March is coming to a close, and with it, Women’s History Month – a month to reflect on the progress this country has made toward realizing the goal of full gender equality in American workplaces without losing sight of the work still needed to achieve that goal.
Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history, and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987.
“While Women’s History Month is coming to an end, the work of these women and so many others will continue to advance the lives of an increasing number of workers,” said IAM Women’s and Young Workers Department Director Julie Frietchen.
Women’s history is also America’s labor history, too. Women workers have always been a crucial part of the fight for justice in the labor movement. Here is a roundup of women making a difference in the IAM and their communities.
Below is a roundup of stories we have covered but there are many other local women’s committees and IAM women that are doing great things for working people throughout our organization, this is our legacy and our living history.
IAM Local 1487 Women’s Committee
IAM Local 1487
The Local 1487 Women’s Committee recently held its annual “Go Red” luncheon as part of a broader effort to raise awareness about heart disease by continuing to educate and advocate to ensure every woman knows the risks and takes steps to protect their heart. The luncheon informed attendees about the risks and warning signs of heart disease. Participants also participated in dance and exercise classes. Read more here.
IAM Local 1681
The IAM Local 1681 Women’s Committee in Alberta organized their annual holiday toy drive to collect toys for children in need during the holiday season.
Thanks to the kind and generous contributions made by the membership, the committee successfully gathered and collected 150 high-quality toys. These toys were then thoughtfully donated to the Calgary Women’s Centre, where they will undoubtedly bring joy and happiness to countless people in need. Read more here.
IAM Local 1746 Women’s Committee
IAM Local 1746
IAM Local 1746 recently participated in the East Hartford (Conn.) Public School system’s Back-to-School Rally. IAM Local 1746 members have generously donated an assortment of essential school supplies bearing the IAM logo to aid students in their educational journey.
The Back-to-School Rally, organized by East Hartford Public Schools Office of Equity, Partnerships and Achievement, helped bring together students, families, educators, and community members to kick off the new school year with enthusiasm and determination. The event featured various engaging activities and resources to help students start the year on a positive note.
Recognizing the importance of equipping students with the tools they need to succeed, IAM Local 1746 donated school supplies to help ease the financial burden on families while creating a positive learning environment for students. Read more here.
TCU/IAM Local 2508
TCU/IAM Local 2508 member and Chairman of the Board of Trustees Alexandra Villarreal founded a Women’s Committee specifically for On-Board Amtrak workers in the LA area as a safe place the women could come to for support, advice, positivity, and care. The Women’s Committee decided to show that their love expands past the service they provide on and off the train by donating games, coloring supplies, books, and more to a local senior community.
One of their first fundraisers was a school supply drive, where they collected and donated school supplies to the young women at Sacred Heart Girls School in Los Angeles, Calif. The Committee chose this all-girls school because they wanted to show solidarity with the young women of their community. The Local 2508 Women’s Committee also proudly raised $400 for Pacific Lifeline, a women’s and children’s shelter in Upland, Calif. Read more here.
IAM Leads Program
LEADS Program
The IAM created the Leadership Excellence Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (LEADS) Program, an initiative to develop new pathways to leadership roles for IAM women. The IAM LEADS Program ensures that our organization is relevant now and into the future.
District 141
A few members from the first cohort of the LEADS program were given a unique opportunity to shadow IAM District 141 Assistant General Chair Tony Gibson during his daily operations. They also got to observe the airport environment with the ramp agents at a Spirit station located in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The LEADS program graduates, who work as reservation agents, were thrilled to gain firsthand insight into the intricacies of airport station operations. The LEADS cohort included Stephanie Walker, Jill Hazamy, Wanda Santiago and Lakeisha Wilson. Read more here.
IAM Local 2799
IAM women in Kansas are going through the LEADS Program and are shadowing IAM officers and representatives. IAM Local 2799 member Tamica Johnson recently followed a group of IAM members as they went to the Kansas State House to lobby elected officials, and she gave her comments in this video report. Read more here.
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