By JANE La TOUR

I am very emotional about the program,” says Tatyana Rakova, a member of Clerical-Administrative Employees Local 1549. Discussing her experiences in the Cornell/DC 37 Women’s Studies Program, the Russian immigrant says, “The teachers gave of their time. I felt their individual care. It was inspiring.” Ms. Rakova helps people with limited English skills navigate HRA’s Medical Assistance Program.

Faith Aird, a member of Finance Employees Local 1113, shares a similar enthusiasm for the program. She says it has enhanced her life — as a student and as a union member. “It really improved my communication skills for speaking to a group.” She also learned about the beginnings of unions and “the sacrifices people made to improve conditions.”

Many DC 37 activists and leaders got started in the Cornell/DC 37 program, which emphasizes issues in labor studies, particularly questions of concern to working union women. Courses cover subjects such as leadership and communication, “writing to empower,” labor history, union organizing and negotiating.

Phyllis Reden’s years as a Senior Police Administrative Aide have given her a career, but the Cornell Program changed her life. “It ignited my desire to be involved with the union. There was not a class I missed, even during the last big snowstorm.” She went from not caring about the union to being an activist with a capital A. “I started going to union meetings. Recently, I was elected as chapter treasurer.”

Another member turned into an activist by the program is Cheryl Minor, 3rd vice president of Local 1549. “You can’t help but get involved in your union, because the knowledge that you attain from the magnificent teachers at Cornell needs to be shared.”

Carmen Charles of Municipal Hospital Employees Local 420 spoke of Dr. Miriam Frank, who taught the history of women workers. “When I started reading about the women who made the sacrifices — it lit a fire in me,” she said. Ms. Charles said she “felt connected to the women of my class. We had a cross-section of women with great talent.” Ms. Charles went on to become active in her local and is now president. “Had it not been for the Cornell program, I don’t think I would have had the tools to move forward,” she said.

Rosezetta Johnson, program coordinator for career development at DC 37 Education Fund, is also a product of the Cornell program. As a secretary at DC 37, she decided to take the courses. “The program helped me to advance,” she said. Now she gets to encourage other union women, like Kathy Turner, who is currently enrolled. Ms. Turner, a member of Court Employees Local 1070, said, “The camaraderie with the women in the class, from all different backgrounds and jobs, gave us a cohesiveness that we will carry on.”