Zola Brown, a trailblazing union leader and advocate, has been named a 2025 Woman of Distinction by New York State Senator Jeremy Cooney.
The award, presented annually by each state senator to one outstanding woman in their district, recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions through service and leadership. Senator Cooney announced Brown’s selection in recognition of her decades-long fight for economic and social justice.
“Zola Brown is a cornerstone of our community,” Cooney said. “From picket lines to community events, she has long been on the frontlines of pushing for change and a higher quality of life for workers across our community.”
Brown, a second-generation union activist, has worked in the labor movement for more than 44 years. She began her career at Strong Memorial Hospital with Local 1199 and rose through the ranks to become Vice President of the 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. Her efforts included leading the union’s Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration for over 20 years and launching its Black History Month Celebration.
“I’m thrilled to share that I was honored by the New York State Senate as a Woman of Distinction,” Brown said. “This recognition is a testament to the work I’ve done for over 40 years in our community.”
Brown co-founded the Rochester Chapter of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU), organized community-focused events like voter registration drives and financial wellness fairs, and chaired the CBTU Region 1 Women’s Committee for 13 years.
In 2009, she launched the annual Stop The Violence/Peace on the Streets event in memory of union member Latasha Shaw. She also worked to diversify Monroe County’s jury pool and held leadership roles with the Metro Justice Council, Rochester Labor Council, and the 19th Ward Community Association.
Brown’s dedication has earned her numerous awards, including the CBTU Carolyn Holmes Humanitarian Award, United Way’s Heart of Gold Award, and the Black Heritage Pioneer Award. In 2021, the City of Rochester proclaimed April 18 as Zola Brown Day and presented her with the key to the city.
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