USW Cares: 2017 USW Staff Jefferson Awards Winner, Paulette Battisti

Aside from all of the roles she plays within her own Local Union 3657 in Pittsburgh, Pa., Paulette Battisti dedicates an immense amount of time outside of the union to make sure people in her community never go to sleep hungry. Because of this commitment, she is the 2017 USW Jefferson Award winner for the International Staff.

Paulette is the current president of Just Harvest, an organization that educates, empowers and mobilizes people to eliminate hunger, poverty and economic injustice in the Pittsburgh area by influencing public policy, engaging in advocacy and connecting people to public benefits.

She also sits on the board of directors of the Center for Hope in Ambridge, Pa, a group that offers a monthly food pantry, after-school tutoring, cooking classes, job training and much more.

This generosity isn’t a mere hobby for Paulette. It’s personal.

“I am the last of nine children raised by a single mother, my father passed away when I was two years old, and my mother raised us on her own,” Paulette reflected. “I can’t help but believe had there been organizations like the Center for Hope and Just Harvest when I was a child, we would have not gone to bed hungry as often as we did.”

Paulette, a 23-year Steelworker who currently works at the USW headquarters in the Organizing department, is also the co-coordinator for District 10 Women of Steel (WOS). She first got involved with Women of Steel when she worked as the first woman operator at the Ambridge Water Authority around 15 years ago.

“Because of Women of Steel and the support of the Steelworkers, I was am able to do what I do,” Paulette reflected. “And WOS gives me a broader platform to serve.”

Paulette is just one of the many Steelworkers making a difference in the lives of others. If you know a Steelworker who deserves recognition for commendable community service, tell us! Use the #USWCares hashtag when you post about it on social media, tag @Steelworkers, and nominate for the 2018 USW Jefferson Awards by clicking here.

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