, and collaborate effectively with diverse teams. Those same skills now guide her leadership, outreach, and advocacy efforts.
Rechelle began her academic journey by earning an associate degree in Communication before completing a bachelor’s degree with a double major in Criminal Justice and Communication, with an emphasis in Public Relations, and a minor in Pre-Law. She recently further strengthened her legal and advocacy expertise by earning a Paralegal Certificate. Her academic background provides a strong foundation in public policy, legal systems, and communications strategy—tools she uses to support and advocate for workers and communities.
Before relocating to Oregon, Rechelle worked in a U.S. Senate office in Nevada, where she assisted constituents and helped address the needs of marginalized communities. This experience provided firsthand insight into the real-world impact of public policy and reinforced her commitment to ensuring that historically underserved voices are heard. She later served as a Field Coordinator for Nevadans for Horsford, where she played a key role in grassroots organizing. In that role, she mobilized volunteers, coordinated field operations, and developed outreach strategies to engage communities and expand civic participation. Her work in political organizing strengthened her skills in strategic planning, coalition building, and community engagement—strengths she continues to bring to labor organizing and advocacy.
Rechelle has also demonstrated a long-standing commitment to service through volunteerism. She served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), supporting children navigating the foster care system, and volunteered at local food banks to help address food insecurity in vulnerable communities. Today, she works at the Oregon Department of Human Services in Child Welfare, where she advocates for the safety and well-being of children and families.
Within SEIU 503, Rechelle plays an active leadership role as Co-Chair of the Civil and Human Rights Committee and as a member of the ADPI Caucus and Kapit-Bisig, which means “link arms.” Kapit-Bisig focuses on organizing staff to defend migrant workers and build solidarity with workers in the Philippines. Through these roles, she helps strengthen the union’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and global worker solidarity.
Rechelle cares deeply about SEIU’s mission to build a non-racist organization because she understands that equity is fundamental to worker power. Systems of racism and inequality divide workers and weaken collective strength. By confronting those systems directly—through policy advocacy, education, and organizing—SEIU can build a stronger and more unified membership where every worker could thrive. She is particularly passionate about expanding community partnerships, strengthening outreach to underrepresented workers, and advancing racial and social equity within the union.
Outside of her professional and advocacy work, Rechelle enjoys painting, hiking, watching shows, and reading a good book—activities that allow her to recharge and stay connected to creativity and community.
As Rechelle often reflects:
“We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.” — Maya Angelou.