Member Spotlight: Charmanique Gingles
Local 558 Vice President Charmanique Gingles is a Nurse Educator for Baltimore City Community Health Nurses. In her role, she supports nurses ranging from LPNs, CMTs, and RNs, helping them stay current on their certifications, understanding new health protocols, and meeting state and city standards. She ensures that every patient receives safe and high-quality care.
Charmanique has worked for Baltimore City for more than ten years and brings a deep family history of union pride into her leadership. “I come from a union family,” she says. “My dad worked at Bethlehem Steel and served as a shop steward, and my grandfather was also a union member. My dad always encouraged me to be more involved- not just to be a member, but to use my voice. He’s a big reason why I decided to run for Vice President.”
As Vice President, Charmanique also served on the Local 558 bargaining team, helping secure a historic contract for Baltimore City workers. The new agreement not only establishes a 25-step system that rewards years of service but also includes strong protections for indoor and outdoor workers that will make worksites safer for thousands of employees.
Her leadership extends well beyond the workplace. This year, Governor Moore appointed Charmanique to the Commission to Study Health Insurance Pooling, a select group tasked with evaluating how Maryland can expand access to affordable health care. “Being selected was such an honor,” she says. “I’m grateful for the chance to bring my experience and to help make sure all Marylanders can get the care they deserve.”
Recently, Charmanique and Local 558 President Wendy Smith traveled to California to support AFSCME UNAC/UHCP nurses and healthcare workers during one of the largest Kaiser strikes in the country. “Standing in solidarity with so many dedicated nurses felt like being surrounded by family,” she says. “It wasn’t just us, union members from all kinds of professions showed up. That’s the power of a labor movement.”
With her commitment to education, advocacy, and solidarity, Charmanique continues to embody what strong union leadership looks like, lifting up her coworkers, her community, and workers across the state.