Quality of Work Life Annual Employee Recognition Program
The Quality of Work Life Annual Employee Recognition Program is a collaboration between NYC Public Schools and our labor union partners to recognize employees for their outstanding contributions to New York City Public Schools and the City of New York. This year, we are proud to honor more than 400 employees who have reached their 20-year service milestones, along with several distinguished individuals who have dedicated over 50 years of service.
Message from Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos
Dear Colleagues,
Congratulations on reaching your 20-year milestone with New York City Public Schools! Over the last two decades, you have made an immense impact on our schools, students, families, and communities. This work can be challenging, but it is vitally important—and your commitment speaks volumes. Thank you for putting children first, for giving your best effort, and for pursuing excellence in all you do
In turbulent times, our schools are a constant source of strength, stability, and support for our million-plus students and staff. Likewise, with 20 years of service to NYCPS under your belt, you, too, are a symbol of consistency and care. No matter where you have served in our system or in what role, your impact will continue to ripple across our schools and live on in the experiences of our students and families.
The Quality of Work Life Annual Employee Recognition Ceremony highlights the essential roles that you play in our school communities and in the lives of all our students. This is a major honor and one we are pleased to award to you. On behalf of the entire NYCPS community, please accept my heartfelt thanks and congratulations. You have contributed significantly to our vision of bold futures for the next generation of New Yorkers, and we applaud you on this milestone.
In partnership,
Melissa Aviles-Ramos
Chancellor
Message from Chief Talent/Human Resources Officer Patrick D. Fagan
Messages from Union Leaders
Executive Director Henry Garrido, District Council 37
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Thank you for your commitment to the citizens of New York City and your fellow workers. You represent the very essence of the Civil Service System of which the selection of employees are based on objective measures of merit and fitness resulting in an outstanding workforce.
Your 20 years of service to the City and people of New York has been indispensable. Often, when I meet DOE employees they tell me how much they love their jobs and it shows in their dedication to their work. You are truly Everyday Heroes that keep our City running through calm and crisis, in good times and challenging times.
New York City is an amazing city providing many services to its residents, people who work here as well as visitors from around the world. Dedicated Civil Servants like you form the backbone that allows our city to maintain stature.
On behalf of District Council 37, my congratulations to you all. Today’s Quality of Work Life Employee Recognition Ceremony – organized jointly by DC37 and the New York City Department of Education’s Quality of Worklife committee – is our way of saying, “Thank you to all for a job well done”.
President Shaun D. Francois, District Council 37 and Local 372
Dear Local 372 member,
I was thrilled to hear that you are being recognized and honored by NYC Department of Education & District Council 37’s Quality of Work Life Committee for 20+ years of excellent service to Department of Education.
This is a momentous occasion that deserves to be celebrated and I want you to know as the President of this great union, Local 372, you have my outmost respect and admiration. New York City School System could not function, children of NYC would not have the comfortable and safe learning environment without the support services you provide on each and every day. Your commitment to excellence, the care and love you have given to NYC children for 20+ years are truly inspiring to all of us, and I am extremely proud of you.
Congratulations on this outstanding achievement. It is a testament to your hard work, dedication and commitment to the job that is so important to all families of New York City. This is a well-deserved recognition and you have truly earned it.
Wish you all the best as you continue servicing NYC children and being the most crucial part of the Education System.
Watch Shaun D. Francois' video message to honorees!
President Francine Francis, Local 1251
Congratulations, Local 1251 Members!
Achieving a remarkable twenty-year milestone is a significant accomplishment worthy of jubilation! We extend our heartfelt honor and appreciation to each and every one of you. Your dedication and hard work have played an integral role in reaching this commendable milestone. As you continue on this journey, know that your efforts are not only acknowledged but deeply valued. May the path ahead be filled with even greater successes and accomplishments. Keep on keeping on, Sisters and Brothers. Your unwavering commitment is truly inspiring. Here's to more years of collaboration, growth, and shared achievements.
Blessings to each one of you!
President Laura Morand, Local 2627
Dear Honorees of DOE,
I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations on a job well done! You are the best of the best. The work that you do, allows the children on this great city to have a fighting chance in this very competitive and extremely challenging world. Without you, our children would not have a chance at surviving. Your hard work and years of dedication is truly first class.
As Local 2627 Members who work at the Department of Education, the work that you perform; can not be measured in dollars and cents. You are the best that the City of New York has to offer.
The children of this great city have a chance at making a difference because of you. Everyday Heroes, does not adequately describe how essential you are to our children and this city.
The IT workers keep New York working. Nothing works without you!
On behalf of Local 2627 - DC 37, I want to congratulate you on achieving such a coveted status. Today's Quality Work Life Employee Recognition Ceremony - organized jointly by DC 37 and New York City Department of Education - is our way of saying "Thank you all for a job well done."
President Gregory Floyd, Local 237
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
You personify the best qualities of public service: dedicated, professional and compassionate. Your work on behalf of the city's most precious commodity - our school children - enables youngsters to learn and reach their full potential, which can only be achieved in a safe, nurturing environment.
Your job is a tough one. Yet, you arrive at work each day, and give it your all. We at Local 237 are proud of you and want you to know that your work does not go unnoticed or without appreciation. On behalf of our members, 237's Executive Board and all New Yorkers, please accept our gratitude and know that you make a difference in the lives of so many each day.
Thank you and please continue to strive for excellence. Your work is done in the present, but its positive impact is for the future.
2024 Quality of Work Life Employee Recognition Honorees
Join us in celebrating our 2024 Quality of Work Life Employee Recognition Honorees!
Quality of Work Life Employee Recognition Committee
- Ester Anthinez, Local 1251
- Heather Austin, Local 1251
- Jennifer Austin, Local 372
- Marilyn Ballie, Local 1407
- Maria Ciniglio, Division of Human Resources
- Joyce Cruickshank, Local CWA 1180
- Francine Francis, President, Local 1251
- Shaun D. Francois I, President, DC 37 and Local 372
- Andrew Hackman, QWL Coordinator
- Shennita Jeter, Local 1251
- Imogene Jones, Local 372
- Velma Joseph, Local 1407
- Lovetta Kerr, Administrative Assistant
- Fareed Michelen, QWL Director
- LaNette Murphy, Local 372
- Donald Nesbit, Executive Vice President, Local 372
- Ray Ng, Division of Human Resources
- Trina Prior, Local 372
- Glenys Rivera, Local 372
- Leslie Spencer, Local 1251
Additional assistance for QWL-ERC 2024 was provided by the following employees
- Greta Golling
- Yesenia Gonzalez
- Yogi Hernandez
- Andrey Khristenko
- Andrew Kleist
- Betsie Martinez
- Anthony Nguyen
- Phil Person
- Sofiya Pevzner
- Nicolas Planet
- Andrew Yu
Previous QWL Honorees
2020-23 Quality of Work Life Employee Recognition Honorees
To view the honorees from the 2020-23 QWL recognition, view the QWL 2020-23 page.