Peña-Urenda, Paulita – Dept of Education: Candidate for Director

My name is Paulita Peña, and I am proud to be a member of SEIU 503, a lifelong advocate for working people, and a candidate for Statewide Officer representing Region 1.

For more than a decade, I have dedicated my work to empowering workers, strengthening unions, and advocating for communities whose voices are too often overlooked. As a union leader, steward, organizer, and public servant, I have fought for fair workplaces, equitable policies, and meaningful representation for workers across Oregon.

I come from a family rooted in labor. As a proud Mexican-American and Lipan Apache woman, I understand the importance of collective action, solidarity, and ensuring every worker has a seat at the table. My experiences have taught me that strong unions are built when members feel heard, respected, and actively engaged in shaping our future.

If elected, I will work to strengthen member engagement, improve communication between leadership and the membership, and ensure that Region 1 members have a strong voice in statewide decisions. I believe our union must continue fighting for living wages, workplace safety, accessible healthcare, retirement security, disability justice, racial equity, and the protection of public services that our communities rely on every day.

I am committed to building bridges across sectors, generations, and communities. Our strength comes from our diversity and our shared commitment to improving the lives of working people. Whether you work in state government, local government, higher education, nonprofits, homecare, childcare, or the private sector, your voice matters.

This election is about more than a position—it is about ensuring our union remains member-driven, transparent, accountable, and ready to meet the challenges ahead. Together, we can build a stronger SEIU 503 that empowers workers, develops future leaders, and continues advancing economic and social justice for all.

I would be honored to earn your support and your vote for Statewide Officer representing Region 1.