Staff Top Volunteer Profile
USW Jefferson Award Winner: Marcos Velez, District 13 Staff Rep
Location: Pasadena, TX
Service Work: Marcos Velez is the definition of humble. Despite always trying to hide in the background and give others credit, the work he does in the community speaks for him. Whenever someone is in need he's at the forefront of efforts to organize help, raise money, collect food, or get necessities to people in trouble. Besides doing endless amounts of volunteer work on his own time, he also takes time to teach local union members how to effectively do community service and gives them the confidence to succeed. Marcos is a creative problem solver: while leading bargaining between the union and multiple companies, he incorporated language into the contract that allows for providing job training and support to survivors of domestic violence, basically establishing a scholarship for survivors to get USW-represented jobs and gain economic independence from their abusers. Additionally, when Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, while his own house was flooding with water, Marcos spent hours delivering fresh water, diapers, food, and supplies to USW members in need.
Hours: 200+ hours
Community Impact: Marcos was essential in the USW’s hurricane relief effort. He ensured that thousands of dollars worth of supplies reached those who needed it.
Outstanding Quality: Marcos has a great knack for motivating people, and it’s because he leads by example. He shares his own knowledge and experience to help all members become better activists and have their voices heard.
Prize money donated to: The Bridge Over Troubled Waters (a domestic violence safe house & resource center)
