As the elected Secretary-Treasurer of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, I work with affiliates across the state to build worker power and win for working families. I focus on connecting organizing, politics, and movement-building so workers are not just heard, but decision makers. As Secretary-Treasurer, I serve as the Council’s chief financial officer, ensuring our resources are strong, transparent, and aligned with building worker power.

I’m a proud UFCW member and certified Pharmacy Technician. A discounted movie ticket first brought me through the union hall doors at 16—but solidarity is what kept me there. I come from a union family, where I learned early what dignity on the job means. That’s what drives me to build a labor movement every worker can see themselves in and be part of.

From organizing on the ground to leading statewide efforts in Washington, I’ve built a track record of turning worker power into real results, training union members to run,electing pro-worker leaders, advancing worker protections, and strengthening our movement for the long term.

I’m a graduate of THE Ohio State University and a forever Buckeye. I’m driven by a deep commitment to justice, collective power, and a future where all workers can thrive. I’m also known for crafting perfect, no-skip playlists—because every movement needs a soundtrack.

Cherika’s Accomplishments

Building One Movement. Winning One Future.

Since 2023, Secretary Treasurer Carter has built on a strong foundation to further strengthen the WSLC as a financially sound, values-driven organization that invests in workers and delivers for our movement.

Delivering Results That Power Our Movement

• Secured record-breaking funding to expand worker power statewide
• Strengthened the Council’s financial foundation, growing reserves and stability
• Scaled fundraising to meet rising costs, bringing convention to break-even
• Launched the first Washington State AI Summit on Artificial Intelligence and Technology, bringing together more than 49 local unions and over 150 participants 

Financial Strength, Growth & Sustainability

Building the resources and systems our movement depends on:

• Secured the highest level of grant funding in WSLC history
• Grew reserves and strengthened long-term financial stability
• Increased Olympia building revenue through strategic lease renegotiations
• Broke even on convention by increasing fundraising to offset rising facility and production costs
• Increased affiliate investment in political and programmatic work
• Expanded Foundation for Working Families fundraising, growing legacy giving and honor-based contributions
• Refinanced the Olympia building at a better rate, reducing costs and strengthening assets
• Renegotiated contracts and services to deliver ongoing cost savings
• Transitioned all WSLC and Olympia building banking to a union-aligned institution
• Refinanced major assets through union banking partners
• Aligned financial decisions with long-term movement priorities

Rapid Response & Member Support Through the Foundation for Working Families

Delivering when workers need it most:

• Built systems to rapidly deploy FFWF disaster relief funds, delivering support within as little as 3 days
• Responded to major crises, including the Medical Lake Fire and historic December 2025 flooding, while maintaining stability

Building Independent Political Power

Turning resources into movement growth:

• Directed resources to build independent political power, increasing fundraising and affiliate investment
• Aligned financial strategy with movement-building priorities

This work is about more than managing resources—it’s about ensuring our movement has the strength to fight, grow, and win for every worker in Washington.

Leadership and Board Service: 

• Washington Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board
• Washington Attorney General Artificial Intelligence Task Force
• Labor Education Research Center Advisory Council 
• Puget Sound Skills Center Advisory Committee
• Washington Community Action Network 
• AFL-CIO AI State Federation Task Force
• Corresponding Secretary, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) International 
• President, CBTU Puget Sound Chapter 
• Co-Chair, CBTU AI Taskforce
• Women Innovating Labor Leadership (WILL)Empower Advisory Council