Meet the Candidates

Sumiko Gilchrist

Candidate for DC37 Delegate & Local 2627 Executive Board

My name is Sumiko Gilchrist, and I am proud to serve as a Shop Steward with the Department of Education. Over the past nine years, I have had the honor of serving as both an Executive Board member and a Delegate for Local 2627, advocating for our members and working to strengthen our union. Throughout my service, I have remained committed to listening to members’ concerns, supporting workplace fairness, and helping ensure that every member’s voice is heard. I believe strong union leadership requires dedication, communication, and accountability, and I am committed to continuing that work on behalf of our membership. I am seeking your support for re-election as DC37 Delegate and Local 2627 Executive Board member so I can continue advocating for the rights, respect, and opportunities our members deserve. Together, we can continue building a stronger and more united union.

Renetta English

Candidate for DC37 Delegate

Renetta English has dedicated more than 20 years of service to the City of New York. She currently serves as Shop Steward for Local 2627 at the New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS), where she proudly advocates for members and upholds the Local's core values of fairness, equality, and solidarity. Committed to expanding her service and leadership, Renetta is seeking election as a Delegate to District Council 37. Throughout her career, Renetta has held several roles in Information Technology and currently works at NYCERS in the Enterprise Project Management Unit as Business Analysis Unit Manager. In this role, she leads a team focused on translating business needs into effective, actionable solutions that support organizational goals and operations. In addition, she serves as an Adjunct Instructor at Southern New Hampshire University, where she is passionate about supporting and mentoring students in higher education. Dedicated to community service, Renetta also serves on Queens Community Board #3 and is Treasurer of the National Association of University Women, Flushing North Shore Branch.

Marie Rose Jeremie

Candidate for AFSCME Convention Delegate

I am a Computer Specialist Software II with the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) New York City Transit, Department of Subways. I am a proud member of DC37 Local 2627, IT Professionals of the City of New York, and serve as a delegate to the New York City Central Labor Council (CLC). I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and am pursuing a Labor Relations Certificate at CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies. I am also a graduate of the 2019–2020 Lillian Roberts Women's Leadership Academy and have completed General Shop Steward Training. My commitment to the labor movement is demonstrated through active participation in union meetings, marches, parades, and organizing activities. I have volunteered as a Public Relations representative for the DC37 Women's Committee and have contributed my skills as a freelance photographer, videographer, and graphic designer to support labor and community initiatives. In addition, I am a member of the Women’s Committee of Red Carpet for Social Justice in New York and serve as Logistics and Public Relations representative for the All Generations Employee Resource Group. Beyond my union involvement, I am dedicated to leadership development and public speaking. I currently serve as Vice President Education of Toastmasters International's Transmasters Club at MTA New York City Transit. As an AFSCME Convention Delegate, I will bring my experience, leadership, and commitment to advocating for workers' rights, strengthening our union, and ensuring that the voices of our members are heard and represented.

George Villegas

Candidate for Executive Board Member & DC37 Delegate

What makes me qualified for this position is of Executive and Delegate is my commitment to listening to members’ concerns and helping find solutions that benefit everyone fairly. I understand the challenges workers face on the job and the importance of keeping members informed and represented. I am prepared to be a strong voice for the membership, encourage unity, and work hard to help strengthen our union for current and future members.

Charles L. McClain Sr.

Candidate for Executive Board Member & DC37 Delegate

Through every storm, and every fight we learn to trust, we learn to fight for in the quiet there's a spark that light the way when times are dark. I Charles L. McClain Sr. wish to continue to represent Local 2627 as a Executive Board Member and your Delegate too DC37 in Solidarity.