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.
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Board Members
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Payton Hillman
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.
Pat Stines
Partner
Novak Francella
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Gary Labarbera Jr.
Teamsters Local 282
Business Agent
Trade Advisor
Helmets to Hardhats
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James Williams
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Payton Hillman
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Chloe Wilson
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Jessica Davis
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James Williams
Board of Advisors
Mike Albano, Founder and Principal Consultant of Mike Albano Consulting LLC, whose 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.
Michael Albano
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.
Marty Glennon
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.
Joseph Saracino
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James Williams