Danielle Gates-White has been a Patient Financial Clearance Rep at Kaleida Health for over 15 years. During that time, Danielle has been an integral force in the 1199 and social justice movement in Buffalo and WNY. She serves as chief Stewart and delegate in her department. In addition, she serves on the 1199 Cultural Committee, Political Action Endorsement Committee and founding member of the WNY Young Workers Program.



Most recently, Danielle was elected Secretary for the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU)- Buffalo Chapter. CBTU is a coalition of labor unions that seek to improve the lives of black workers. CBTU also actively supports civil rights and civic groups that work to improve black and minority communities. The Buffalo Chapter was chartered in 1992. Since then they have been actively bridging the gap between blacks, the labor movement and community.



“We are proud that our delegates are not just leaders in the hospital, but are strong leaders in the community and larger labor movement,” says Jim Scordato, 1199 Vice President for the WNY Hospital Division. “From traveling the country to help elect President Obama or Danielle’s contributions to the Kaleida Health Community, I’m positive her energy and skills will greatly enhance CBTU.”



“I joined CBTU to help the buffalo chapter promote and influence union workers in our community and to make CBTU an intricate force in Buffalo,” says Danielle. “Rather in the workplace or the community, CBTU fights for social, political and economic justice that brings people out of poverty and gives them the power to become actively engaged in the decision making process.”



Also, Ina Ferguson 1199 retiree was elected a Trustee to the executive board. Ina retired from Grace Manor Nursing home and remains an active member of 1199 during retirement. Ina serves on the 1199 Cultural Committee and the Political Action Endorsement Committee. In her retirement she has become a leading education advocate and volunteer for Citizen Action of New York.



“Ina has traveled to Albany with us to help lobby against cuts to healthcare and education. She is always willing to stand up for those who don’t have a voice and do what’s right. She will make a great addition to the CBTU leadership,” says Maurice Brown 1199 Political Coordinator.



“I am so extremely excited to work with these two ladies”, says Franchelle Hart, President of the CBTU Buffalo Chapter. “I have seen what these two ladies have accomplished with 1199 and I know the best is yet to come with CBTU here in Buffalo.”



Are you interested in learning more about CBTU? Attend a general interest meeting! CBTU meets every second Thursday of the at: 1199SEIU. 2421 Main St. Buffalo, NY 14214. 5:30pm.