Women leaders speak truth to power

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?news_6_4498

Women leaders speak truth to power
By Barb Kucera, Workday editor
2 June 2010

ST. PAUL - Women union members came together to celebrate their successes – and discuss strategies for building activism – at “New Directions in Leadership: A Discussion with Women Union Officers.”

The program, sponsored by the University of Minnesota Labor Education Service in cooperation with the Minnesota AFL-CIO, was held May 21 in St. Paul.


Shar Knutson urged women to get involved in the labor movement.

More than 60 participants heard keynote remarks from Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson, the first female leader of the state labor federation, and a panel composed of Tee McClenty, executive vice president of SEIU Healthcare Minnesota; Michelle Sommers, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005; and Denise Specht, secretary-treasurer of Education Minnesota.

Knutson described her path to leadership, which started when she was a clerical worker and AFSCME member for the City of St. Paul. She rose through the ranks of her union, served as labor liaison to St. Paul Mayor Jim Scheibel, then was hired into a staff position at the St. Paul Trades & Labor Assembly, now known as the St. Paul Regional Labor Federation.

In 1998, she was the first woman elected as full-time president of the St. Paul federation. Last year, she took the helm of the state AFL-CIO.

Along the way, many people – both women and men – mentored her, Knutson said. At each level, she improved her skills. But she also learned some tough lessons.

FULL story at link.