Celebrating Excellence: Nova Scotia UPS Family Member Awarded $10,000 James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship

We are incredibly proud to announce that the daughter of Brother Gerardo Contreras, a dedicated UPS member, has been awarded the prestigious James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship.

In a special presentation right on the warehouse floor of the UPS Warehouse in Dartmouth, NS, surrounded by Gerardo’s “work family,” we had the honor of sharing her accomplishment of winning a $10,000 USD scholarship to support her pursuit of a degree in Medical Science in a four-year university program.

A Story of Resilience and Pride

This award is about more than just academic grades, it recognizes the powerful story of our members and their families. In her winning essay, she wrote movingly about her family’s journey from Mexico to Canada and the challenges they faced before settling in Nova Scotia.

She described how everything changed when her father joined UPS. She wrote about seeing him find “love in a job” for the first time, sharing stories of his friendly coworkers, and the pride he takes in his work.

The Teamster Difference

Her essay captured the very heart of why we do what we do. As she eloquently stated:

“Living in a Teamster family has meant living a more fulfilling and free life.”

It is a reminder that strong contracts and Union solidarity don’t just affect the worker on the shop floor, they build stability and opportunity for the entire family.

Congratulations to Brother Gerardo and his brilliant daughter. We can’t wait to see what she achieves next!

For more information on the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship and how to apply for future academic years, please visit https://www.jrhmsf.org/