About Us


Our Mission
We empower individuals to access unionized career opportunities, build skills, and positively impact their communities.
We accomplish this by:
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Raising Awareness: Using our extensive network of labor organizations and media platforms to highlight inspiring stories, provide educational resources, and amplify the benefits of union careers.
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Providing Access: Partnering with schools, unions, and community organizations to offer mentorship, training, and work-based learning opportunities.
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Promoting Economic Growth: Organizing events and initiatives that strengthen labor membership, inspire the next generation of tradespeople, and support sustainable development within our communities.
Through public-private partnerships, research, and strategic programs, we create opportunities for individuals to achieve long-term professional success while advancing the broader mission of unions and economic equity.
Where We Make a Difference
Services

Veterans
We proudly support veterans in their transition to civilian life by aligning their unique skills with roles in unionized trades and public sector careers. Through our partnerships, veterans have access to mentorship, training, and additional support services designed to ease their transition and empower them for long-term success. These resources, including career counseling, financial education, and mental health support, help ensure veterans have the tools and support they need to thrive in new roles.

Students
Through our partnerships with schools, union trade organizations, and service providers, we offer high school students access to apprenticeships, Career and Technical Education (CTE), mentorship, and additional resources that connect them directly with union professionals and industry leaders. These programs provide young people with an alternative to the traditional four-year degree, enabling them to secure stable, well-paying jobs that support economic independence and community growth.

Educational Resources
In collaboration with unions and specialized service providers, the ULA Network Charitable Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the benefits available to union members. Our partnerships provide union members with access to comprehensive resources, including financial wellness programs, healthcare support, continuing education, and family assistance services. By offering these additional benefits, we aim to support union members' well-being, strengthen families, and empower communities.

Community Support
Our Foundation’s initiatives go beyond job training—they’re about building resilient communities. By investing in career-focused education, promoting skilled trades, and enhancing union member support services, we contribute to the economic strength of neighborhoods across the country. A well-trained, supported workforce not only bolsters local economies but also inspires future generations and reinforces the vital role unions play in community well-being and development.

Prosperous Futures
At the ULA Network Charitable Foundation, we believe that providing access to meaningful careers, comprehensive educational resources, and enhanced support services is foundational to community development. Through our economic and educational initiatives, we are building a sustainable workforce that uplifts individuals, strengthens families, and drives positive change. Together, with our union partners and service providers, we’re creating a future where every student, veteran, and union member has the opportunity to succeed and contribute to a more resilient America.

Volunteer
Join the ULA Network Charitable Foundation in building brighter futures for students, veterans, and union families. By volunteering your time, skills, or mentorship, you’ll play a hands-on role in empowering the next generation of tradespeople, supporting community events, and strengthening the mission of union labor across the nation. Every hour volunteered creates opportunities, inspires careers, and helps us build stronger communities together.
Board Members
Board of Directors

Mike Fina
Founder & President,
ULA Network &
ULA Network Charitable Foundation
Mike Fina is the visionary founder and president of the ULA Network and the ULA Network Charitable Foundation. With a career dedicated to championing union labor and strengthening community partnerships, Mike has built a national platform that connects unions, educators, and industry leaders to create equitable career pathways. Under his leadership, the Foundation has become a driving force for workforce development, veteran support, and youth engagement in the skilled trades. Mike’s passion for service, advocacy, and collaboration continues to inspire the mission of empowering individuals and communities through union opportunity and education.

Pat Stines
Partner, Novak Francella
Patrick Stines, CPA is a partner in the NYC office of Novak Francella LLC and has been serving the Labor industry for over 25 years.
We are thankful to have Patrick to support our Boards Charitable Initiatives for the ULA Network Charitable Foundations serving as our Accountant and Auditor.
Patrick represents some of the largest labor unions in the NYC metropolitan area. He has served on the Professionals Committee for the International Federation of Employee Benefit Plans and is a regular speaker at their educational conferences. Patrick has also been a member of the Board of Education of his local school district and is currently the chair of the SUNY Old Westbury School of Business Advisory Board.

Gary Labarbera Jr.
Teamsters Local 282Business AgentTrade AdvisorHelmets to Hardhats
Gary LaBarbera Jr. is a dedicated advocate for union labor and the next generation of skilled trades professionals. Following in the footsteps of a proud family tradition of union leadership, Gary brings energy, perspective, and a strong commitment to advancing opportunities for students, veterans, and working families. His work with the Foundation focuses on strengthening pathways into union careers, supporting workforce development initiatives, and building partnerships that reflect the values of solidarity, equity, and community growth.

Stefinie Fina
Director of Operations
ULA Network &
ULA Network Charitable Foundation
Stefanie Fina brings compassion, dedication, and a deep commitment to community service to the ULA Network Charitable Foundation. With a strong background in supporting family-focused initiatives, Stefanie plays an integral role in shaping programs that uplift students, veterans, and union families. Her focus on creating meaningful opportunities, particularly for women and underrepresented groups, reflects her belief in building stronger, more inclusive communities. Stefanie’s leadership and partnership alongside her husband, Founder and President Mike Fina, help drive the Foundation’s mission forward with heart and purpose.
Advisory Board
Board of Advisors


Michael Albano
Founder, Principal Consultant of
Mike Albano Consultant LLC
Mike Albano's' 23+ years of union fundraising and public service experience, including his distinguished tenure with the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority and leadership roles in the Superior Officers Benevolent Association, will be invaluable in driving the foundation's mission to empower communities, build career pathways, and uplift veterans; his proven ability to spearhead legislative efforts and his leadership philosophy, focused on empowerment, innovation, and resilience, will significantly enhance initiatives such as career and economic job opportunities and Vets 4 Vets Community construction projects.

Marty Glennon
Title
The ULA Network Charitable Foundation is delighted to announce Marty Glennon, a seasoned attorney and lifelong advocate for organized labor, as an Incoming Board Advisor, bringing his unique perspective shaped by a decade as a union electrician with Local #3, I.B.E.W., and a subsequent distinguished legal career as the founding partner of ABGL, where he has championed the rights of working families through contract negotiations, benefits law, and litigation, making him a trusted advisor to labor organizations and a powerful asset in advancing the foundation's mission.

Joseph Saracino
President & CEO
Cino ltd Companies
The ULA Network Charitable Foundation is proud to welcome Joseph Saracino, President & CEO of Cino Ltd Companies, as an Incoming Board Advisor, bringing a wealth of expertise from his distinguished career in Naval Intelligence, global business leadership, and veteran advocacy; his leadership at Cino Ltd Companies, specializing in risk management, cybersecurity, and AI-driven solutions, combined with his deep commitment to serving veterans through initiatives like the Military Veterans Transition Initiative and Project Shining Stars, and his active involvement in programs such as the U.S. Armed Forces Yellow Ribbon Program, will significantly enhance the foundation's mission to empower communities and support veterans and their families.

James Williams
Title
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