Hi! My name is Mariia, I started working for the state of Oregon 7/2016, and have been an active member of SEIU since the beginning. I have always been dedicated to the empowerment, betterment and justice of those around me (and myself) which is why when I for the first time in my career had an opportunity to join with a union I did. I currently work at the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline (ORCHA), prior to that I started in Self- Sufficiency working at the Domestic Violence crisis center called Gateway , where on a small team of (3) state workers we advocated for Survivors rights and empowerment. Previous to my work with the state, I have worked primarily in Youth advocacy working with nonprofit groups such as OPEN School STEP UP program, and P:ear (Creatively mentoring homeless youth), in other rolls I have worked with children who have autism, and other ‘special’ abilities and in youth group homes, summer programs for children in foster care and directly is school resource centers. This will be my first opportunity to serve my community at this level. As I have been an active member, I have sat on many forums advocating for change within the offices I have worked for. Currently I am also on the Diversity Equity and Inclusion committee and the TRAUMA Informed committee at ORCHA. In both committees I am focused on making our office an equitable, transparent and empowered space for everyone. I am doing that by advocating for a “responsibility/accountability process” to address microaggressions and/or other transgressions that happen within and amongst current and future workers at ORCAH. Additionally, implementing structural changes within ORCAH that sustain equitable practices, space and climate within ORCAH office, with a lens on collecting data or information on how those practices might be implemented on a greater state level. I am dedicated to pushing our union and our state legislation to embody justice centered equitable practices, including the hiring of BIPOC and LGBTQIA + in leadership positions across all sectors of the state and in the union. I know that we are stronger as a state when we have every voice elevated.