I am a Mortuary Tech at Elmhurst Hospital. I perform autopsies to remove organs from the bodies of deceased patients. I’ve been here 25 years.
As a Local 420 member, I look for ways to make things better; it’s how my grandmother raised me.
I recently was re-elected chapter chair of Local 420. I do all I can to help the union stay strong and vital to members–all workers need a union.
At Elmhurst, I make sure management honors the contract. I fight abuses and protect members’ rights. I am vigilant, making sure nobody takes advantage of us, whether through scheduling abuses, last minute assignment changes or out-of-title work.
The union gives us a grievance process. The union ensures that our rights are protected and that we are respected. I see how the powerful are working to erode our rights and destroy unions. It won’t happen if we stand together.
I volunteer as a district leader and serve on the state committee in the 35th Assembly District. I am a monitor for the Board of Elections and a member-at-large of Queens Library.
I’m active in my Lefrak City neighborhood. My twin brother and I founded an athletics and academics league that offers after-school tutoring, soccer and basketball to youth and adults. After 20 years, it’s still going strong.
When Hurricane Sandy hit Far Rockaway, I raised money for hurricane relief.
About three years ago I saw a waiter perform the Heimlich maneuver that saved a person’s life. I later asked an EMT how I can learn CPR, cardio pulmonary resuscitation. They hooked me up with the New York Fire Dept.
Once I was certified by FDNY, I talked to my manager about Elmhurst Hospital offering CPR training to employees so they can learn to save lives.
He gave my idea the green light. I contacted the Fire Department and volunteer at Elmhurst’s two-hour CPR courses that we offer every six months. About 30 to 60 participate, employees and community residents. Soon we’ll offer CPR training free on weekends.
Last year a coworker Martha Rincon took the course. At a family dinner in June her son, who is a Firefighter, bolted up, gesturing to his neck and back. He couldn’t talk, he was choking. Because she took CPR training at Elmhurst, Martha was able to do chest compressions and save her son’s life. Her thank-you letter makes me realize the difference I can make every day.
