AFGE Local 1633 Secretary-Treasurer Joycelyn Westbrooks has been honored with Bernice Heffner Outstanding Women’s Achievement Award which is given to a woman-identifying AFGE member for their outstanding leadership and action in promoting AFGE goals on issues affecting women.
Joy, who also serves as the treasurer for District 10 VA Council 227, is a registered nurse at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas. Joy’s distinguished career spans over four decades, with dedicated service at VA Medical Centers in Tuskegee, Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, and Houston, Texas.
Inspired by her father's experience as an Army veteran who received compassionate care from the VA in his final days, Joy has dedicated her life to public service. Her professional and profound personal advocacy reflects her belief in the transformative impact of federal employees' work on veterans and their families.
Joy is a formidable advocate on Capitol Hill, tirelessly working to address pay disparities and secure competitive compensation for federal workers. She champions legislation to combat workplace bullying and hostile work environments, advocating for laws that protect and empower employees. Her leadership in promoting adequate staffing in critical hospital settings and advocating for retention bonuses and other mechanisms to retain staff is crucial to maintaining a robust and effective workforce.
She also organizes and supports groups that guide and mentor novice nurses, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive in their careers. Her efforts to create a supportive and inclusive environment for younger nurses are instrumental in fostering a culture of growth and development within the VA and AFGE.
Joy is a Title 38 Rights instructor for AFGE training, where she educates and empowers members with the knowledge and tools necessary to advocate for their rights effectively. She is also deeply committed to increasing voter turnout and civic engagement. She actively participates in phone banking and encourages constituents who believe in unions to vote, emphasizing the importance of political action in advancing workers' rights. Her efforts extend to engaging with AFGE YOUNG members, attending new employee orientations, and ensuring that AFGE maintains a solid and active membership base. Her tireless work has helped AFGE 1633 to organize over 80% membership of the bargaining unit employees throughout the entire agency, a testament to her leadership and dedication.
Joy said she’s over the moon about being honored with the award.
“I’m so humbled and honored and can’t believe and excited,” she said. “I just love being able to assist others because I know others have helped me and even sometimes you don’t even know what people have done on your behalf. And so that’s what I really like. I like working with people and trying to help them, especially when they’re not being treated fairly. That’s my niche.”
Joy holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Hampton University and a Master of Public Health from the University of Alabama in Birmingham.
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