Meet Charmaine
A Lifetime of Service, Advocacy, and Leadership
While working as a med-surg oncology nurse at Kaiser South Bay and raising four children, Charmaine Morales became active in her union because she cared deeply about her patients, her colleagues, and the future of healthcare. She understood early in life why working people need to come together to support one another, advocate for change, and build a better future for the communities they serve.
Raised in San Pedro, CA with family roots in Hawaii, Charmaine learned the importance of community, service, and standing up for others. Whether working on her unit at Kaiser South Bay or serving in leadership roles within UNAC/UHCP, she understands that leaders are only as strong as the teams they build and support.
Over the past decade, Charmaine has dedicated her career to strengthening UNAC/UHCP, advocating for healthcare professionals, and building a stronger voice for working people. From State Secretary to Executive Vice President and now President, she has remained focused on one mission: putting members first and delivering results.
As President of UNAC/UHCP, Charmaine has helped lead the union through historic growth, major contract victories, increased member engagement, and expanded influence throughout the labor movement. Under her leadership, UNAC/UHCP has continued to strengthen its voice on behalf of healthcare workers while building unity across affiliates, chapters, and professions.
Charmaine believes the strength of our union comes from its members. Whether fighting for safer staffing, better wages, stronger workplace protections, or legislative solutions to healthcare challenges, she has always focused on creating opportunities for members to lead, engage, and shape the future of our union.
Leadership in Service
Today, Charmaine serves as:
- President, UNAC/UHCP
- AFSCME International Vice President
- Secretary-Treasurer, NUHHCE
- Vice President, Los Angeles County Federation of Labor
- Vice President, California Federation of Labor
- Alliance Vice Chair
Through these leadership roles, Charmaine helps ensure healthcare professionals have a voice at local, state, and national decision-making tables.
Recognition & Awards
Throughout her career, Charmaine has earned recognition for her commitment to labor, healthcare, and community advocacy, including:
- 2026 Woman of the Year, California Assembly District 69
- 2026 AAPI Heritage Month Honoree
- 2025 Franklin & Eleanor Roosevelt Trailblazer Award
- 2024 Women of Distinction Award Recipient
Looking Forward
As we look toward the future, Charmaine remains focused on the values that have guided her leadership:
Growth
Growing our union and expanding our collective power.
Unity
Bringing members together to strengthen our voice and win for healthcare professionals.
Experience
Leadership that delivers results at the bargaining table, in the legislature, and throughout the labor movement.
Together, we can continue building a stronger UNAC/UHCP.
Because Every Member Matters.
National Recognition
In May 2026, the AFL-CIO recognized Charmaine Morales during Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month for her leadership in healthcare and the labor movement.
The profile highlighted her role as President of UNAC/UHCP, her leadership representing healthcare professionals across California and Hawaii, and her historic role as the first woman of color — and the first Mexican American and Filipina — to lead UNAC/UHCP.
Read AFL-CIO Profile
