Seattle EA leader among 2016 Women of Courage
While no one wants to go on strike, there are times when there is no choice but to take a stand and back it up. It takes grit, perseverance, good organizing and courage to fight for our beliefs and values. Last fall, when the Seattle Education Association went on strike, SEA Vice President and Bargaining Chair Phyllis Campano never dreamed that several months later she would receive a Women of Courage 2016 award for her dedication to turning the tide for women and girls.
The award, which recognized 11 people this year, is given annually from the Women’s Center at the University of Washington and celebrates women’s progress and advancement while continuing to close the equity gap.
Campano laughs when she recalls receiving a letter telling her about the honor and inviting her to attend a gala in honor of the recipients.
“Being a special education teacher, my first thought was do they want me to do something?" she says. "Will I need to fund raise?”
After reading the letter a couple of times and showing it to others, she realized that she had been nominated by community member Heather Hudson. Hudson was impressed with Campano's eloquence during the SEA build up and eventual strike last fall.
While the narrative about Campano talks about her background, her education and work as an educator, it does not shrink from applauding her union leadership. “Phyllis’ passion and dedication to organizing a strong union became evident in the 2015 Seattle School strike, which yielded amazing gains for the students and educators of Seattle Public Schools.”
Campano said she brought several women who served alongside her on the bargaining team to the gala. The evening gave the women a chance to get together, celebrate their achievements and relax.
“There were a few photos of cocktail dresses and shoes people were going to wear,” Campano says. “We got dressed up and even though there was time for dancing after the ceremony, we were so chatty enjoying one another’s company that we never made it to the dance floor.”
