Stronger with every strand - Local 117 members learning, sharing, weaving solidarity together.

PHOTOS FROM OUR 2025 WOMXN'S CONFERENCE HERE!

"The heart is an organ of perception," said celebrated author Angela Garbes as she kicked off our Womxn's Conference - Weaving Solidarity on Saturday.

Garbes, who has published two award-winning books on motherhood, was the keynote speaker at the event. She picked up this pearl of wisdom from an Uber driver on her way to the airport and invited members to apply it to our work as a union. "As we think about weaving solidarity, we're going to use our sharp minds, but we're also going to use our tender, squishy hearts," she said. 

Her inspiring real talk about the value of care work set the tone for an incredible event.

Organized by our Union's Womxn's Committee, the conference featured workshops, music, a scrumptious Filipino-inspired buffet, and an art auction that raised more than $1800 for the Jayme Biendl Scholarship fund.

Keynote speaker Angela Garbes (l) together with workshop presenter Ellany Kayce (r). 

"The solidarity of the Womxn's Committee is amazing and all of the ideas that the women have - their talent blows my mind," said Heather McMahnon, an outreach coordinator at MV Transportation, who helped with the organizing. "Coming together with people in the union like this is special." 

Members came from all jurisdictions - public sector, private sector, law enforcement, and DOC. Dani Olson, an officer at the Washington State Penitentiary, traveled across the state from Walla Walla to attend. "I wanted to learn more," she said, when asked what inspired her to make such a long journey. "I'm always about new experiences, learning, and trying to meet new people. You don't go far if you're not willing to go far."

 Dani Olson (l) and Bethany DuSchene (r) from DOC showing their union colors.

One of the people Olson met at the conference was fellow DOC member Bethany DuSchene. DuSchene works at the Monroe Correctional Complex, where she helps prepare incarcerated individuals for reentry into the community. "I'm surrounded by a lot of males at work," she said. "By coming to an event like this, I can talk with other women, learn, and get more involved.

"At Local 117, we have incredibly powerful women leaders," said Local 117 President Maria Williams in her address. "I'm thrilled to see so many members coming together for training, learning from each other, and building power. This is what a strong union is all about."  

Local 117 President Maria Williams welcoming members to the conference.

Huge shout out to Angela Garbes along with our other outstanding presenters: Ellany Kayce, member at King County; Cheryl Miller, retired member at DOC; and Local 117 Union Reps Rosanna Sim and Cara Mattson.

Finally, this event couldn't have happened without two extraordinary talents on our Local 117 staff: trainer, mentor, and badass organizer Jill Reese together with artist, musician, and creative force Yulia Issa. See y'all next year!

Our wonderful Womxn's Committee made it all happen.