I’m Becca Margolit-Chan, a second-year Economics PhD student with research interests in health, labor, and climate change policy. I currently serve as one of the elected Region 7 stewards.

I became more involved with our union after seeing that not all department leaders were acting in our best interests. Earlier this summer, one-third of our cohort failed the qualifying exams - an unprecedented outcome, with more failures this year than in the past eight years combined. Those students were forced to accept a conciliatory master’s degree and the loss of their appointments. I could not accept the department’s decision without standing up for them and for what is right. That experience reminded me how vulnerable all of us are, and why it is essential to fight for every member of CSGU-UE. I am now in the process of advocating for Qualifying Exam reform to benefit both those in my cohort and future generations of graduate workers.

I’m running for Region 7 Lead Steward on the Build / Activate / Mobilize slate because I want to work alongside a strong team of experienced organizers - people who have my back, and will have yours - especially in politically turbulent times like these.

My commitment to service began during my undergraduate years at UC Davis, where I served as Director of Service on the Rotaract executive board. I coordinated more than 100 active members through fundraisers and outreach, and shifted our focus from passive donations to more impactful work: serving meals for unhoused neighbors, supporting local food pantries, and hand-sewing over 100 baby items for new mothers in Brazil. Our guiding motto was “Service Above Self” - a principle that continues to shape how I approach leadership. To me, service is never meant to be easy. Its challenges are what make it meaningful.

After college, I spent three years as a claims adjuster for a large disability insurance organization. I worked extensively with complex contract language - not to serve the company’s bottom line, but to ensure real people received the paychecks and accommodations they depended on. I consistently received the highest levels of positive customer feedback on my team because I fought to secure both income and workplace protections for clients. This experience gave me practical expertise in contract interpretation and the persistence to navigate complex systems on behalf of others. I believe these skills will make me a strong advocate for all members of Region 7, particularly those with additional or complex needs related to disability.

I also worked as a predoctoral research associate at the University of Notre Dame, managing 8–12 projects at once. While faculty oversaw methodology, I had full responsibility for project management: supervising interns, coordinating with staff, and leading team meetings to keep projects moving forward. These experiences strengthened my organizational skills and prepared me to manage both a large caseload of grievances and the coordination of a growing steward network.

This past semester, as a Region 7 steward, I defended members’ contract rights in cases of academic discharge and dismissal, began organizing the Economics Department around Q-Exam reform, and contributed to the Data Committee to streamline dues collection and improve our database. I also collaborated with fellow stewards to design an international graduate worker survey, ensuring that the needs of international members are centered in our union’s work at this critical moment.

My leadership experience, project management skills, and contract expertise make me a strong candidate for Region 7 Lead Steward. As Region 7 Lead, I will work to ensure grievances are met with unified, collaborative responses and that administrators are held accountable to both the contract and to good faith. I am not afraid to challenge Cornell’s administration on contract violations or abuses of power - and I will stand up for you as well.