LaShawn English

Director LaShawn English shattered glass ceilings in December of 2022, making history when she was elected as the first woman and woman of color to serve as Director of UAW Region 1, following the union’s first direct ballot election. Through her 24 years of active UAW involvement, English has served the membership in many key administrative, bargaining, and community-oriented roles.

English’s union journey began early, as a member of United Association Building Trades Local 370, where she obtained her journeyman’s card as a steam fitter and a licensed plumber. After being hired as a pipefitter within the Stellantis Sterling Stamping Plant, she became active in UAW Local 1264.

English would go on to be elected to serve three terms as President of Local Union 1264, continuing to break barriers as the first woman of color to serve in this role. English was also elected as a skilled trades delegate for over a decade, serving on the National Skilled Trades Council, and would later be elected as a National Negotiator from 2015 to 2019 for Stellantis.

In addition, she previously served in various roles at the local and regional level: Local Union 1264 Recording Secretary (three terms), Election Committee, Women’s Committee, Region 1 Skilled Trades Council, Region 1 Women’s Council, and Recording Secretary of Genesee County CLUW. English also earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Baker College in 2014.

In February 2024, President Shawn Fain appointed English Director of the International UAW Women’s Department. Under her direction, the department mobilizes women to be activists in their workplaces and legislative halls. As a proud mother of one son, she understands the importance of building structures in the union and legislatively supporting working families.

Currently, LaShawn English serves on the board of several organizations: A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI), IndustriALL Global Union, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU), Michigan Democratic Party (MI Dems). English is also a lifelong member of the NAACP.

She is a fierce champion on behalf of the membership.