“Even if they crack another door, they already know I’m gonna kick it down” – Pam Pendleton
Pam Pendleton Organizing Steward
Sacramento, California – As the first female foreman at PG&E’s I&C Department, Pam did just that and so much more. She fought the hard fight so many others were afraid to win. Unapologetically she stood up for what was right and boldly spoke truth to power. With that magnetic smile and compassion dripping off her words, you could not help but join in and stand with her. Pam knew the positive difference IBEW 1245 had on her life, and was grateful for the opportunities; not just for herself, but also the ability to share and uplift others as well.
Pam was not only my union sister. She was my friend. I remember hearing her speak at an Organizing Steward training in 2016 and was instantly captivated by her passion for organizing. Her words were clear, direct, and often challenging, yet never mean spirited, and often ending with a warm and inviting smile. You wanted to be on her team.
IBEW 1245 Organizing Steward Pam Pendleton with Organizer Charlotte Stevens
Our union selected us to attend the Coalition of Black Trade Unionist (CBTU) conference in New Orleans, and there we were able to get to know each other better. Both United States military veterans, her Navy and me Air Force. We shared our victories and challenges in the service and how those experiences helped us navigate life, our positions at PG&E, and role as organizing stewards. Over those four days at the conference, I knew I had found a true friend and sister. Over the following years, Pam was that listening ear, voice of reason and fight. She would remind me that I had a voice and did not need permission to speak up. In fact, it was my duty to speak up.
IBEW 1245 Organizing Stewards Walter Carmier & Pam Pendleton at Sacramento Veterans’ Day Parade
Pam was selfless and gave hope and encouragement to anyone willing to receive. A leader in bringing Sunoptics into the IBEW 1245 family, a steady and reassuring voice to the unrepresented workers at Trayer Engineering as they organized, a mentor to the women in construction at PG&E, and sister to us all in the organizing steward program. She was a true gift to our IBEW 1245 family, and her presence made us better.
Click here to watch the video, “My IBEW Story: Pam Pendleton.”
– Charlotte Stevens, IBEW 1245 Organizer
Pam Pendleton (middle), coworkers and IBEW 1245 organizers and organizing stewards celebrate SunOptics union victory
*****
Bob Dean, IBEW 1245 Business Manager: Pam was a fighter who never quit. Always smiling and positive while being ready to fight for what’s right. Fierce and compassionate, she will be missed.
Anthony Brown, IBEW 1245 Senior Assistant Business Manager: Pam impacted more 1245 members than can be calculated through her efforts in organizing, as well as becoming a trailblazer in her PG&E career path and progression ultimately to leading crews of our brothers and sisters.
Eileen Purcell, IBEW 1245 Senior Advisor: Pam was one of my ‘north stars.’ A guide whose courage was contagious. She fought for herself and others, undaunted by the odds or the naysayers. Her smile lit up a room. She was a fearless organizer and a cherished sister. IBEW 1245 is a better Union because of her.
Rene Cruz-Martinez, IBEW 1245 Assistant Business Manager: Seeing Pam and her co-workers work so hard to win the Sunoptics election regardless of the obstacles the company put in their way was inspiring. It was this campaign that gave me a passion for organizing. Pam is and will forever be that contagious smile that made everyone feel safe, loved, and welcomed.
Melissa Echeverria, IBEW 1245 Organizer: As an Organizing Steward, she brought passion, purpose, and heart to every space she entered. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire us all.
Rick Thompson, IBEW 1245 Organizer: Pam commanded respect not just for her leadership and her confidence, but for her charismatic spirit and humor. I saw her inspire others to overcome fear, to stand up for themselves, and to see that they had a place in the union.
Jennifer Gray, IBEW: I am so fortunate to have known her and can only hope she knew of how much of an impact she made in people’s lives.”
Jammi Ouellette, IBEW: She loved her IBEW work and dove headfirst into the camaraderie of the IBEW family. Pam embodied the IBEW’s core values and excelled in a union work environment.