Outstanding locals and members celebrated at 2026 Delegate Assembly Four members honored for exceptional union service, outreach, stewardship and achievement at DA

MAPE’s 2026 Delegate Assembly was about more than setting the union’s direction for the year ahead. It was also a chance to celebrate the members who make MAPE stronger every day.

Nearly 200 delegates and alternates gathered in Minneapolis as the union’s highest decision-making body. Delegates from MAPE’s 21 regions came together to establish the union’s policy, direction and budget for the coming year, while also recognizing members and locals whose leadership and participation are helping build a stronger union.

Four major awards highlighted the contributions of members who exemplify what it means to be an active MAPE member.

Leah Shepard: Outstanding Union Service

The Outstanding Union Service Award recognizes a member whose dedication, leadership and commitment strengthens MAPE and builds power for all members.

This year’s recipient, Leah Shepard, has helped drive increased union engagement at Minnesota Management and Budget and within Local 701.

As Local 701’s Contract Action Team lead, Shepard began organizing and building solidarity well before negotiations started. She also played a key role in establishing MMB’s first Meet and Confer team in nearly a decade.

Her work extends across MAPE. Shepard serves as co-chair of the Education Pillar Committee, leads MAPE Basics trainings and helped develop Strike Basics materials.

“Leah exemplifies what it means to build union power through solidarity, relationship building and action. As one local leader put it, ‘If more union members were as engaged and dedicated as Leah, we would all be better off,’” MAPE Statewide Secretary and Interim Statewide Treasurer Kaity Taylor said.

Danelle Gorra: Outstanding Member Outreach

Danelle Gorra of Local 1101 received the Outstanding Member Outreach Award for her dedication to recruitment, engagement and building union solidarity.

As Local 1101’s membership secretary and a steward, Gorra leads the Membership Committee, helps organize Region 11 events and often serves as the first person to welcome new hires into the union.

Her outreach has reached far beyond her local. Gorra worked with MAPE Central to develop and print postcards and organized a postcard-writing campaign involving Local 1101 members, associate members and their families. The effort was adopted by other locals and ultimately became a statewide postcard-writing campaign. Gorra also serves on the Education Pillar Committee and facilitates MAPE Basics trainings.

“Through her leadership, energy and commitment to member engagement, Danelle has made a lasting impact on Local 1101, Region 11 and MAPE,” MAPE Meet and Confer Chairs Speaker Ann Adkisson said.

Cara Hofreiter: Outstanding Steward

When MAPE members need someone in their corner, stewards are there to answer the call. This year, Cara Hofreiter was recognized with the Outstanding Steward Award for doing exactly that.

Hofreiter, Region 4 co-steward director, is a tireless advocate for MAPE members and has taken on some of the most challenging cases of the past year.

“Cara understands that when members need a steward, they are often facing one of the most difficult moments of their careers. Through her advocacy, compassion and commitment to workers’ rights, she makes sure members know they have someone in their corner,” MAPE Vice President Maureen Dunaway said.

Mark Snyder: Outstanding Union Achievement

Mark Snyder knows his way around Delegate Assembly. The 2026 event marked his fourteenth DA.

Snyder received the Outstanding Union Achievement Award for his years of service and dedication to MAPE. He has represented Region 3 on the Board of Directors, contributed his expertise to the Finance Work Group and recently stepped up to serve on the Political Oversight Fund Committee.

“Mark is the kind of union leader who sees a need and volunteers to help. His commitment, reliability and willingness to serve make him one of MAPE’s true unsung heroes,” MAPE President Nicole Juan said.

Celebrating Locals Building Union Power

The awards didn’t stop with individual members. Several MAPE locals were also recognized for showing up, recruiting new members and building connections throughout the union.

For Political Council caucus participation, Local 2101 and Local 601 received Silver Recognition for top attendance numbers. Local 301 and Local 1002 received Silver Recognition for the highest attendance as a percentage of their MAPE-represented employees.

Local 401 received Gold Star Recognition for having the highest attendance by number and ranking among the top locals by percentage, with 47 members — 7% of its MAPE-represented employees — attending.

Membership awards recognized locals that have made significant gains since the October 2025 Delegate Assembly. Local 501 added the most new members, with 84, followed by Local 901 with 44 and Local 1701 with seven.

Local 1201 had the largest increase in membership percentage, rising from 52.6% to 53.7%, while Local 902 increased from 80.43% to 81.07%. 

For highest overall membership percentage, local 1303 led at 81.32%, followed by local 902 at 81.07%. Local 1002 received an honorable mention at 74.31%. 

From standing up for members to welcoming new employees, organizing for negotiations and showing up for their union, the 2026 Delegate Assembly awards showcased the people and locals at the heart of MAPE.