Chaparral 2024-2025: Transforming Relationships with CSEA President Nonah Maffit

After a revitalized year with CSEA, Chaparral spoke with current President Nonah Maffit about changes in the membership and communicating openly at GCC.

Chaparral: What is the biggest change you have made in your position?

Nonah Maffit: The executive board has engaged more with our members. Post pandemic it was essential that we reconnected with each other, in-person. We have been meeting with different groups of classified staff to renew acquaintances, meet new members, and exchange updates. We are a union and our schedules and work sites should not separate us. In addition to our monthly chapter meetings, our labor rep and we host a monthly Know Your Contract virtually. We go over the collective bargaining agreement in detail, followed by a lively Q&A.

Chaparral: What is one new thing you are looking forward to in your position this year?

Nonah Maffit: By the end of 2024, there will be 34 of us retiring. They represent decades of history and a deep collective memory of GCC. While no one can ever replace them, I look forward to welcoming a new generation of classified professionals in the coming months. I look forward to meeting them and learning from them.

Chaparral: What advice as CSEA President would you give to someone who is nervous or anxious about changes at GCC?

Nonah Maffit: We should not be anxious about changes at GCC. I think we call it “innovation” these days. It is actually one of CSEA’s core values. Innovation “that is forward-thinking, encourages continuous improvement, and fosters the exploration of new ideas “can thrive in an environment that is inclusive, respectful and transparent. We have a governance process here at the college which ensures all that. Our task is to remain vigilant and keep channels of communications open, between the District and our respective constituents.