Cowan, Alicia – Board of Pharmacy: Candidate for Assistant Director

Hello, my name is Alicia Cowan and my preferred pronouns are she/they.

I am running for Assistant Director because I want to use my experience and my voice to represent workers and help build a stronger, more accessible union for every member.

As an active SEIU 503 member living with multiple hidden disabilities, I have served as my board's Steward, Sub-Local 333 Bargaining Delegate, General Council Delegate, and now Vice President. Through these leadership roles, I have seen both the strengths of our union and the barriers that can prevent members from fully participating. Too often, when members ask questions or seek a better understanding of our processes, they are simply told, "This is how it's always been done."

I believe our union is strongest when we encourage questions, welcome new ideas, and create opportunities for members to learn, grow, and lead. Accessibility, transparency, accountability, and inclusion should not be afterthoughts—they should be part of every decision we make.

If elected, I will work to ensure that every member has meaningful opportunities to participate and that our union leadership remains open, transparent, and accountable. I will advocate for accessible meetings, equitable representation, leadership development, and clear communication so that every member feels heard, respected, and empowered to contribute.

Together, we can build a union that invests in its members, develops future leaders, and reflects the values of solidarity, respect, and opportunity for all.