South Area Candidates

CYNTHIA MATTHEWS

Cynthia Matthews is running for South Area Chair to continue her service to the South Area Members and families.  Cynthia is currently a member of the South Area Board of Directors, where she has served for 9 years.  She is an experienced teacher with 24 years of service.  She is an active member of UTLA, serving on South Area Steering, as South Area Treasurer, as PACE secretary and many roles with our affiliates in AFT/CFT.  She believes South Area students deserve fully funded public schools.

EXPERIENCE:

• South Area Director - AFT

• 24 years Educator experience  

• South Area Treasurer

• PACE Secretary

• CFT Safe & Supportive Schools Committee member

• CTA State Council Delegate

• Bargaining Team Member (Since 2018)

GINA GRAY

Gina Gray is a passionate social justice advocate running for South Area Board of Directors, NEA Representative. Gina is committed to working with the students, families and members in the South Area. She is currently teaching high school English at Middle College High School where she served as Chapter Chair for 2 years. Gina is an active union member serving on the South Area Steering Committee. Additionally, she is the current UTLA PACE Chair and Equity Team At-Large. Gina believes that advocating for policies that protect and uplift public education is the way to fight forward! 

EXPERIENCE:

• UTLA/NEA Equity Team At-Large

• CTA ABC Director

• PACE Committee Chair

• South Area Steering Committee

• UTLA Board of Directors

• CTA Women’s Committee Chair

• CTA State Council Delegate & Committee Vice Chair

• NEA RA Delegate

• AFT Delegate

APRIL THOMAS

April Thomas is running for re-election to UTLA South Area Board of Directors, NEA Representative. She has proudly served on the South Area Board of Directors for 3 years and is looking forward to continuing the work of advocating for students in the South Area. She has 30 years experience as an elementary school teacher and believes in the power of strong public schools to provide students with great learning opportunities.

EXPERIENCE:

• South Area Board of Director

• PACE Committee Member

• NEA RA Delegate

• 30 years Multiple Subject Teacher

• CTA State Council Delegate

• CTA Ethnic Member Early ID member

• CFT/AFT English Language Learner Committee

• AFL-CIO Representative 

• HOR Representative

CLAUDIA SILVA

● South Area Board of Director

● Chapter Chair, Ninety-Sixth Street Elementary

Expanded Bargaining Team Member

● Steering Committee / Cluster Leader

• Grievance & Review Committee Member

● UTLA House of Representatives

● State Council & NEA Representative

● Former NEA/RA Whip

● El Sol Caucus Member

● Legislative Advocacy

● Member, LA Federation of Labor

● CFT/AFT Standing Committee Member

● PACE Committee Member

Platinum Apple Committee Chair & Local School Leadership Council Chair

● 25 Years Teaching Experience | WHO Award Recipient