Learn About The Candidates

2026 SO/BOD Election Candidate Bios

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UNAC/UHCP President 

Charmaine Morales 

For 14 years, Charmaine has served in union leadership, driven by a deep commitment to workers’ dignity and fairness. A Los Angeles native and former small business owner, Charmaine began her health care career as a med-surg nurse at Kaiser Permanente South Bay Medical Center. She was elected UNAC/UHCP Secretary in 2013, Executive Vice President in 2016 and Executive President in 2022, becoming the first woman of color to serve as UNAC/UHCP President. 

Throughout her leadership, Charmaine has expanded the union’s reach, strength and influence. In 2018, she built UNAC/UHCP’s presence in Hawaii from the ground up, beginning with Maui Health System and creating momentum for further organizing. 

As President, she has overseen unprecedented growth and bargaining strength. UNAC/UHCP members have secured the highest wage increases in the history of multiple bargaining units, new wage grids and progression systems, landmark staffing protections and unprecedented contract provisions. Three of the decade’s 10 most impactful nursing strikes, as ranked by Nurse.org, were led by Charmaine. 

Charmaine credits these gains to her strategic investments in the union’s future: Membership Matters Academy (MMA) to develop union leaders, the Volunteer Member Organizers (VMO) program to strengthen organizing and mobilization, expanding member engagement through the Contract Action Team (CAT), and advocating for legislative protections for union members and the patients they serve. 

Her leadership across the broader labor movement increases our union’s strength. Charmaine serves as a Vice President of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, the California Federation of Labor and Secretary-Treasurer of the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees (NUHHCE), and on the board of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA), AFL-CIO. These roles build powerful alliances, amplify UNAC/UHCP’s voice and give members greater influence over the decisions that affect health care and working people. 

 

Nate Poliakoff, RN, BSN 

I began my nursing career at Riverside University Health System in 2016 and joined Kaiser Permanente in 2017. Today, I work as an Emergency Department RN at Kaiser Permanente San Marcos Medical Center. During my time in the ER, I helped establish our first nurse led ultrasound guided IV program. I also helped develop monthly sim classes that bring a multidisciplinary team together to work through challenging cases. Beyond the clinical training, these classes have helped build stronger working relationships across the Emergency Department. 

I was elected KSDHCPA Parliamentarian in 2022 and Clinic President in 2023. As Clinic President, I represent healthcare professionals across San Diego. Much of my work focuses on contract enforcement, workplace representation, staffing, and patient safety. 

In 2025, I served on the UNAC/UHCP Blue Book bargaining team, representing registered nurses and advanced practice providers during contract negotiations. During bargaining, I helped launch daily cross affiliate town halls that gave members across UNAC/UHCP access to information and updates throughout the process. I also serve as Tri Chair of the Labor Management Partnership Council and co lead the Ambulatory Registered Nurse Committee. 

In 2026, I was elected by my peers to represent UNAC/UHCP at both the NUHHCE and AFSCME International Conventions. I also serve as a San Diego Labor Council delegate, representing KSDHCPA in the broader San Diego labor community. 

 

Robert Kervin

My name is Robert Kervin. I’m 57 years old and have been a registered nurse for nearly 30 years. I was born in the Philippines and grew up in Alabama and lived in Florida prior to moving to California.

I am a longtime CVICU nurse, former CVICU Manager. Today, I work full-time as a Rapid Response RN at Kaiser Permanente Anaheim. During my time at Kaiser, I have also worked as a staff nurse in several departments, including the Emergency Department, PACU, ICU, and IR.

My wife and I have been married for 32 years, and we have two adult children. I am expecting my first grandchild in October.

As a Rapid Response RN, I walk the floors every day. I see my fellow nurses where they work, and I hear what they are saying. I hear the frustration, complaints, distrust, and sometimes anger concerning our union. These concerns are real, and they deserve to be acknowledged and addressed—not dismissed or ignored.

I decided to run for UNAC President because I believe our nurses deserve stronger, more visible, and more accountable leadership. After everything I have witnessed and heard from our nurses. I felt that if I truly believed things needed to be different, I could not simply complain about them—I needed to be willing to step forward, accept responsibility, and work to create that change.

