Worksafe's 43rd Anniversary Event
This year we are exploring a more intimate and casual kind of celebration, which will once again feature performances from local artists as well as celebrating our Health and Safety Heroes for 2025: California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice (CCIJ), Garrett Brown, and Step Forward Foundation.
We hope to see you there!
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BWI Updates
The Black Worker Initiative (BWI) has been actively engaged since last year's motivating team retreat. We have strengthened our relationship with Pastor Lacy of St. Andrew’s Church and have been reaching out to church community members. This connection has led to invitations to conduct workplace safety trainings at two church conventions this year: the California Missionary Baptist Church Convention in Bakersfield in January and the California Golden State Fellowship of Churches Convention in Stockton in February. As requests for training continue to increase, we have developed and implemented two essential resources: the "Worker Fundamentals Training: Train-the-Trainer Handbook" and "Worker Fundamentals: Understanding Our History, Impact, and Rights." The introduction of these workbooks has significantly streamlined our training process.
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In addition to outreach and training efforts, we are currently deep in the planning stages of our BWI Summer Summit, scheduled for mid-July. The theme, "Work of Art," will showcase selected Black artists who will share their perspectives on navigating labor and the workforce. We are nearing a decision on the venue, so stay tuned for updates!
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Team Retreat
Our team retreat in February was a great success. We gathered at Chapter 510 in Oakland and did an in-depth review of our work, played charades, and enjoyed delicious Cambodian food before moving to the Worksafe office to appreciate the recent renovations and learn each other’s DISC styles.
It was a wonderful opportunity for teambuilding, collaboration, and learning about one another’s work.
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Congratulations, Karin!
Karín Umfrey, who celebrated her five year work anniversary in November, was recently promoted from Staff Attorney to Managing Attorney & Policy Advocacy Director. Please join us in congratulating her on her new role!
Here are some reflections from the staff on working with Karín over the years:
Every time I’ve had the chance to talk with Karín, I’ve been struck by her insight and depth of knowledge. She always has a thoughtful perspective to share—and, of course, an adorable fuzzy friend to brighten the day! Congrats on 5 years, Karín! 🎉🐾 - Cerina
Karín is a passionate, grounded attorney and social justice advocate who centers the experience and dignity of every single individual she works with. With her wry sense of humor, her forth-right candidness, her compassionate and fierce advocacy, Karín has sky-rocketed Worksafe's legal reform agenda, raking in our strongest victories and largest settlements for hard-working workers. She's earned workers’ and advocates' trust and secured her place as a leader in the OSH legal movement as the author and advocate for innovative and ground-breaking laws. I'm so proud of Karín! - Jora
Happy 5th Anniversary, Karín! It's been incredible to witness your unwavering dedication to justice over the past five years. You're a true force in the legal arena, fearlessly championing the cause and leaving no stone unturned in your pursuit of the truth. Your passion and meticulous approach make you an exceptional attorney. It's clear that you're a perfect balance, and as a Libra, it all makes sense. Here's to many more years of your sharp intellect and impactful advocacy! - AnaStacia
Karín is not only exceptional in her work, but collaborating with her as my supervisor is both smooth and fulfilling! I truly value her transparent communication and genuine empathy. Additionally, she has an amazing sense of style, from her hair to her nails, and she's likely the best corgi mom out there! Happy 5th Anniversary, Karín! - Amira
In the time I’ve been at Worksafe, I have always found Karín to be just as respectful, receptive, and patient as she is skilled, knowledgeable and hardworking–a terrific combination of traits for someone working in a role like this. We’re so lucky to have her on the Worksafe team! - Rachel
Karín's tenure has been marked by a steady expansion in her responsibilities and a steady growth of Worksafe's engagement in meaningful impact work. Karín has built or supported Worksafe's capacity to advance health and safety for key communities of workers including janitorial, domestic workers, and farmworkers. Her work is making Worksafe what it is today. - Stephen
Worksafe is lucky to have you, Karín!
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Welcome, New Legal Fellow Jordan Uter!
What sparked your interest in worker health and safety?
