Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1532181
working tirelessly for our members, she has always led with integrity and compassion. I'll never forget standing with her on count- less picket lines, attending fundraisers, or simply seeing her embrace every challenge with grace and determination. I n 1 9 9 8, I a cco m p a n i e d h e r to New York City for election nominations for the newly merged New York local. This trip remains a fond memory—exploring the city, marveling at how much it had changed since 1993 (mostly the crime rate), and being escorted to the "best pizza place in NYC" by a local police officer. In 2000, when Paramount planned to outsource its syndication department, I brought my concerns to her and Ron. Thanks to their push for arbitration (which we won), we saved countless jobs and ensured an entire department could retire without a single lost day of work. Cathy's determination was evident again in 2014 when she led efforts to educate people about AB1839 and helped bring over $5 billion back to California through tax incentives. I was proud to be one of three editors that assisted Cathy in making the video that was instrumental in persuading people in Sacramento to vote for the Assembly Bill. In 2017, at the IATSE International Convention, I was proud to see Cathy recognized as Woman of the Year — a testament to her dedication and leadership. This award is truly deserved, and it was a privilege to witness. Her first contract negotiation as Exec- utive Director in 2018 was nothing short of extraordinary. Cathy boldly stood up to IATSE when streaming revenue was excluded from the deal, even though she faced significant opposition. She organized a general membership meeting that filled two banquet halls, rallying the members and proving her strength as a leader. Beyond her professional achievements, Cathy's warmth and camaraderie have lef t an undeniable mark . She's always been a champion of taking a proper lunch break—something I wholeheartedly agree with—and her presence on the dance floor at events always brought joy to everyone around her. At conventions, she ensured our delegates were cared for with good food, good wine, and good company. With the embodiment of resilience and a steadfast commitment to doing what's right, Cathy h a s b e e n m o re t h a n a g re at exe c u t i ve director; she's a dear friend and an excep- tional person. Her kindness, dedication, and unwavering support for our members have made a lasting impact. I've known her for 32 years, and she's always taken my calls, em- braced others with warmth, and led with a motto we both cherish: Be Kind to All Kinds. HUDSON MILLER LOCAL 700 VICE PRESIDENT C o n g ra t u l a t i o n s C a t hy ! I t 's b e e n a g re at j o u r n ey. W h e n yo u ca m e to t h e Editors Guild we were a small local with big dreams. Over the years we have had both heartbreaks and victories. We have mourned contract setbacks, pandemic work restrictions, and industry strikes, but we also have celebrated membership growth, built labor unity both internally and across the Hollywood labor community, dramatically improved our stand-alone contracts, and achieved a ground-breaking 2024 Basic Agreement. There is no better example of your vision and leadership than the campaign for first-use residual fees (I prefer to call them profit participation) to build a new and sustainable funding source for our MPI health and pension benefits. You took us from the impossible dream to the accom- plishment in six short years! In union time this was supersonic speed! Every mile of this rocket ride was impossibly difficult; but nothing worthwhile comes easily. It was your leadership and vision that led us to this victory, a victory that will dramatically improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of Hollywood IATSE families for decades to come. On behalf of all the members of the Editors Guild, now and forever, I wish to extend our most heartfelt gratitude. You put the immortal words of Dolores Huerta to work: "¡Sí, se puede!" SHIRAN CAROLYN MILLER BOARD MEMBER To Cathy, our Norma Rae, thank you for being a role model, showing what a fierce union leader who happens to be a woman looks like. By standing up for yourself and our membership, despite the difficulties, you inspired me to speak up and take a stand for what I believe in, too. I remember around 2018, I mentioned to you wishing there was a system to help people with hours. I didn't realize I had any ability to do something about it until you empowered me to realize what I can do and work towards my goal. That mindset switch was a game changer for me that I'll never forget. We haven't always agreed on every- thing, but that was the beauty of it. We pushed each other to do things better, and together, I think we did some re- ally great things that improved this union. Thank you for 32 years of devoted service to this Guild and for always listening and being open to new ideas, even if it was do- ing something outside your comfort zone, like singing karaoke. I will always fondly 40 C I N E M O N T A G E F E A T U R E