I’m not a politician. I’m a bedside nurse, and I understand the realities our members face because I experience them alongside you. I’m running because I believe our nurses are worth standing up for.

 

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UNAC/UHCP Secretary 

Elizabeth J. Hawkins 

Elizabeth “Liz” Hawkins, RN, brings more than 40 years of nursing experience and 37 years of dedicated UNAC/UHCP membership to her candidacy for Executive Secretary. She began her career at a non-union community hospital, where she experienced firsthand the importance of having a Contract, a voice on the job, and strong workplace protections. That experience shaped her lifelong commitment to organized labor and member advocacy. 

Throughout her career, Liz has served in numerous clinical and union leadership roles, including Emergency, Critical Care, and Telemetry Nurse; House Supervisor; Rapid Response Nurse; Charge Nurse; UBT Co-Lead and Sponsor; Contract Specialist; Riverside Affiliate Officer; Staff Representative for the Baldwin Park service area; and currently the UNAC/UHCP State Secretary. She has also served as a Delegate to numerous AFSCME, NUHHCE, and UNAC/UHCP Conventions. Her experience in both Kaiser and independent hospitals gives her a broad perspective on the challenges facing healthcare professionals. 

Liz has been instrumental in advancing patient care and workplace improvements, including helping develop Kaiser SCAL Emergency Department staffing ratios, negotiating the Emergency Department Nurse Training Program, addressing workload issues for Home Care RNs, establishing break nurses for Baldwin Park Medical Center, and advocating before Cal/OSHA to combat workplace violence and get regulations changed. 

A passionate mentor and educator, Liz works closely with Affiliate/Chapter leaders to strengthen local unions through training, leadership development, and member engagement. She believes UNAC/UHCP is strongest when members are informed, involved, and empowered. 

Liz brings experience, institutional knowledge, and a proven ability to turn ideas into action. As UNAC/UHCP Secretary, she is committed to protecting healthcare professionals, strengthening Affiliates and Chapters, developing future leaders, sharing our history, and building a stronger, unified, member-driven UNAC/UHCP for the future. It is an honor to serve you! 

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 UNAC/UHCP Board of Directors 

Douglas Wong 

Douglas Wong is a PA in Urology, the current Clinic President for the Riverside Affiliate, the immediate past Blue Book National CIC Bargaining Member, and member of the Blue Book Bargaining Team and APP Subgroup, and is the UNAC/UHCP Judicial Panel Chair. 

He initiated the grievance and data gathering which led to the 2025 Blue Book 16 Hour Education Settlement, and was a leading member of the labor representatives at the Regional Attendance Committee which led to the implementation of the SB616 California Sick Leave Law updates into Kaiser Permanente policy. 

He is a Co-Chair of the Riverside Service Area Attendance Oversight Committee and Workforce Development Committee, is a delegate to the Inland Empire Labor Council, was a featured guest speaker at the 2022 AFSCME Convention, and was elected to be a delegate at the 2024 and 2026 AFSCME Conventions and the 2023 NUHHCE Convention. 

His favorite accomplishments include: 

– negotiating work from home agreements for Message Management and OBGyn in Riverside 

– negating violations of the California CROWN Act discriminating against natural and cultural hairstyles in the local employer dress code 

– authoring his first CBA agreement providing Return Rights for Per Diems – authoring Professional Development Return Rights for Registered Nurses seeking to become Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners and Physical Assistants seeking to obtain Fellowship Training 

– founding the inaugural APP integrations for Urology, Interventional Radiology, Head Neck Surgery, Hematology-Oncology, Mobile Health, and Metabolic Program in Riverside 

– identifying and obtaining nearly $1 million in employer-owed backpay this year alone 

He is grateful for the support of his wonderful wife Reina and three children whose patience has allowed him to be a part of the Labor Movement and improving working conditions for all healthcare workers and hopes to continue to serve you as a member of this Board of Directors. 

 

Elizabeth Linares 

My name is Elizabeth Linares, and I am a seasoned nurse with more than 35 years of nursing experience. I have also served as an elected officer for UNAC/UHCP, Maui Chapter 53, for two consecutive term along with more than seven years of experience as a union steward 

Throughout my nursing and union career, I have dedicated myself to advocating for safe working conditions, fair labor practices, and competitive wages for Maui Health employees. As an elected officer, I have upheld and enforced the UNAC/UHCP Constitution while educating, supporting, and advocating for our union members and employees. 

