Want to learn more about the leaders of PORAC? In this series of profiles, we turn the spotlight on the dedicated directors who help to govern and represent the organization in the service of our members.
Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Deputy Antonio Cueva says he originally got involved in union leadership “by accident.” That chance opportunity launched him on a path that eventually led the 15-year law enforcement veteran and 12-year Santa Clara County Correctional Peace Officers Association (SCCCPOA) member all the way to the PORAC Board of Directors, where he was sworn in as a director-at-large in January.
Cueva took the first step in this journey when SCCCPOA’s then-president invited him to fill the role of the association’s Main Jail director. “The position was vacant at the time and my former president understood that I could do a very good job, as I was passionate about helping my people,” he explains. The experience inspired him to go further in his efforts to serve members, and he began to work his way up the leadership ladder, first being elected as sergeant-at-arms and then being nominated to the vice presidency by the SCCCPOA board of directors.
The previous vice president, who was planning to retire, was also the sitting president of PORAC’s Central Coast Chapter. He invited Cueva to attend a chapter meeting — another small decision that ended up having a major impact. After that first meeting, he started attending regularly, was elected as the Central Coast Chapter’s treasurer and later became its president. Making the transition to the PORAC Board was an equally seamless process, as he describes it: “SCCCPOA had a vacancy and I stepped in to fill the position. I was already involved in so many other positions, it just seemed a natural fit.”
Having just begun his term as PORAC director-at-large, Cueva says he’s focusing less on expectations and more on building his experience in the role. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have goals he wants to achieve. “I am hoping to bridge the gaps we have internally and get more associations who are members involved,” he notes, adding that further strengthening internal unity will only add to PORAC’s power to get things done on a larger scale. “I believe in the idea of unions and groups of unions collaborating to make a difference for peace officers throughout the state of California.”
Cueva believes that one key to being a successful director is being accessible and approachable. To help PORAC members get to know him better, he shares, “a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, I had several weird jobs, to include guitarist in several bands, radio DJ, U.S. Army infantryman (to include wartime) and slam poet (calm down, it was a phase), and I probably know more about comic books, metal bands and wrestling than a normal person should — aka I’m a nerd during my off time.” Whether you want to ask him about his favorite guitar riffs or a pressing labor issue, he says, “I plan to make myself as available as possible for every voice that I represent.”
That includes his appearance at PORAC’s upcoming Symposium in Las Vegas on June 5 and 6, when Cueva will put his performance chops and association leadership expertise to good use, taking center stage for several training sessions. In addition to participating in the Leadership Roundtable general session, joining an esteemed group of panelists including President Brian Marvel and Vice President Damon Kurtz to answer members’ questions, he will also present the breakout session “How an Association Turned Public Opinion From Negative to Positive,” providing a real-life example of how SCCCPOA was able to achieve this change and maintain a positive image in the community.
As Cueva’s own story attests, becoming more engaged with your association doesn’t have to be a major, dramatic decision — it can start with one small, easy step that leads to another and another. “If there was any advice I would give to any person who wants to get involved but doesn’t know where to start, it’s as simple as attending one of your local union meetings,” he says. “From there, see if your union is attending the PORAC chapter meetings. If they are not actively attending, attend one yourself. All members of PORAC are always welcome to any chapter meetings.” After all, participation is crucial in helping the organization serve, represent and advocate for its members on every level: “It is important to be involved in PORAC in any shape or form to ensure that our voices are heard and those voices are loud.”
