2007 Teamsters Women's Conference
Women's Conference in Houston
(Houston) - Teamster women from across North America gathered in downtown Houston Thursday to kick off the 2007 Teamsters Women's Conference.
More than 750 women came to the four-day conference, which is designed to educate, inspire and empower women in the workplace and the labor movement. The four-day event kicked off with an impressive lineup of speakers, panels and workshops.
The theme of this year's conference is " Teamster Sisters: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow," a theme that honors women's struggles and contributions throughout labor history and encourages present efforts to create a bright future for labor and society overall.
The crowd first heard from Cheryl Johnson, Conference Coordinator, President of the Teamsters Women's Caucus and International Union Vice President for the Central Region. Johnson talked to the women about the importance of being involved and mentoring other women in the union.
"I started as a warehouse worker many years ago and worked next to a man who was making more money than me for the same job," Johnson said. "We organized and became Teamsters to change that. I want to be able to mentor women like you and make a difference and it's at this conference that we are able to do that."
On Friday, Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer C. Thomas Keegel energized the already enthusiastic crowd of women in his address.
"The Women's Conference gets bigger and better every year that I come," Keegel said. "I'm proud to promote women in the union whenever there's the opportunity because they get the job done."
Special Guest Speaker Donna Brazile, a political strategist and the first African American woman to manage a major presidential campaign, made a passionate call to the conference attendees to become more politically active.
"I love the Teamsters Union," Brazile said. "I am here to encourage and inspire you to make a difference in 2008 because we as women have so much political power to exercise."
Christie Bailey, the Director of the Department of Field Action for the International Union also called on the attendees to increase their involvement in politics and contribute to DRIVE. More than 35 percent of conference attendees already participate in the political action program - well above the national average.
The conference will continue over the weekend with a special address from Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa on Saturday, and more women's panel speakers, educational workshops and activities will take place through Sunday.
"This is my third Women's Conference and I plan to come to many more," said Alisha Urbina, a member of Local 436 in Ohio. "This conference brings together women from all across North America and it's a great time. I'm looking forward to more to come at the Women's Conference."