Why Vote for Me? I am goal-oriented, solution-focused, and committed to making a meaningful difference. I have experience developing and implementing programs designed to improve working conditions, strengthen employee employee engagement, and address workplace concerns. 

I introduced hospital mobility programs and helped establish and organize committees focused on increasing employee satisfaction and bridging communication gaps between employees and leadership. I believe effective leadership requires listening to employees, understanding their concerns, and working collaboratively to develop practical solutions. 

Experience & Leadership 

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and currently serve as a Case Manager at Maui Health. My experience in nursing, case management, and union leadership has prepared me to work effectively under pressure, collaborate with diverse teams, and navigate complex workplace situations. 

I am a strong advocate who is not afraid to address difficult issues. I bring more than three decades of healthcare experience, union leadership, and a commitment to supporting employees and improving the workplace. 

As a candidate for the Board of Directors, I will bring experience, advocacy, collaboration, and a strong commitment to the people I represent. If you are DOWN TO BIZ, VOTE FOR LIZ! 

 

Gina Yarbrough 

As a pediatric physical therapist, my career has always been rooted in a desire to empower families, advocate for others, and improve the quality of life for the people I serve. That same commitment to advocacy led me to UNAC/UHCP, where I have found a deeper purpose in standing alongside healthcare professionals who dedicate their lives to caring for others. 

From January 2025 through February 2026, I served as a Union-Timer and Interim Staff Representative, gaining valuable experience supporting affiliates, addressing workplace concerns, and advocating for members. I have also served on the Grievance Committee, where I developed a deeper understanding of contract enforcement, member representation, and the importance of ensuring that every affiliate has a voice when workplace issues arise. 

As a founding officer of ATNC, I have worked to strengthen member engagement, build leadership, and ensure that the concerns of Northern California affiliates are heard and respected. My experience has shown me that effective representation requires listening, collaboration, and the courage to advocate when it matters most. 

I am running for because I believe Northern California affiliates deserve a strong and consistent voice at the UNAC/UHCP Board of Directors. I want to bring the perspectives of our members directly to the table and help ensure that decisions made at the Board level reflect the experiences, needs, and priorities of affiliates across our region. 

I am ready to continue serving with integrity, passion, and a commitment to making sure every member has a voice. 

With Gratitude, Gina Yarbrough 

 

LaToya Washington 

Hi, my name is LaToya Washington, and I am a proud member of UTSC (United Therapists of Southern California). I have been a physical therapist for 15 years, with nearly 10 of those years spent at Kaiser Downey, working in both outpatient and inpatient settings. 

I was introduced to the importance of a strong union at a young age. My mom was a proud and active member of UTLA for more than 40 years, and through her, I saw firsthand what dedicated union members can accomplish when they come together. I also witnessed the sacrifices members make when fighting for fair contracts that protect and advance their professions. Those experiences have shaped my perspective and strengthened my commitment to the labor movement. 

For the past three years, I have served as the PT Vice President for UTSC. In this role, I was a member of the 2025 bargaining team. While we did not achieve everything we fought for, we made meaningful gains and protected members from losing existing benefits. As an officer, I have also made it a priority to ensure that every physical therapist, including those working in smaller or specialized areas, has a voice, access to representation, and support for their unique needs. 

Beyond representing rehabilitation professionals, I have worked to build strong relationships with nurses, APPs, and other healthcare professionals across UNAC/UHCP through my involvement Downey’s LMP council, Executive council and as a member of the judicial panel. As a strike captain, I stood alongside healthcare professionals from different disciplines in solidarity, while also listening to their concerns and personal experiences. 

UNAC/UHCP represents a diverse group of healthcare professionals, and I believe that diversity should be reflected at every level of our union. I take pride in recognizing the unique strengths each profession brings while understanding the power we have when we work together. My commitment is to serve and represent all members of our union, and I look forward to the opportunity to continue that work on behalf of UNAC/UHCP. 

