Animation Guild | We are 839 Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1544997
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND? I've spent the past two decades in labor organizing and worker advocacy. In entertainment, I've worked with Actors' Equity Association and helped organize over 1,700 Disneyland performers and Chippendales dancers, as well as built coalitions across theme parks and cities nationwide to lift up live entertainers. In the public sector with SEIU, I organized 8,000+ workers from L. A . County social workers, Ventura County clinic workers, and Riverside County service workers, and even launched the fast food campaign "Fight for $15 ." Over time, I've developed a deep commitment to strong, member-led unions, which is what brought me to TAG. WHAT ARE YOUR JOB DUTIES? As a Field Representative, I support members directly—enforcing contracts, helping navigate workplace issues, and making sure members have the tools to advocate for themselves. My goal is to strengthen members' connection to their union, so they see it as a daily source of power, not just something they turn to in crisis. I also want to engage members in a new way, so they're not just informed about their union, but actively involved in it. Union membership is like a gym membership: it's not enough to just have it—you have to use it. And it helps when you've got support and guidance to get the most out of it. My approach is relationship- driven and member-centered. I believe members are the experts in their own workplaces, so my goal is to ensure our work is grounded in their experience and driven by their leadership. WHAT'S A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU? I've spent much of my life in creative spaces, including competitive dance, musical theater, acting, drag, and comedy. I've never met a stage I didn't like. I also love sailing and have even sailed to Catalina Island! It's taught me a lot about patience, strategy, and adaptability, which I bring into my organizing work. I try to balance creativity and structure in everything I do. But always with a little sparkle and a lot of fun! COAST TO COAST Photo credit: Frank Schaefer T H E L O C A L SUMMER 2026 19