(BUFFALO, NEW YORK) – The Communications Workers of America (CWA) honored Holly and Brian Nowak with the Union’s 2026 Eugene J. Mays Citizenship Award, as well as remembering the late Local 1122 Labor Leader Jan Borman during a recently-held and emotional awards dinner that also saw 13 area students receiving scholarships of $1,500 each.

Every year the Western New York CWA Council gives out two awards, the E.J. Mays Memorial Award and the E.J. Mays Citizenship Award.

The Memorial Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated a dedication and commitment to the labor movement.

The Citizenship award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to serving Working Families.

Lori Marranca, who serves as Area Vice President North for the CWA and is also Vice President of the Western New York CWA Council, said: “The Mays dinner is very special. We honor (an individual) with the E. J. Mays Citizenship award. This year the award went to a super couple, Holly and Brian Nowak. Holly is the Executive Director of the Coalition for Economic Justice and Brian serves as the Town of Cheektowaga’s Supervisor. Together they do great work for the community and the award is well-deserved.  Secondly, we remember someone who is no longer with us, but has left their mark on the CWA. This year's the award goes to Jan Borman, the first female President of CWA Local 1122 and, overall - an amazing Union Leader. Also, we awarded thirteen scholarships to CWA Members, their spouse, children or grandchildren. I believe the dinner shows the next generation what it means to be part of a Union and it teaches them solidarity, showing them how we honor those that have been an integral part of the CWA.”  

Holly Nowak (Pictured Above With Husband, Brian, And Western New York AFL-CIO Area Labor Federation & CWA Local 1168 Representative President Denise Abbott-On The Left) currently serves as the Executive Director of Buffalo’s Coalition for Economic Justice (CEJ), a role she took on in late 2019. Prior to that, she was an Organizer for the Buffalo Transit Riders United Campaign, developing community leaders and collective strategy needed to advocate for real and vital improvements to Western New York’s Public Transportation System. Outside of CEJ, Holly serves as a School Board Trustee for Cheektowaga Central School District. 

Brian Nowak has been on the Cheektowaga Town Board since 2017, first as a Council Member. He was sworn into his current position as Town Supervisor in 2024. Over the years, Brain has made a name for himself as a campaign workhorse. Before taking office, he worked in various roles on local political efforts, including Campaign Manager for a District Attorney race and as a lead volunteer with Buffalo for Bernie (Sanders). He earned a History Education degree from Buffalo State College.

Borman’s Brother, Rick, accepted the award honoring his Sister, telling the more than 100 who attended the dinner: “On behalf of my entire Family, I want to express our gratitude that you would remember Jan with the E.J. Mays Memorial Award. I know she’s smiling down on all of you tonight in appreciation. Jan began working for the Phone Company in the mid-1960s, starting on Franklin Street. During her career she was open to many new job challenges, whether it was the frame or climbing poles - and thank goodness that did not last too long! She remained single her entire life, but devoted her life to our family, and especially to her nieces and nephews. Jan never forgot a birthday, anniversary, baby or wedding shower, wedding, retirement party or any other event which was important to her Family, friends and Colleagues. While dedicated to her work, she became especially interested in CWA Local 1122 and poured her heart and soul into it. She walked the picket lines, knew the contract language and was completely conversant in all matters relating to the Local. But above all, Jan had an innate sense of right and wrong and would fiercely advocate for her Members. While this gave her great satisfaction, her greatest pride came from being elected the first Woman President of Local 1122, although I think being selected to carry the Olympic Torch may have ranked pretty high as well. Jan also was extremely proud to wear her Union Membership into her community activities, such as working with the United Way and Veteran Affairs. Somehow she always found the time, no matter how busy her schedule. My Sister was one of the most loving, compassionate, considerate people I have ever known. But she was also intelligent, committed to causes and steadfast in doing what she needed to do. I am sure there were some who misjudged her perseverance and tenacity during negotiations only to realize how wrong they were. I remember when she was considering retirement and the long conversations we would have because she did not know what she would do with her free time. Well, she made sure she didn’t have free time as she went to work in (the)  Erie County Records (Department) and still remained active in Union-related events, especially with Retirees. That activity lasted right up until the end. Keep in mind that, as a Union Officer, it is virtually impossible to make everyone happy all the time - just ask your current Officers. But I assure you, Jan never intended to ever hurt anyone, and it bothered her if she thought she had done so. Thank you again for this award. I pray that you will continue to remember Jan fondly.”

(WNYLaborToday.com Editor’s Note: For More On Jan Borman (File Photo Above), Go To: “One Tough Broad” - Former CWA Local 1122 President Jan Borman, Who ‘Blazed The Trail’ To Become The First Woman To Head Her Union, Remembered For Her ‘Tenacity & Dedication’ To Her Membership, Also Played Role In Putting A Ponzi-Schemer In Jail - WNY Labor Today: Your On-Line Labor Newspaper, Bringing You Labor News From Across The Nation, New York State & Western New York)

Eugene J. Mays was born and raised in Fairmount West Virginia, where he started his career as a Coal Miner and helped Unionize his Co-Workers into the United Mine Workers under John L. Lewis. After his discharge from the Army in 1947, he moved to Buffalo where he was employed at the Western Electric Company. There he became a Member of the CWA and rose to the Presidency of Local 1162, which represented the Western Electric Employees. In 1951, Mays became a CWA International Representative and in 1963 he was elected to Director of the Union's Upstate New York Area. Six years later he was promoted to Assistant Vice President of CWA District 1 and moved to District Headquarters in New York City. While in Buffalo, Mays was an Activist in the Black Community and prominent in organizations for improved racial relations. He was a Buffalo AFL-CIO Council Board Member, a Director of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Western New York, a Director of Community Action Organization of Buffalo and the Black Business Development Corporation. He also was a member of the Mayor's Council on Youth Opportunity and the Board of Managers and the Michigan Avenue Branch YMCA. His untimely death left many Black People with one less effective leader and the CWA with a void that has been difficult to fill. But Mays will be remembered Gene for the way he taught us the real meaning of love, dedication, devotion, understanding, compassion and equality.

Those students receiving the CWA Scholarship Awards (and their sponsor CWA Locals) included: Emma Arrigenna (Local 1122); Josh Klostermann (Local 1122); Emily Velzy (Local 1122); Emma Grasso (Local 1122); Lindsay Miller (Local 1133); Julia Scarantine (Local 1133); Lauren Vander-Linden (Local 1133); Kya Pawli (Local 1133); Nicholas Streiff (Local 1133); Ronald O'Hara (Local 1133); Shontae Cotton (Local 1133); Kristian Alicea (Local 1168); and Juliet Ochs (Local 1168).    

Photos Courtesy Of The CWA.