 

Linda Morales 

Linda Morales, MSN-Ed, BSN, RN, CCRN, CPAN, CAPA 

I am honored to serve as a UNAC/UHCP Board Director and as Vice President of the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees (NUHHCE). 

Throughout the years, I have remained committed to advocating for health care professionals, strengthening member engagement, and ensuring that the voices of frontline workers are heard. I have had the privilege of serving in numerous leadership and service roles, including Affiliate President and Treasurer, Volunteer Member Organizer, Organizer, Member Engagement Representative, Financial Control Committee member, Labor Management Partnership Committee member and co-chair, National Bargaining Representative in 2010, and Election Chair for the 2024 UNAC/UHCP Convention. 

I remain passionate about building meaningful relationships, mentoring future leaders, and strengthening our membership. I am proud of the work we have accomplished together and would be honored to continue serving our union. 

 

Liza Ventura 

Hello, my name is Liza Ventura. I am a RN Case Manager in the Pasadena Region and have had the privilege of serving as SCNSC President North since 2015. 

I am committed to enforcing the UNAC/UHCP Constitution, and carrying out the affairs of the State Association. 

As a member of the Board of Directors, I will continue to serve with a strong voice for all members of our Union. I value the foundations of respect, integrity, transparency, and inclusion, and I believe every member deserves to be heard and represented. 

Full engagement, active participation, and active listening are standards I bring to every meeting and every responsibility I take on. I will continue to bring fresh perspectives, welcome new ideas, and make room for collaborative solutions. 

I firmly believe, we—the members of the Union—are first priority. 

Together, we are the UNAC/UHCP family, and the strongest families are built on solid foundations of trust, unity, respect, and communication. 

With my experience, knowledge, and commitment to our members, I am confident in my ability to continue serving and representing you on the Board of Directors. 

Thank you for your time, trust, and continued support. Please vote for Liza Ventura! 

 

Maria Nunez

I am a dedicated Registered Nurse, educator, and union leader committed to advocating for nurses, healthcare professionals, and the communities we serve. I currently work as a Registered Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit at St. Francis Medical Center, where I also proudly serve as President of the St. Francis Registered Nurses Association (SFRNA).

I currently serve on the UNAC/UHCP Board of Directors and am seeking reelection to continue representing our Independent Affiliates.

My union involvement has given me the opportunity to serve our members in many different capacities. I have served on the Grievance Committee and as Co-Chair of the Amendments and Resolutions Committee during the 2024 and 2026 conventions. I was also proud to be a pioneer of the MMA Program at UNAC/UHCP.

I have also proudly stood in solidarity with my union brothers and sisters, including supporting Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers during their strike.

In addition to my work at the bedside and within our union, I am a part-time faculty member at Santa Monica College in the Registered Nursing Associate Degree Program. Teaching allows me to share my experience while helping educate, mentor, and prepare the next generation of nurses.

I am seeking reelection to the UNAC/UHCP Board of Directors because there is still important work to be done. I want to continue being a strong voice for our Independent Affiliates while advocating for every member and every specialty across our union.

I believe that strong union leadership means listening to our members, standing beside them when they need support, and making sure their voices are heard. I will continue to fight, support, and advocate for our members and remain committed to ensuring that every member has a voice and every voice matters.

 

Nastaishia O’Howell

I am the Vice President of the only federal UNAC/UHCP affiliate still governing itself. A contract here is not finished until it is approved by the office of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. I took office while we were still living in our original 1981 agreement. With my colleagues I helped rebuild that contract. In 2023 it cleared the Secretary’s office.

What I have done
– Bargained and represented inside the executive branch of the United States and not just across a hospital table
– Gave a deposition in defense of the union while pregnant with my first child
– Kept members from walking into investigative and personnel meetings alone despite Executive branch pressures to dissolve representation
– Held Pettis as self-governing, with a contract in full effect under court order

What I bring to the Board
– Intensity of union experience up to, and including, the federal level as an officer for 6 years
– The ability to rebuild an affiliate, not just inherit one
– Representation that did not stop when the playbook failed
– A warning from the only part of UNAC/UHCP that has already absorbed a federal shock I appreciate your vote and the opportunity to lend my skills to the UNAC/UHCP Board of Directors.

