My name is Cristina Aviles and I am running for Assistant Director in Region 7. I have been a Personal Support Worker (PSW) for 6 years. My job is to provide care for adults experiencing mental, intellectual or developmental disabilities in their homes and support integrating them in their communities to live enriched, fulfilling lives with dignity. I love my job because I see the difference it makes in peoples lives. The work that I do has also enriched my life because I see the value of this work in supporting people with developmental disabilities. I have served in the Homecare Bargaining team during the 2019 contract negotiations where we secured raises and retirement security for Homecare (HCW) and Personal Support Workers (PSWs) . I was part of organizing Homecare workers in Roseburg to start their first Spanish language Union meetings so that they learn about their Union and learn about ways to be involved as well as know your rights trainings. I care deeply about the work we do and now more than ever during this health crisis, I have realized that our work is so important to keeping people safe. As regional 7 Assistant Director, I’m commited to focusing on the needs of workers and work on engaging other union members to make our issues heard so we can keep making improvements in our workforce. I have realized that the more we become involved in our Union, the more power and knowledge we get so that we can be the voice for ourselves and the people we care for.  I would like to run for Assistant Director of Region 7 in my Union so that I could continue to advocate and be a voice for workers like me and engage other workers in my community. My goal is to make sure we are all heard and equally represented in our union and in our community so that all workers can thrive. Thank you, Cristina Aviles Personal Support Worker, Washington County