Laurie Mesa is a San Jose-based Area Director for UFCW Local 5. She is responsible for guiding the activities of union representatives in the local’s largest geographical area with more than 7000 members who work at grocery stores and other retailers in Santa Clara County.

Laurie began her career in 1987 as a food clerk at Alpha Beta and then PW Markets before joining the union staff as a field representative in 1998. She serves on the executive board of the UFCW International Union’s Women’s Network and is a trustee on the Northern California UFCW pension and health benefit trust funds.

She became a delegate to the South Bay Labor Council more than 10 years ago and believes strongly in its mission.

“When unions work together through the Labor Council it allows our members to have a powerful collective voice not only in the workplace, but in politics at all levels which is critical to improving the lives of workers, their families and the community,” Laurie says.

Laurie’s husband Todd is also a Local 5 member who has worked at Draeger’s Markets for 39 years. They enjoy spending time with their two sons, traveling and attending Shark’s games.