Union Officers
Linda Martin
President
I have been a union member for over 33 years. My career started as a line cook for GSI, Smithsonian Air and Space Museum where I eventually worked my way up to become a kitchen team lead. During our contract fight in 1992, I became a shop steward and worked on the negotiation committee and won a great contract. As a shop steward, I stayed active by attending trainings, rallies and picket lines to ensure my voice, as well as my co-workers’, was heard. My position afforded me the ability to continue to build power both in and out of my shop. In 1999, I began working as a Business Agent doing what I love to do on a broader spectrum; representing workers around the city within the union shops. I eventually moved up to be an Assistant Director of Hotel Services with the task of building the leadership committee, educating members on upcoming contract fights and assisting in organizing and winning the contract at Gaylord National. In 2009 I became President of Local 25 where I continue to build the power of our Union. My goal for the union: to continue to educate, organize, and empower our membership as well as non members to have a voice in the work place.
Paul schwalb
Executive Secretary-Treasurer
I have been with the Union for nineteen yeas in multiple roles. Before becoming Executive Secretary-Treasurer, I served as Local 25 Chief of Staff. Prior to that DC assignment, I led UNITE HERE’s 100,000 member Food Service Division through a period of unprecedented growth. I believe every hospitality worker in D.C. deserves the respect, security, and dignity that comes with a union. We are ready to bring new members into the Union, strengthen our contracts, and raise the bar for hospitality workers. We will not stop fighting until we get there.
Other Officers
Doris Hooks — First Vice-President
Dida El-Sourady — Second Vice-President
Lucy Biswas — Third Vice-President
Stephanie Steer-Jones — Recording Secretary
Donyale Whitaker — Sergeant-at-Arms
Emebet Samuel Kassa — Chairman of Trustees
Annie Smith — Secretary of Trustees
Gamini Perera — Trustee
Delmy Ortiz — Aide to the President
Samuel Epps — Aide to the Executive Secretary-Treasurer
Senait Ashmelash — Aide to the Second Vice President
Jayson Harrison — Aide to the Recording Secretary