Leaders in Action for Justice

Darrell “DJ” Jerome

  • United Healthcare Workers West
  • Healthcare
If there were a leadership yearbook, what would your yearbook superlative be and why?

“Most Photogenic”

What is one of your proudest leadership moments during the past year and why? Feel free to share more than one.

It happened during the Kaiser On-Call Conversion that took place this past winter, where I was able to witness a member’s life change. The member was pregnant in her last trimester. She also had 3 kids and she had no health coverage for her family. Through the On-Call Conversion program she was converted to a part-time worker with full employer paid medical benefits for her and her entire family. She was able to deliver the baby with dignity and respect and not be discharge with a huge bill.

The look on this member’s face and the face of her daughters was priceless and precious at the same. She and her family is the reason that makes all of our hard
work worthwhile. (Kaiser Orange County)

Looking ahead to this year, what do you want to be the next step in your development as a leader? How will that step help our movement for economic and racial justice?

DJ is the epitome of growing by doing. Every time DJ is challenged to lead those around him are privileged to witness his growth. DJ has been really active in our
Lavender Caucus. DJ stood up and spoke out during planning around diversity and challenged the organization to think more fully about gender conformity norms. At the same time that DJ is challenging others he’s open to being challenged, enlightened, and stretched to be the best person he can.