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Charles Brooks Award honours dedicated community activist, Jodi Nesbitt

Media Release

Windsor, ON – On Thursday, November 14, 2024, United Way Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent, in partnership with the Windsor & District Labour Council (WDLC), will host the 47th annual Labour Appreciation Night at the Ciociaro Club of Windsor, honouring the recipient of the Charles E. Brooks Labour Community Service Award, Jodi Nesbitt, President of Unifor Local 240.

A dedicated Labour community activist with over thirty years in the movement, rising from the Local’s first Youth Executive Board Member to her current role. With a decade of leadership at Unifor Local 240, she has notably supported workers through significant strikes and strives for respectful collective agreements. Nesbitt’s provincial and national contributions include representing the Political Action Committee for Unifor’s Ontario Regional Council and serving as President and now Secretary Treasurer of the Unifor Education, Technical, Office & Professional Sector Council. In the community, she is committed to combating violence against women, improving mental health support, and driving government action on critical issues. Her hands-on approach, combined with her personal commitment to family and community, makes her a transformative and inspiring leader in the Labour movement.

“Jodi Nesbitt has made a remarkable impact in our community, driving fundraising and securing significant donations for many organizations, including United Way,” says Lorraine Goddard, CEO of United Way. “Her dedication and leadership as a United Way champion reflect a deep commitment to collaboration and meaningful change. Jodi’s efforts continue to support the lives of countless individuals in the Windsor-Essex community.”

United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent and the Windsor & District Labour Council co-created the Charles E. Brooks Community Service Award, which is presented annually to a trade unionist in recognition of outstanding contributions in the area of voluntary community service. “The Charles E. Brooks Labour Community Service Award is a way for the Labour Community to honour this legacy, ensure it’s remembered, and remind activists that our work is ongoing.” Mario Spagnuolo, Interim – President of the Windsor and District Labour Council.

EVENT DETAILS: Labour Appreciation Night is Thursday, November 14th. Doors open at the Ciociaro Club at 5:00pm. Presentation begins at 6:00pm. Tickets are $65. Click here to buy tickets. Contact Leilani Logronio, Manager of Labour Programs and Services at United Way at llogronio@weareunited.com for more event information.

President of Unifor Local 240, Jodi Nesbitt, is an exemplary Labour community activist with an unwavering commitment to serve in the effort to improve the well-being of union members and the community. For over ten years, Nesbitt has led the broad sector amalgamated Local and in recent years she has supported them through two historical strike actions, whereby she stands behind all workers in securing respectful collective agreements.

Nesbitt’s involvement in the Labour movement spans over thirty years where she began as Unifor Local 240’s first Youth Executive Board Member moving up the ranks in various Local positions. Provincially, she represented the Political Action Committee for Unifor’s Ontario Regional Council. Nationally, Nesbitt served as the President of the Unifor Education, Technical, Office & Professional Sector Council (ETOP), and she is currently the ETOP Secretary Treasurer serving Unifor members across Canada.

In the community, Nesbitt has driven fundraising and notable donations to many organizations including United Way, UHC Hub of Opportunities, Hiatus House, House of Sophrosyne and many more. She is ardent about eradicating violence against women especially intimate partner violence and pushing the government to declare it an epidemic. She is also committed to advocating for closing the gaps in the mental health system to better support those suffering with a mental illness and addiction. Moreover, she has a strong passion in participating in all levels of government to drive for change for these important topics along with other issues by engaging voters and lobbying governments.

Nesbitt is known for personally helping and volunteering beyond her professional duties while ensuring her family is always taken care of. Wholeheartedly, she’s among the people doing the work on the ground as much as she is at the table. As a woman in leadership, she has helped change the face of the local Labour movement. Her compassion for others, devotion to purpose and boundless energy propels her to be a notable leader with a lasting impact that has inspired and empowered others in our community.

If you wish to pre-interview the recipient, Jodi Nesbitt, or wish to connect with someone from WDLC or United Way, please contact Kristina Stojkovski. See contact details below.

Media Contact: Kristina Stojkovski, Marketing & Communications Specialist, United Way
kstojkovski@weareunited.com | M: 519-982-8291

Last updated on October 15, 2024

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