2015 Woman of the Year - Tina Campbell, President Western Virginia CLUW
I was raised by my wonderful parents Roy and Shirley Marsico. Who along with me, I had a older brother Roy Jr. My parents have been my rock and inspiration all of my life. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past June, which I find to be astounding in itself. If ever I need anything they are always there for me.
My husband Bob with whom I will be celebrating 9 years of marriage in a few months, stands by my side in every choice I make. Together we have a blended family, which is made up of 2 sons and 3 grandchildren. My son Tony and his wonderful wife Laurie and their 2 girls Chelsea and Eliza. And Bob's son Bobby and his son Will. And of course I cannot forget our 2 furbabies, my everyday joy Smokey and Baby.
Now how it all started: In 1987 I joined my first and only Union, IUE-CWA 82162. In the 28 1/2 years of belonging to this Union I've held the role of shop steward on and off and also was a Chief Steward for 3 years. I've been a Delegate to the Western Virginia Labor Federation for several years. I've been the President of the Coalition of Labor Union Women, Western Virginia Chapter since 2008.
In the latter part of Labor 2008 I was asked to come out of work and help work the area's campaign program. So it all begins, I was to assist with anything that needed to be done, i.e. phone banking, labor walks, making packets, mailings and so on. Then it happen, the lady that was Zone Coordinator had a family emergency which she needed to step down. So less than 2 weeks into it I'm asked to run the program. My response was I'll do what I can but I'm clueless, I've never done this stuff before. Well I had plenty of help getting myself acclimated and took over. I've been hooked ever since. After 3 years of being the Zone coordinator I was asked to be the State Labor Director in 2012. I was off work for 9 months traveling the state to all the Labor Federations and making sure we kept Virginia Blue, and we did. In 2013 I remained the State Labor Director and we accomplished more victories. Last year I returned to being Zone Coordinator.