Each year, CSEA recognizes classified employees working to build and strengthen their union.

Cerritos College’s Toni Ann Sallade was recognized as an “Unsung Hero” when the Los Angeles East and West Field Offices held the Eighth Annual California School Employees Association Recognition Awards Banquet on June 9 at the Doubletree Hotel in Pasadena.

“It is a humbling experience to be recognized by my peers for my activities,” Sallade commented upon receiving her award.

For the last 15 years, Sallade has been part of the Cerritos College family. She began as an hourly in the Instruction office. Shortly after she moved to the Purchasing department, and in 1990 took on the position of Civic Center Clerk, known today as Facilities Scheduling Coordinator. She is responsible for booking on-campus events, as well as coordinating and staffing events for outside parties renting the College’s facilities.

In her spare time, Sallade serves as First Vice President on the College’s CSEA Board. Since the early 90’s she has been an active participant in the union.

“I come from a strong union background,” states Sallade. “All of my grandmother’s brothers went into the mines to work when they were six years old… we need to all work for the best for everyone,” she added.

Sallade enjoys her involvement in the union. The most rewarding aspect is that she is helping to make the College’s work environment the best it can be. As she pointed out, “We spend a good portion of our lives here.”

CSEA is the largest classified school employees union in the United States, representing more than 190,000 public employees in California. For more information about the organization, log on to www.csea.com.