Women’s History Month Spotlight: Karen Howard, CWA Local 1168

Karen truly embodies the spirit of Women’s History Month through her strength, leadership, and dedication to making a difference.

Each week throughout February we’re highlighting one of our members, nominated by their peers, for our Black History Month Spotlight, lifting up their contributions and the impact they’ve made in our union and communities. You can nominate a fellow CWA member or retiree here.
 
Karen Howard, CWA Local 1168
Area Vice President

Karen Lynne Howard is a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, New York. She is a 1982 graduate of Trott Vocational High School and a 1986 graduate of SUNY Niagara, where she earned an Associate Degree in Nursing. Karen has been a Registered Nurse for 39 years and has spent her entire career working with Kaleida Health at the DeGraff Medical Park site. She currently serves as a staff nurse in the long-term care facility. Throughout her career, she has also worked in the Emergency Room, Intensive Care Unit, Oncology, and Medical-Surgical units.
For the past ten years, Karen has served as the Area Vice President for the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 1168 at DeGraff Medical Park, representing registered nurses as well as members working in technical, clinical, clerical, and service departments. In this role, she empowers union members to use their voices in the workplace to advocate for equal treatment, fair working conditions, and comparable wages. Her involvement with the union began as soon as she was made aware that there was an opportunity for the Registered nurses to unionize. She immediately signed on to become a Chief Union Steward, and she was instrumental in mobilizing and organizing the RN to lead to a 83 to 28 “Yes” vote to join Nurses United CWA local 1168 in 1997. Karen was part of the bargaining committee when the first contract was negotiated and passed in 1998. Since 1998, she has sat at the bargaining table for all of the contract negotiations with the exception of one.

In addition to her role as Area Vice President, Karen serves as Chair of the Community Service Committee and the Policy/Time Committee, and she also leads the weekly AVP meetings. She is also an active member of the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW).

Karen holds the work of the Community Service Committee especially close to her heart. Through this committee, she collaborates with local organizations and coordinates numerous service initiatives each year. The committee regularly supports the United Way in efforts to feed the hungry and participates in the annual “Day of Caring” in both Niagara and Erie counties. They also adopt families during the Christmas holiday, providing gifts for families who may not otherwise have the means to celebrate.

Most recently, the committee partnered with the Northwest Amherst Community Center, donating school supplies and clothing and participating in the center’s annual Back-to-School Pop-Up event. Through donations of laptops and monitors, the community center now has a computer lab that proudly bears the CWA name.

Karen is also a devoted member of Mount Erie Missionary Baptist Church, where she has faithfully served for more than 40 years. At Mount Erie, she serves as Supervisor of the Junior Usher Board and Youth Department and is an active member of the Health and Wellness Ministry, Sisterhood Group, Constitution Committee, and Leadership Committee. She is always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed within the church community. Karen often uses her nursing expertise to assist members of the congregation with medical needs. Affectionately known as “Dr. Bobo,” she frequently makes “house calls” to help fill weekly medications, check blood sugars, apply diabetic appliances, and monitor blood pressure, among other essential medical needs.

Karen is also deeply involved in her local community. She participates in neighborhood block clubs and regularly attends meetings regarding the development of the future Beech Avenue Park to help ensure that the project meets the needs of the community. Additionally, she volunteers her time each year at the annual Community Day event sponsored by the Niagara Falls Peace Makers.

For more than 15 years, Karen has also been involved in parent education and school engagement initiatives. She served as Co-President of the Family Engagement Group (FEG) at Niagara Falls High School during the four years her sons attended the school. During that time, Karen played a key role in revitalizing the organization and encouraging greater parent involvement. Prior to that, she helped organize a Parent Education Group at LaSalle Middle School, which unfortunately was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. As Co-President of the Family Engagement Group, Karen helped organize a meat raffle fundraiser that raised over $12,000 to help offset the cost of the 2026 HBCU college tour.

Karen is married and has three children.

Karen has many favorite Bible verses, but the one she holds closest to her heart is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” She believes that no matter what trials or tribulations she faces, God will provide the tools, wisdom, and guidance she needs to overcome them.
“Karen has dedicated her career to caring for others across multiple areas of healthcare, consistently demonstrating compassion, skill, and unwavering dedication to her patients and community. Her impact within the labor movement is equally significant. From helping organize nurses into the union to serving on nearly every bargaining committee, she’s empowered others to recognize their value and stand up for themselves. Her commitment to her community is exceptional. Through service initiatives, church involvement, and hands-on support to those in need, she continues to uplift others with humility and care.

Karen truly embodies the spirit of Women’s History Month through her strength, leadership, and dedication to making a difference.”