By DIANE S. WILLIAMS

The DC 37 Women's Committee inspired female union members to become "whole women" by understanding their role in "Labor, Politics and Power," the theme for the committee's June 6 annual celebration.

The event was hosted by new Committee Chair Magda DeJesus and featured singer Ann Sinclair, guest speaker Sheila Evans-Tranumn, an associate commissioner at the Board of Education, and a fashion show by African designer Moshood.

"Women play so many roles as mothers, daughters, sisters, leaders, friends, the list is endless," said Ms. DeJesus, who is president of Local 1219.

Besides DC 37's top two officers, Executive Director Lillian Roberts and President Veronica Montgomery-Costa, the union has five women on its Executive Board. Of its 56 locals, 12 are headed by women, and the numbers continue to grow.

"In 1964 we had women signing up members, but none in leadership roles," recalled Executive Director Lillian Roberts. But since then much has changed. "The old days of petty jealousy among women are dead," she said. "The union is predominantly women, but we don't dominate. We're accepted for what we can bring to the table."

Motivational speaker Sheila Evans-Tranumn brought the crowd to its feet as she explained what it means to be a whole woman. "You have to know yourself before you can go forward. You have to become a living example, and you must know the center of your power," she said. "When you know the power within you, you become not a half, not a quarter, but a whole woman."

The evening was a celebration of the inspirations and aspirations that motivate women to achieve. Ms. Montgomery-Costa said, "All are leaders in their own right. It's not easy being in the spotlight, so we need to support the ladder our sisters climb."