Mendiola, Christine – DHS: Candidate for Director

Hello SEIU 503, my name is Christine Mendiola, and I am honored to be a candidate for the SEIU 503 Central Valley Board of Directors. As a longtime public employee, union steward, and active union leader, I am committed to strengthening our union through member engagement, transparency, accountability, collective action, and equitable access for every member.

My union journey has given me the opportunity to serve in a variety of leadership roles. I currently serve as the SEIU Local 503 ADPI Caucus Treasurer and the International ADPI Caucus Board Northwest Region Chair. I previously served as the Local 203 Sublocal Vice Chair, participate in our District Labor-Management Committee (LMC), and was elected as a General Council Delegate for both 2024 and 2026. I was also nominated and selected to participate in the second SEIU International Leadership Cohort, where I strengthened my leadership, organizing, and member engagement skills while learning how to build stronger unions and develop future leaders.

If elected, I will advocate for strong collective bargaining that secures fair wages, quality benefits, safe working conditions, and dignity for every worker. Strong contracts must also be backed by effective contract administration so members understand their rights, receive fair representation, and know their union stands with them.

I believe our union grows stronger through organizing, leadership development, member education, and political action that protects workers’ rights. I will engage members at every level, welcome new activists, mentor emerging leaders, and build solidarity across worksites and communities. Every member deserves the opportunity to be heard and help shape our union’s future.

Clear and respectful communication is essential to earning trust. I will listen to members, encourage transparency, and ensure diverse perspectives are included in decision-making. As a proud leader within the ADPI Caucus, I understand the importance of creating opportunities where every member—including historically underrepresented voices—feels welcomed, valued, respected, and empowered to lead.

I am committed to responsible fiscal stewardship, ensuring members’ dues are used wisely, transparently, and in ways that strengthen our union. I also support strong partnerships between elected leaders and union staff because collaboration is essential to providing outstanding representation and service.

I believe leadership is about service, integrity, accountability, and bringing people together to achieve meaningful results. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive SEIU 503 that empowers every member, strengthens every workplace, and protects the rights of working families. I respectfully ask for your