Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1054784
108 SAG-AFTRA | Fall 2018 | sagaftra.org On Location O n April 7, the SAG-AFTRA New Mexico Local, with support from the National Women's Committee, sponsored an engaging panel and networking opportunity on empowering women in film and media titled Women's Issues: Surviving and Thriving in Today's Film Industry. Organized and moderated by Saneh Boothe, actor, Local Board member and chair of New Mexico's local Diversity Committee, the panel focused on the creative ways to stay active, survive and thrive in the film community. Panelists included Local Board member and local diversity co-chair Diane Villegas, actor-director Catharine Pilafas, and actors Ashley Daniels and Monique Mosher. On June 6, the local sponsored one of the highlights of the Albuquerque Film & Music Experience festival — a panel discussion on the impact of diversity in the new era of film, television and music. Titled Embracing Diversity in Film, Music and Arts, Boothe and Villegas were on hand to provide the union actors' perspective. Other panelists included producer- director Darryl DeLoach, musician-songwriter Micki Free and actor D'Santi Nava. DIVERSITY TAKES CENTER STAGE AT TWO NEW MEXICO PANELS UNION STRONG AT LABOR CONVENTION S eattle Local members and staff attended the Washington State Labor Council Convention on July 17–19 in Wenatchee, Washington. The theme of this year's convention was "Union Strong" and included three days of speakers, workshops, committee meetings, networking and action. Speakers included AFL-CIO National Secretary- Treasurer Liz Shuler, Coalition of Labor Union Women President Elise Bryant, and writer and activist Bill Fletcher Jr. In addition, Washington state Senator and Seattle Local member Karen Keiser received the annual Legislative Award from the Council for her work in the State Senate Labor and Commerce Committee on behalf of workers. Another SAG-AFTRA member, comedian Will Durst, provided the featured entertainment. From left, Seattle Local Executive Director Shellea Allen, Seattle Local Board member Robert Fuentes, SAG-AFTRA Contract Administrator Chris Comte and Local President Rik Deskin show they are "Union Strong." WE'RE HOT, BUT COOL P hoenix recorded a temperature of 116 degrees in July, and cities in Utah have recorded-breaking highs as well. None of that has deterred the Arizona-Utah Local from moving forward with an agenda just as elevated! Besides monthly meetings, the local had a variety of events and activities that kept everyone sweating. Members jumped into the "pool" of meetings and reports, including #AdsGoUnion, the "Right-to-Work" Committee, a successful social media conservatory event and sharing news of a new signatory, Zeus. Director of Locals Administration Lisha Brock is on fire, flying to meetings, presentations and special events, including headlining the IFP Filmmaker Fusion event in August with more than 100 in attendance. The local is actively engaged in a get-together with fellow performers at its monthly Coffee Connections in Arizona and Utah and reaching out with a special event in Tucson in October for networking and fun. They may not be fireproof, but the local's members are definitely ignited to mix, mingle and help fellow performers. Nothing is on the back burner. They're staying active, staying "cool." Arizona-Utah From left, Saneh Boothe, Catharine Pilafas, Ashley Daniels, Monique Mosher and Diane Villegas at the women's issues panel on April 7. MICHAEL L. MILLER New Mexico Seattle