Looking Back with Gratitude, Looking Forward with Hope

Dear MAPE members, 

Serving as your Statewide President and Vice President has been one of the greatest honors of my life. As I step away from the Executive Committee, I'm reminded that MAPE has never been about titles or meetings – it has always been about you. Our union's strength comes from members who show up for one another, advocate for fairness and believe in the power of collective action. 

Over the years, I've witnessed your courage, compassion, humor and resilience. I've seen members speak up when it was hard, stewards take late-night calls, leaders stretch beyond their comfort zones and negotiators fight for people they may never meet. Those moments are why unions matter. 

I'm proud of the culture we built together—not because we always agreed, but because we kept showing up anyway. We navigated difficult conversations, political differences, workplace challenges and more than a few "well, this should be interesting" moments. Through it all, you led with integrity, respect and purpose. 

It wasn't always an easy season to lead, but it was always worth it because of the people I had the privilege to serve. 

This role taught me that leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about listening, engaging honestly and remembering that every issue represents a real person trying to support their family while serving their community. 

No leader accomplishes anything alone. Thank you to the elected leaders, stewards, staff and members who walked this journey with me – those who challenged me, supported me and stayed engaged even when we disagreed. That is what democracy looks like. 

I also need to thank my husband, Keith. Many of you know him as a fellow member, but he carried more of this work than most will ever see. He made sacrifices so I could serve. The late-night calls, the weekends away, the interrupted plans – he met all of it with patience, honesty and unwavering support. Whatever good I accomplished during my time in leadership, he made possible. 

As this chapter as your Statewide President and Vice President ends, my belief in this union remains as strong as ever. MAPE's future is bright because it has always been powered by its members. 

I also want to congratulate and warmly welcome our new Statewide President Nicole Juan and Statewide Vice President Maureen Dunaway. I know they care deeply about this union and its members, and I wish them every success as they lead MAPE into its next chapter. They will have my support, encouragement and confidence every step of the way. 

And yes – you’ll still see me around. It's hard to stop caring about people and about this work. 

Thank you for your trust, your humor, your partnership and the opportunity to be part of something bigger than myself. Most of all, thank you for proving every day that when working people stand together, there is very little we cannot accomplish. 

In solidarity, 

Angela Halseth 
MAPE President