Public Employee Press

A life-changing experience

Participants at the celebration heard from one of the fund's many success stories, Georgia Angelakis. As a Local 372 member working in a school cafeteria, she wasted no time in taking advantage of the educational opportunities available at DC 37, taking Ed Fund classes to help her pass the test for her high school equivalency diploma.

Moving on to college, Angelakis earned her associate's degree in the two-year LaGuardia School Food Service Management Program at LaGuardia Community College, which the Ed Fund and the college created for Local 372 members.

Being eligible for tuition reimbursement made Angelakis's dream of a bachelor's degree a reality. With the help of the tuition reimbursement, a scholarship and a lot of hard work, she graduated from New York University with a 3.8 average. She has now completed a master's degree and is a Clinical Dietician.

Today the former cafeteria worker is a Supervisor in the Dept. of Education's Office of School Food and Nutrition Services.

"This whole experience has changed my life," Angelakis said. "I always try to motivate people, especially union members, to take advantage of their benefits. I couldn't have done this without the union, especially the tuition reimbursement."

—Alfredo Alvarado