March 2021
Donna Rey, EdD,
Named Executive Director and CEO
On March 1, Donna Rey, EdD, steps into her new role as 1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds' Executive Director and CEO. Dr. Rey, who previously served as Associate Executive Director, succeeds Mitra Behroozi, who led the Funds for 17 years and will remain with the Funds in an advisory role.

After joining the Funds as Chief Administrative Officer in 2007, Dr. Rey successfully managed the cross-Fund integration of the Benefit and Pension Funds, Training and Employment Funds and Child Care Funds, and now oversees the administrative operations of all 1199SEIU Funds. Throughout her tenure at the Funds (she was named Chief Operating Officer in 2015 and Associate Executive Director in 2020), Dr. Rey has overseen organizational improvements that have resulted in significant administrative savings and consistently high member-satisfaction ratings.

Dr. Rey's collaborative and inclusive approach will ensure that members, employers, trustees and the Union remain engaged in the successful implementation of major Fund initiatives. Her dedication and outstanding leadership, along with her focus on staff development and exceptional member experience, will enable the Funds to continue to operate at the highest levels of effectiveness.
Training and Employment Funds Offer Pharmacy Tech Certification Exam Prep Course
The 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds (TEF) are offering your 1199SEIU employees and members a preparatory course for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam. The course is in response to a New York State law that will go into effect on April 25, 2021, which requires that pharmacy technicians who assist with the compounding and mixing of medications be certified. The 96-hour virtual course, offered by the Consortium for Worker Education, is delivered live and includes math and pharmacy technician content critical to the profession. Participants incur no out-of-pocket costs, with TEF paying for instruction, textbooks and the certification exam fee. Enrollment is ongoing, and new classes are offered as the need arises. For more information, contact Zdravko Smilevski at Zdravko.Smilevski@1199Funds.org.
Child Care Corporation Holds Virtual Pre-RN Student Health Fair
On February 6, the 1199SEIU/Employer Child Care Corporation's (CCC) Pre-RN Track Program held a student health fair, conducted online due to COVID-19 restrictions. The 54 students who participated in the event presented three group projects: one highlighted the effects of the pandemic, including symptoms of the virus and its impact; one examined equity in healthcare, with a focus on women of color; and the third explored body-image issues. In addition, the students created a brochure with information on each of the topics covered at the event. In partnership with the CCC and the Child Care Fund, New York University staff were on hand to provide assistance with the program.

The Pre-RN Track is part of the CCC's WorkForce 2000 initiative, a year-round academic program that helps teens of 1199SEIU members succeed in high school, prepare for college and explore career interests. The program seeks to increase the availability and diversity of the New York City nursing workforce by helping prepare high school students to pursue nursing professions. For more information about the WorkForce 2000 Pre-RN Track, please email WF2000@1199Funds.org.
The Institute for Continuing Education Presents Upcoming Programs
The 1199SEIU League Training and Upgrading Fund strengthens the healthcare delivery system by offering 1199SEIU members training and education programs designed to help improve patient outcomes and provide quality care. Please share these opportunities with employees and members at your institution.

The schedule is also available on our calendar.

Immune Deficiencies, Nutritional Factors and COVID-19
Thursday, March 25
5:30 pm to 9:00 pm

This three-hour seminar for dietitians and nutritionists, in honor of National Nutrition Month, will include information on resources, challenges and best practices on nutrition and immune deficiencies related to COVID-19. The seminar will be offered live via Zoom.

Self-Care in High-Stress Working Environments and COVID-19
Tuesday, March 30
5:30 pm to 9:00 pm

This three-hour seminar for social workers, mental health counselors and CASACs, in honor of National Social Work Month, will include information on dealing with trauma, compassion fatigue and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. The seminar will be offered live via Zoom.

For more information, visit the Institute for Continuing Education's web page, call (212) 894-4390 or email Institute@1199Funds.org.
In This Issue
Donna Rey, EdD,
Named Executive Director and CEO
Training and Employment Funds Offer Pharmacy Tech Certification Exam Prep Course
Child Care Corporation Holds Virtual Pre-RN Student Health Fair
The Institute for Continuing Education Presents Upcoming Programs
   



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