Joining the IAM through Alaska Airlines’ acquisition of Virgin America, this candidate’s union journey began on the ground at the station, helping enroll former Virgin America employees into the IAM. From making sure every carbon-copy enrollment form was completed and legible to volunteering as a Shop Steward, the commitment to unionism was rooted in a simple belief: when members stand together, they have the power to make meaningful change.

As the former Virgin America employees became part of the IAM, the desire to learn and improve the workplace grew. After the COVID-19 pandemic and the retirement of the former Chief Shop Steward, an emergency election was held, and this candidate was elected by acclamation to serve as Chief Shop Steward. Four years later, that commitment to the membership continues.

Serving as Chief Shop Steward has opened the door to broader leadership and representation throughout the system. This candidate has served as Interim Chief Steward for ORD and, most recently, spent more than a year as a member of the Alaska Airlines/Hawaiian Airlines JCBA Negotiations Team. Through these experiences, the focus has remained the same: listen to members, understand the issues, know the contract, and make sure employees have a strong voice when decisions affecting their careers are being made.

That commitment extends beyond one station. By making themselves available to members throughout the Alaska Airlines system, this candidate has built relationships with employees, Stewards, and union leaders across multiple locations. Every conversation and every member interaction has reinforced the belief that effective union leadership is built on accessibility, communication, education, and a willingness to help wherever needed.

Union education has also been a priority. This candidate has completed Leadership 1 and 2, Advanced Leadership, and Women in Leadership 1 through the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center. They have also completed two immersive arbitration programs, one in ORD and one in OAK, and are scheduled to attend Train-the-Trainer in Fall 2026. They have served as a delegate to the 2024 IAM International Convention in New York and as both a delegate and Sergeant at Arms at the 2025 District 142 Convention.

Their formal education further reflects a commitment to understanding the labor movement and preparing for the future of work. They hold a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Criminal Justice from the University of Nevada, Reno and are currently pursuing a master’s degree in Labor with a focus on Workforce Development through SUNY Empire. With technology and artificial intelligence rapidly changing the workplace, this education provides an important foundation for understanding how workers can be protected, represented, and prepared for what comes next.

Communication is one of this candidate’s greatest strengths. They believe every member has a voice, but sometimes members need encouragement and support to use it. As Chief Shop Steward, they have worked to ensure members have someone willing to answer questions, find the facts, identify when additional information is needed, and stand beside them—even when an issue extends beyond a traditional contract matter.

This candidate believes the strongest unions are built by working together and recognizing that every member, Steward, and leader brings different strengths and experiences to the table. By combining those strengths, developing our representatives, educating our membership, and making leadership more accessible, IAM District 142 can become stronger at every level.

As a member of the Forward Together slate, this candidate is ready to bring four years of Chief Steward leadership, JCBA negotiations experience, District and International Convention experience, extensive union education, and a member-first approach to the next level of District 142 leadership.

Join the Forward Together slate. Stand with your coworkers. Stand for stronger communication, stronger representation, and a stronger District 142.

This is what change looks like.