Gov. Healey has appointed Dálida Rocha to serve on the state’s Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). Rocha, a Cape Verdean immigrant, mother of three, and UMass Boston graduate, grew up in Dorchester and lived here until moving to Worcester in 2021. She remains an active labor advocate, and is currently the executive director of Renew U.S.

Rocha has served as a political coordinator and the political director of the New England District of SEIU 32BJ, the largest property service workers union in the nation.

Healey appointed Rocha to the AFL-CIO seat vacated by member Darlene Lombos, who is focusing on her roles as executive director for Community Labor United and executive secretary-treasurer for the Greater Boston Labor Council.

Rocha joins current BESE members Michael Moriarty and Dr. Erika Fisher in representing Massachusetts residents, students, and educators from Central and Western Massachusetts.

Rocha was sworn in on Friday, Jan. 19, and participated as a full voting member at BESE’s meeting on Jan. 23.