 

Nicolasa “Nikki” Avey, RN 

I earned my bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University and have proudly served as a Labor & Delivery Registered Nurse at Kaiser Permanente in San Diego for the past 21 years. I also have been married for 21 years and am the proud mother of four children. 

My union leadership journey began more than a decade ago. I have served as a KSDHCPA officer since 2014, first as Secretary from 2014–2023 and currently as President. These roles have given me years of experience representing members, advocating on workplace issues, strengthening communication, and working alongside members and leaders throughout our union. 

I currently serve as Vice President of the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees (NUHHCE). I have also served as a San Diego Labor Council Delegate since 2014 and was a member of the Political Endorsement Committee from 2019–2023. 

Most recently, I served on the 2025–2026 Blue Book Bargaining Team, representing our members during an important round of negotiations. During the strike, I also helped lead Cross-Affiliate Town Halls, bringing members from different UNAC/UHCP affiliates together to share information, ask questions, voice concerns, and stay connected. 

My 21 years at the bedside, combined with more than a decade of union leadership, have given me experience at the local, regional, and national levels of the labor movement. I am running for the UNAC/UHCP Board of Directors to bring my experience, institutional knowledge, and commitment to member advocacy to the Board while continuing to be a strong voice for the members we represent. 

 

Raymond A. Cervenka, PA-C  

Dear UNAC/UHCP Members,  

I am Raymond Cervenka, a physician assistant with 30 years of experience in family medicine and urgent care, serving at Kaiser Permanente’s Redlands Medical Office Building since 2011. I respectfully seek your support for the UNAC/UHCP Board of Directors.  

Before October 2025, I viewed union membership primarily as a payroll deduction. Six months of contentious bargaining, letter writing, picket lines, and collective action transformed me from a dues-paying member into an engaged union advocate.  

Today, I serve as a union steward and was elected an alternate delegate to the 2026 AFSCME National Convention. These responsibilities have deepened my commitment to informed representation, accountable leadership, and member participation.  

I recognize that Board service carries responsibility for our union’s direction, policies, and financial stewardship. If elected, I will approach budgets and resource decisions thoughtfully, prepare diligently for meetings, listen to members, and support decisions that advance our collective interests. I will work collaboratively with fellow directors to strengthen organizing, bargaining, legislative advocacy, and leadership development while upholding our constitution and bylaws.  

I honor the registered nurses who built this union. As an Advanced Practice Provider, I seek to strengthen their legacy through solidarity and meaningful representation for every profession we represent.  

My priorities include safe staffing, fair contracts, enforcement of member protections, transparent communication, and helping members become active advocates. Those affected by decisions about workload, professional practice, and working conditions deserve a meaningful voice.  

Nothing about us, without us.  

I bring frontline experience, a willingness to listen, and the determination to serve our entire membership. I respectfully ask for your vote.  

In solidarity,  

Raymond A. Cervenka, PA-C

 

Sandra Jackson Chun 

Sandra Jackson Chun is a dedicated healthcare professional, union leader, and advocate with nearly 34 years of experience in the mental health field, including 20 years with Kaiser Permanente. Sandra is a Recreation Therapist and a member and officer of the United Therapists of Southern California. She has been actively involved with her affiliate since its inception, serving on the original bargaining team and every bargaining team that followed. She has also represented and supported Physical and Occupational Therapists as a steward and officer, reflecting her commitment to advocating for all members. 

As an Alliance Partnership Representative, Sandra helped build UBT teams, provided support, and conducted training for Alliance members at LAMC. Through her involvement with UNAC/UHCP, she has supported independent affiliates, including The Prime 9 at St. Francis Medical Center, and supported bargaining sessions for Beverly Hospital, UPSC, and other affiliates by attending their bargaining sessions. 

Sandra believes strong leadership requires listening, asking difficult questions, understanding the facts, and making decisions that benefit the entire organization. She is not afraid to challenge the status quo or raise issues that others may find uncomfortable when doing so helps protect and strengthen the interests of members. Her leadership is grounded in advocacy, accountability, fairness, transparency, and unity. Sandra is committed to being a strong, independent voice for every member and every affiliate and believes in working together to build a stronger future for One UNAC/UHCP. 

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