Meet Debra Cook-Rice

I have nearly forty years of continuous federal employment and also over thirty years of experience within the American Federation of Government Employees Union. I am dedicated and passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion. And I also know what it means to be a true beacon within the audience of the AFGE community.

What Are My Qualifications?

From Humble Beginnings in the AFGE Union

Working in AFGE Since 1991

Beginning my union career over thirty years ago, as a Grievance Writer within the AFGE Union organization, I bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, & expertise along with me as I work tirelessly to earn your vote and trust for the National Vice President of Women’s & Fair Practices Department at the AFGE Union today.

Experience, Involvement & Roles within AFGE

AFGE Grievance Writer

Began my career as a Grievance Writer in 1991, which served in various responsibilities, including processing complaints, violations, and/or misapplications of rules & regulations, or their effects on labor union employees.

AFGE Local Steward

Served as an AFGE Local Steward, which is a key position in the union with many roles. AFGE stewards are organizers, problem solvers, educators, communicators, political/legislative activists, & worksite leaders.

AFGE Local Secretary-Treasurer

Served as the Local Secretary-Treasurer, which includes being charged with maintaining the local chapter's documents, fiduciary records, property, & other related responsibilities.

AFGE Local President

Elected to serve three terms as Local President, which is the principal officer of the local AFGE chapter. This role is responsible for administering & implementing policies, presiding over the meetings, & planning the meetings.

State Council Women's & Fair Practices Coordinator

Served as a coordinator within the State Council for the Women's & Fair Practices division. These coordinators are committed to working on the advancement within civil, human, worker's, & women's rights for AFGE members.

State Council Treasurer

Responsible for preparing budgets, maintaining financial records, keeping records of membership, reporting on the State Council's finances, arranging for audits, & other similar tasks or responsibilities within the council.

Delegate for the State AFL-CIO

Served at the state-level within the AFGE's AFL-CIO Affiliation. The American Federation of Labor & Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) is a democratic & voluntary federation of sixty national & international labor unions that represent over 12.5M working people, & is dedicated to improving the lives of all working people within the organization.

AFGE District 5 National Women's Advisory Coordinator

Serve as a coordinator within AFGE District 5 for the Women's & Fair Practices division. In this role, coordinators work on the advancement within civil, human, workers', & women's rights for AFGE members within the district.

Member of the AFGE Human Rights Committee

As a member of the National Human Rights Committee (HRC), I serve by helping with the implementation of programs around civil, human, women, & workers' rights.

National Veteran's Affairs Council: National Representative for OSHA & OWCP

Served as the National Representative of the Veteran's Affairs (VA) Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) & Office of Worker's Compensation (OWCP) organization. OSHA focuses on workplace safety & health, while OWCP administers disability compensation programs.

National Veteran's Affairs Council: District 5 Representative

Serve as the District 5 Representative within the Veteran's Affairs (VA) organization. This role focuses on the organization of veteran representation & participation in legislative & political environments or activities.

National Veteran's Affairs Council: Health & Safety Chairperson

Served as the Chairperson of the Veteran's Affairs (VA) Health & Safety Committee. The Health & Safety Committee & Program focuses on keeping the workplace free from hazards.

National Veteran's Affair's Council: OSHA & OWCP Chairperson

Served as the Chairperson of the Veteran's Affairs (VA) Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) & Office of Worker's Compensation (OWCP) organization. OSHA focuses on workplace safety & health, while OWCP administers disability compensation programs.

AFGE Hispanic Coalition (HISCO): Executive Board Member, Constituency Group

Serve as an Executive Board Member of the AFGE Hispanic Coalition (HISCO). HISCO is a vital & active coalition within AFGE that provides support for professional advancement, leadership development, & educational opportunities for AFGE members of Hispanic/Latinx origins.

Member of the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) AFL-CIO Constituency Group

Served within the AFGE Constituency Group that works with both CLUW & AFL-CIO organizations. The Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) is the only national organization for union women. The American Federation of Labor & Congress of Industrial Organization (AFL-CIO) is an organization that works to improve the lives of working people.

AFGE Union Member Equal Employment Opportunity Representation

Successfully represented members with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) discrimination complaints, before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), & in arbitration or similar areas / organizations.

AFGE Union Member Legal Representation

Successfully represented AFGE Union Members in Federal Court as a part of the AFGE Legal Team, which works under the supervision of the AFGE's General Counsel's Office (GCO). The AFGE's Legal Team is committed to the best possible representation of its members within the organization.