From Temporary Hire to Trusted Advocate - Staff Spotlight
Brooke Daphne - SLOCEA Labor Representative II
When Brooke Daphne accepted a temporary position here at the SLOCEA office in October 2018 -- tasked with the major project of digitizing years’ worth of hard-copy membership forms, beneficiary documents, and case files -- she had no idea she was stepping into what would become a career rooted in purpose, advocacy, and transformation.
What started as “an extra set of hands” quickly evolved. In late 2020, Brooke joined the SLOCEA team full-time as an Office Assistant. It was a shift driven by her growing passion for the mission and goals of SLOCEA. “I already believed in what SLOCEA stood for,” she said. “It aligned with my values and I was doing meaningful work for public employees.”
Brooke’s commitment deepened over the years, growing in the organization from Office Assistant to Labor Representative and in January 2025, she was promoted to Labor Representative II. In her current role, she advocates for SLOCEA members facing disciplinary actions, workplace conflicts, or MOU violations. Brooke explained that the tasks on hand can look different every day, but the goal is always the same: support and representation.
In her seven years with SLOCEA, Brooke has witnessed and helped shape some of SLOCEA’s most pivotal moments. The most memorable is SLOCEA’s historic strike in 2018. While working from the office during the action, Brooke played a crucial behind-the-scenes role in organizing supplies, coordinating communication, and supporting those on the front lines. “The energy was palpable,” she recalled. “There was this amazing sense of unity. It felt empowering just to be a part of it.”
Another standout contribution was her lead role in restructuring SLOCEA’s dues system, a critical move ensuring the union’s long-term sustainability. Brooke proposed a new, more equitable structure. “The old system was built in the 1970s—it just didn’t reflect today’s economic reality.” Thanks to her efforts, SLOCEA is now stronger and better prepared to serve members during their most critical times.
Brooke and her husband, Greg
Outside of work, Brooke has a creative and adventurous side. She loves backpacking, skiing, historical reenactment events, crafting and perhaps most the surprisingly, she recently became a hardcore gamer. “It started casually, but now I have a color-shifting LED headset and everything,” she laughed.
Brooke’s advice to members and staff is simple but powerful: “Get involved.” She emphasizes that union strength comes from active participation, whether it's staying informed through The Blade and member portal, stepping into leadership roles, or simply advocating within your workplace.
And for SLOCEA staff, she offers practical encouragement: “Be ready for anything”. Much of the job, she says, is learned through experience. “Real growth happens when you’re thrown into the deep end.”
She also carries with her a powerful piece of advice from former Executive Director Pat McNamara: “There’s no such thing as an emergency.” Brooke explained, “We get frantic calls all the time, and it's easy to absorb that panic. But it's important to stay calm, plan, and move through it with purpose.”
Brooke’s journey is a testament to what can happen when passion meets purpose. What began as a short-term, temporary position has grown into a career of meaningful impact!
Brooke’s message to members: “If you see me around, stop me and say hi! I love getting to know our members personally. So, when people attend board meetings or we are out at site visits, please flag me down. I would love to get to know you, I am very passionate about what I do.”
SLOCEA’s Executive Director, Emily Landis shared: “Brooke is an invaluable member of the SLOCEA team. She has great passion for our mission and has deep commitment to our members. I always appreciate her interest in the history of SLOCEA. As an organization that’s been around since 1947, there is a lot to know, and Brooke has become a true resource for both staff and members. I especially value the positivity and dedication she brings to our team. She stays committed until the job is done and goes to bat for members, even in difficult situations.”
All of us on the SLOCEA staff would like to thank Brooke for her unwavering support and fierce commitment. We are lucky to have such a kind, committed, and uplifting presence on our team!
Briana Dickey
Office Administrator