To My Union Brothers & Sisters,

I started motherhood at a very young age, I became a single mother of four children. I knew that I didn’t want to become another statistic in the urban African American neighborhoods. When the opportunity presented itself and I was able to apply for employment for New Jersey Transit, after having so many jobs in so many other fields. I was blessed to become an employee for a company with magnificent job security and health benefits, all negotiated by the union.
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I started as a part-time operator for New Jersey Transit in 1995 and became a full-time operator in 1996. Being a single mother of four, it was very hard working for a company with this on time performance, however, didn’t nothing hold me back. As I navigated through life difficulties, I am proud to say I’ve been employed by New Jersey Transit for over 27 years, working in various positions such as  bus operator for 11 years, Newark Light Rail operator for two years and 14 years in field salary where I mastered all the positions in this field. In the field salary position, I worked in many locations helping my fellow coworkers when they needed assistance. In 2014, I was elected union delegate of Orange Garage, the biggest location in New Jersey Transit, my position as delegate allowed me to be an Executive Board member as well.
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Now as your newly elected Vice President, my mission is to support you, help to protect your pension, contract, a healthy work environment, and your benefits.
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I am so proud to be your Vice President, and I will do my best to let the members know that electing me was the better choice to represent NJ Transit, NJ Transit Morris Inc., Transdev Neptune, MPC Union County and MCTA, Pocono Pony, all the locations that Local 819 have the pleasure of representing. Remember Our Union is only as strong as its members, making us stronger together!
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In Solidarity, 
Lakisha Ewell
‍Vice President, ATU Local 819