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Cooney honors workers’ rights activist Watts with Women of Distinction award
Cooney honors workers’ rights activist Watts with Women of Distinction award
Bess Watts, president of Rochester Pride at Work AFL-CIO Chapter, was the recipient of the New York State Senate Women of Distinction Award from Sen. Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester).
Watts was chosen because of her advocacy and activism with the labor and LGBTQ+ communities. A veteran of the U.S. Army, she devoted her professional life to advocating for workers’ rights, especially as they pertain to the LGBTQ+ community.
“Bess is a tireless champion for equity among those who historically have faced discrimination, advocating for workers’ rights and rights for LGBTQ+ community members with kindness and strength,” Cooney said in a news release. “Her commitment to raising awareness of the intersectionality of workers’ rights and LGBTQ+ rights is worthy of this special state recognition, and I am honored to name her as a woman of distinction.”
Said Steve Healy, president of the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Western Region: “Since she began her tenure at CSEA, Bess Watts has been a true advocate in every sense of the word,. She has been an integral part of not only the labor movement here in Western New York, but of establishing such a strong intersection between labor and LGBTQ+ rights. Watts is the quintessence of a leader. She has the strength, compassion and spirit to be an inspiration for those in the labor and LGBTQ+ communities.”
Each state senator may select one individual per year to honor with the award, recognizing fierce advocacy for change.
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