My interest in worker health and safety developed during my research on AI governance in healthcare settings. This work opened my eyes to how technological advancement doesn't automatically translate to greater safety for workers without proper guardrails and protections. I observed that while innovation often promises efficiency and progress, the human impacts—particularly on frontline workers—can be overlooked without intentional safeguards. Studying data privacy issues further demonstrated how vulnerable populations often bear disproportionate risks in rapidly changing work environments. I became convinced that strong legal frameworks and advocacy are essential to ensure that technological and economic progress doesn't come at the expense of worker wellbeing. This realization inspired me to channel my legal training toward ensuring that all workers, especially those with the least power, have their fundamental right to safety protected as workplaces evolve.
What attracted you to Worksafe in particular?
I was drawn to Worksafe because of its commitment to both direct advocacy and systemic change. The organization's approach of combining legal support, policy work, and coalition-building with worker organizations creates multiple pathways to improving conditions for California's most vulnerable workers. I admire how Worksafe centers the voices and experiences of workers themselves, rather than imposing solutions from above. The opportunity to develop resources that help legal aid programs better serve low-wage and immigrant workers also appealed to me, as it addresses barriers to justice that often go overlooked. Worksafe's reputation for effective advocacy and its dedication to building worker power made it the ideal place to apply my skills and develop as an advocate.
What do you do for fun?
Outside of work, I'm an avid basketball player and try to get on the court whenever possible. I'm also dedicated to meditation, which helps me maintain perspective and balance. You'll likely find me with my nose in a book or playing video games when I need to unwind.
Welcome to the team, Jordan!
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Best Wishes, AnaStacia!
AnaStacia has accepted a role with Family Justice Center. In her own words:
“Reflecting on my time here, I feel proud to have contributed to our legal and policy platform in ways that I believe will create a lasting impact. Together, we have advocated for meaningful change and made strides toward enhancing workplace safety and justice, and I am grateful to have been a part of that mission.
I am especially thankful for the collaborative spirit and passion that each of you brings to our work. From my first case with Jora and Karin, where our client was on dialysis due to chemical exposure at work, to the public comments I’ve drafted for the Standards Board that Stephen and Rachel had to reel me in on, and all the countless late nights and brainstorming sessions Karin and I have spent strategizing around legal and policy issues, we’ve shared some remarkable moments and accomplished a great deal together.
Throughout my legal career, I have always devoted my time to advocating for those who often find themselves without proper representation or support. In my new role, I will be focusing on representing women and children who are survivors of domestic violence, a cause that is deeply important to me.”
Our staff members had the following to share about her tenure:
AnaStacia is one of those unique individuals that, every now and then, pulls yet another amazing talent out of her back pocket. In addition to be an amazing policy advocate for Worksafe, she brought a wry sense of humor and an uncanny sense of comedic timing to all of the challenges we experienced from the pandemic to climate issues to the changing political tides. We will working with AnaStacia. We are so proud of her achievements and fully support her as she continues to step up her Esquire Game! -Jora
I’m so glad that AnaStacia spent four years with us at Worksafe advancing worker power for all Californians. Her voice and presence will be missed. - Stephen
Though I didn’t work with AnaStacia for very long, I truly enjoyed every moment in her presence. She was always straight to the point, never one to sugarcoat, and unintentionally hilarious in the best way. Beyond her wit, her story and the inspiration behind her journey in this field are truly admirable. Her passion and dedication will always be something to remember and appreciate! - Cerina
Working with AnaStacia at Worksafe has been a remarkable experience. Her commitment to justice, combined with her sense of humor and creativity, truly sets her apart. Witnessing her in action has been both inspiring and hilarious. I am confident that her dynamic energy will illuminate any environment she joins, inspiring others and fostering a positive atmosphere! - Amira
AnaStacia brings all of herself to everything she does in a way that gives other people permission to be their whole selves too. I am very much going to miss her candidness, sense of humor, dedication and professionalism in the workplace. - Rachel
AnaStacia is an accomplished attorney and policy advocate. She won the hearts of many people we worked with, and will be missed. I am proud that AnaStacia will become an advocate for children and women who are seeking access to justice. Personally, I will miss our strategy and water cooler convos about every single work thing we worked on. It is singularly unique to develop a true friendship in the workplace but I’m lucky we achieved it even through a pandemic! - Karín
We are so grateful for all of the hard work she put in as a Staff Attorney and Program Manager, and we wish her all the best in her new chapter!
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