Kelly works at Tacoma Pierce County Health Department as a substance use disorder counselor. Every day, she works with people who are in recovery from opiates, and it is a job that she has dedicated 18 years of her life to. Kelly is a Shop Steward and a founding member of Teamsters 117 Women's Committee.

What motivates you to take the extra step and be involved with your union?

I love being in our union. What the Union means to me is equity in the workplace. It means fair labor practices. It means that we have an agreement with the employer and that we have to hold them accountable so that everyone has a safe and fair working environment. For me, it is the greater sense of community that Teamsters provide, and that is the message that I am excited to share with the workers.

You have participated in numerous union events. Which one was your favorite?

One of my favorite events this past year was when we had gathered gifts for children of Teamsters who were unable to buy their kids gifts for the holidays. The joy on their faces when they picked up the gifts meant everything to me. The union is truly my happy place where I am accepted and validated.