Irene Carr served as CSEA’s Statewide Secretary for 17 years, trailblazing a path to bring issues traditionally of concern to working women to the forefront of our union’s mission. Irene recognized that “work and family issues,” as she commonly called them, needed to be a top priority in our union. She started our union’s first Women’s Committee and chaired the AFSCME Women’s Advisory Committee.

Additionally, Irene fought for training and job advancement opportunities; pay equity adjustments for women and minorities and child care centers for state employees. Irene fought endlessly for change, and this award in her name honors trailblazers who continue her mission of defending and advancing the rights of women and families.

Do you know a CSEA member/ activist who:

• Continuously encourages, promotes and/or mentors younger women to become activists in our union and the labor movement as a whole.
  
  
• Has demonstrated continuous leadership in defending and furthering the rights of women and minorities in the workplace, such as:
  

  • Women’s health and safety issues.

  • Pay equity.

  • Domestic violence prevention and policy legislation.

  • Equality in the workplace.

  • Affordable and accessible childcare.