The third episode of AFGE’s new series, The Activist, highlighting our union members who have stepped up to help make a difference in the lives of their colleagues and our government.
Twunjala Bradley is an Environmental Engineer with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Based in Atlanta, GA, she has been with the agency for 15 years and a member of AFGE Local 534 since 2012.
At the EPA’s Region 4 office in Atlanta, Twunjala works to ensure that states across the southeast are meeting health-based environmental safety standards. “We keep the air clean, we keep the water clean, we make it safe for the next generation. We have a lot of responsibility… It doesn’t matter if you’re working on an air permit, or if you’re working to regulate a source of air or water pollution, environmental justice should always be one of the priorities.”
Twunjala joined AFGE after getting involved in her local union meetings, where she was invited to attend AFGE’s Legislative Conference. “I realized that [AFGE] was a family organization that advocates for people. I am a huge proponent of advocating, not only for myself, but for people who may not be in a position to advocate for themselves,” Twunjala said.
Whether it’s fighting for environmental justice in her role at the EPA, or fighting for justice in her workplace as an AFGE activist, Twunjala is committed to speaking up on behalf of her fellow workers. “Being a union member keeps me grounded in humility. We have this huge responsibility at EPA, but I know that I have a greater responsibility… Bottom line: advocate for folks who can’t advocate for themselves.”
Founded in 1970, the Environmental Protection Agency protects people and the environment from significant health risks, sponsors and conducts research, and develops and enforces environmental regulations.
Listen to Twunjala talk about how her job helps the American people and her local community.
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