Helen Harriff

As a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, Helen Harriff never thought she’d be back on campus as staff. But in 2020, she found herself starting a new career as an administrative assistant.  

“UNR is a great environment. I feel supported by my supervisors and encouraged to take on more opportunities. I get to work on many different projects such as the admission process for our graduate programs, graduation celebrations, and other events for our school,” said Helen, who works for the School of Public Health.  

Helen has been an AFSCME member since she started state service. Her mother was a union member as a teacher and encouraged her daughter to join her coworkers in solidarity. It was an opportunity Helen said she did not have in other jobs and was excited to get involved.  

“A union is a good resource but coming together with your coworkers and with other state workers is the real benefit. Even if things are great at your job, we can come together and support state workers everywhere. It’s been great to learn from other AFSCME members across different sectors and areas,” said Helen.  

“Things may be good for me at UNR but being able to help other people improve their work environments is what being a union is all about,” she continued.