Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1543950
ASSOCIATION GOVERNANCE 8 SPRING 2026 | ADVOCATE 2026 Board of Directors Candidates NEA State Director, 3-year term Anna Badilla Home Phone: 520-405-2860 Local Association: Tucson Education Association School District Employed: Tucson Unified School District Years Employed: 20 Employment Position: Finance Manager Subject/Grade Level: - Total Years of Educational Employment: 20 Total Years as an AEA Member: 19 Total Years as an NEA Member: 19 Higher Education Degrees Held: - List (up to 4) the most important positions held in local, state, and/or national education associations: NEA State Director, Arizona – 1 year Arizona Education Association Board of Directors – 3 Years ESP Task Force "One Job Should Be Enough" NEA – 3 Years ESP At Large Director, Tucson Education Association – 4 Years It would be a privilege to return as your NEA State Director and continue serving the educators who trust me to represent their voices. As a proud Latina and seasoned Education Support Professional, I bring both lived experience and steadfast dedication to ensuring equity for every voice in our union. is role is about more than a title — it's about ensuring our voices are heard where decisions are made. I am dedicated to supporting diverse educator populations, ensuring each of us, regardless of background, or position, is equally represented in our fight for education. My ability to communicate with diverse populations allows me to bridge communication gaps between job families, fostering an inclusive environment. I have a track record of collaborating with teachers, all ESPs and administrators to implement innovative strategies that elevate our members' work life. As State Director, I will continue working to bring our collective concerns directly to legislators, advocating for policies that protect public education, strengthen working conditions, and upli every job title. As an NEA State director, I will bring my passion for equity, my advocacy for all job titles, and my commitment to liing our voices to ensure every educator in our state thrives. NEA State Director, 3-year term Kareem Neal Home Phone: 602-885-5727 Local Association: Phoenix Union CTA School District Employed: Phoenix Union High School District Years Employed: 19 Employment Position: Teacher Subject/Grade Level: Self-contained special education Total Years of Educational Employment: 29 Total Years as an AEA Member: 22 Total Years as an NEA Member: 22 Higher Education Degrees Held: Masters of Arts Special Education List (up to 4) the most important positions held in local, state, and/or national education associations: NEA Alternate Director – 1.75 Years NEA Delegate – 4 Years AEA Delegate – 4 Years Phoenix Union CTA Representative – 8 Years First, I'd like to say that I love my union and I'm more proud of the work I've done with AEA and Phoenix Union CTA than I am of any other things I've done in my career. With that said, I'd love to be considered for the position of NEA State Director. As the current, NEA State Alternate Director, I think I'd be a great fit for the position. I have always led with passion, inclusion, and an open mind to new ideas. I also think the relationships I have made on the state and national level would be a great benefit in this role. ank you for your consideration and whether I am chosen or not, I couldn't be more happy or proud to serve our union. Region 15 Director, 3-year term Felisa Alberts Home Phone: 480-223-1146 Local Association: Mesa Education Association School District Employed: Mesa Public Schools Years Employed: 10 Employment Position: 5th Grade Teacher Subject/Grade Level: All/General Education Total Years of Educational Employment: 12 Total Years as an AEA Member: 10 Total Years as an NEA Member: 10 Higher Education Degrees Held: Two Masters Degrees (Leadership & Administration and Curriculum & Instruction) List (up to 4) the most important positions held in local, state, and/or national education associations: AEA Board of Directors, Region 2 – 1 Year Mesa Education Vice President – 1 Year Mesa Education Association Elementary Representative – 2 Years Mesa Education Association Racial & Social Justice Co-Chair – 1 Year I am proud to announce my candidacy for Regional Director 15 for the AEA Board of Directors. Over the past year, I have had the honor of serving as Region 2 Director on the AEA Board. is year, I have gained a strong understanding of how AEA and local associations work together to advocate for members, strengthen our collective voice, and support public education. I am eager to continue using that knowledge to benefit Mesa. As Regional Director 15, I would represent both MEA and our sister union, MESPA (Mesa Educational Support Professional Association). If elected, I'll be a dependable presence—listening closely to both educators and support professionals, voting in the best interest of Mesa staff, and ensuring that our perspectives are heard in every discussion. I believe collaboration between MEA and MESPA is essential, and I am committed to representing all staff with fairness, transparency, and integrity. Mesa is a district filled with passionate, dedicated professionals who show up for students every day. I would be honored to take the strength of what we are accomplishing here and represent us at the AEA level. Together, we can ensure that Mesa's voice is not only present—but influential. I respectfully ask for your support for Regional Director 15. Continues, next page