AFA Alaska

Representing the Flight Attendants of Alaska + Hawaiian

Click here to report an issue to AFA
You are here: Home / Archives for Committees / Human Rights & Equity Committee

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

November 1 marks the beginning of Native American Heritage Month in the United States. Also known as National Native American Heritage Month, this celebration originated from efforts to recognize an American Indian Day in the early 20th century. In 1916, New York became the first state to officially proclaim American Indian Day following a declaration from its governor.

The journey toward national recognition started in 1976 when President Gerald Ford signed a proclamation designating Native American Awareness Week. Following this, in 1990, President George H.W. Bush approved a resolution that recognized the first National American Indian Heritage Month. Since 1994, this recognition has been an annual tradition, with proclamations issued each year under various names, including Native American Heritage Month and National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month.

Learn More About Native American History

We encourage you to explore and learn more about the many accomplishments and heritage of Native Americans through some of the following dedicated resources: 

Celebrate with a Native American Heritage Month AFA Pin

In 2021, the AFA Executive Board unanimously approved a resolution recognizing Native American Heritage Month. As part of this initiative, a unique commemorative pin was created for AFA Members to wear throughout the month.

For more information about the pin itself, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your Local Human Rights & Equity Committee. If you need a pin, please reach out to your LEC Officers to find out how to get one.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact your Local Human Rights & Equity Committee.

Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 3rd Quarter 2025

On Tuesday, September 16, our AFA Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing activism to raise awareness and create positive change within our workplace and community. Your representatives attending the meeting included Nyachan Chuar (ANC), LaLa Davis (LAX-pmAS), Bruni Agosto-Pinal (LAX-pmHA), Aaron Miller (PDX), Erika Daniel (SAN), and Trista Vanta (SFO). MEC Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle II and MEC Vice President Brice McGee were also present.

The Committee met with several members of management including Managing Director of Inflight Operations Michaela Littman, Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations Jenny Bookert, and California Director of Inflight Base Operations Benito Pasia-Garcia Jr.

The committee’s next meeting with management is scheduled for Monday, December 8.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed several items during internal AFA-only conversations and when meeting with management. Some items discussed include: 

  • Inclusivity Initiatives at Villages/Crew Rooms: The LAX and SEA Alaska Villages (crew rooms) are becoming more inclusive and work-friendly to accommodate Hawaiian crew members better. Management has presented new Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines signage to the Committee for the LAX Village. Additional initiatives focused on inclusiveness will be implemented at LAX, while SEA is currently working on designating space for Hawaiian Flight Attendants.
  • DEI Name Change and Communication: SVP of People Andy Schneider and Senior Culture Partner Sarah Keimig have posted a TeamAAG communication regarding the name change of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) to “Culture and Belonging.” This communication also addresses Alaska’s role in response to current federal government executive orders. Jenny Bookert has included a link to the TeamAAG article in the current SEA Newsletter for those based in Seattle.
  • Unaccompanied Deportees Task Force: Concerns have been raised regarding Flight Attendants who have unaccompanied deportees on Alaska and Hawaiian flights. Management has established a task force working to find solutions for these situations. Flight Attendants are reminded to always comply with authorities in these cases and to seek assistance from inflight management if needed.
  • SEA Village Flyer Investigation: A “Don’t Be Shy, Please Ask Why” flyer has been posted on the door at the SEA Village. Alaska Customer Service Agents (CSAs) are responsible for this flyer; Inflight Management will investigate its origin, as they did not post it.
  • Social Media Policy Reminder: Given the current environment, the Committee has requested that management send out a reminder regarding Alaska’s social media policy.
  • IMD Belong App Update: The title of the “Belong” web app link on the Inflight Mobile Device (IMD) has been updated from DEI to “Culture and Belonging.”
  • Potential Drug & Alcohol Infinity Group BRG: The Committee discussed the potential for the “Alaska Airlines Drug & Alcohol Infinity Group” to become one of the company’s Business Resource Groups (BRGs). MEC Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle will meet with inflight management and the Culture and Belonging Department to discuss this topic further. Additionally, the Committee will reach out to the AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Committee to explore possible collaboration.
  • ADA-Compliant Rooms Discussion: The Committee has requested that management look into the possibility of ADA-compliant rooms for Flight Attendants who have self-disclosed their needs in PeopleSoft. Management will discuss this possibility with the HR department and respond to the Committee. The Committee will also reach out to the AFA Hotel Committee for further discussions.

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Optional Pronouns on Wings. Awaiting finalization of the merger with Hawaiian Airlines, as there may be an overall new design.  
  2. Arrival “Land Acknowledgement Announcements” for our seven current domiciles airports (both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian).
  3. Batok Tattoos Visible While In Uniform. Awaiting finalization of Alaska merger with Hawaiian.
  4. Business Resource Group (BRG) Listening Sessions, co-facilitated with pre-merger Alaska Local AFA Human Rights Chairpersons for 2025/2026. 

We Want to Hear From You!

Do you have feedback for the Committee, concerns you’d like to share, or items you’d like brought up with management? Please let us know! Your Local Human Rights & Equity Committee is your voice to management. You can find our contact information on the Human Rights & Equity Committee page of the AFA Alaska + Hawaiian website.

Celebrating Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month

September 15 marks the start of Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month in the United States, a vibrant celebration dedicated to honoring the rich contributions and diverse cultures of Hispanic-Latinx Americans. Spanning a full month, this observance—also known as National Hispanic Heritage Month—has its roots in Hispanic Heritage Week, which was established by legislation signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968. In 1988, this week-long celebration was expanded to a full month, now taking place from September 15 to October 15 every year.

The choice of September 15 is significant, as it coincides with the independence anniversaries of several Central American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Each of these nations celebrates its sovereignty from Spanish rule during this time, adding a layer of meaning to the month-long festivities. Furthermore, Mexico carries the spirit of independence into the following day, September 16. Chile follows suit with its own independence celebrations on September 18, and Belize rounds out the list with its Independence Day on September 21.

Learn More About Hispanic-Latinx History

To enhance your understanding of Hispanic-Latinx history and contributions, we invite you to explore some of the following informative resources:

Celebrate with a Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month AFA Pin

We invite you to join the celebration by wearing a Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month AFA Pin! In 2021, the AFA Executive Board unanimously passed a resolution recognizing Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month. The resolution also introduced a special commemorative pin for AFA Members to wear throughout the month.

If you’re interested in learning more about the significance of the pin, reach out to your Local Human Rights & Equity Committee. Want to get your hands on this unique pin? Keep an eye out for availability updates from your Local Council or connect with your LEC Officers to ensure you don’t miss out.

Questions?

If you have any questions or are looking for more information, remember that your Local Human Rights & Equity Committee is here to assist you.

Human Rights & Equity Committee Meeting Recap – 2nd Quarter 2025

On Thursday, June 12, our AFA Local Human Rights & Equity Committee Chairpersons met to discuss their ongoing activism to raise awareness and create positive change within our workplace and community. Your representatives attending the meeting included Louise Borras (pmAS LAX), Aaron Miller (PDX), Erika Daniel (SAN), and Freddy Vega (SEA). MEC Human Rights Committee Chairperson Chip Hestle II and MEC Vice President Brice McGee were also present.

The committee met with several members of management including Senior Vice President of People Andy Schneider, Managing Director of Inflight Operations Michaela Littman, Seattle Director of Inflight Base Operations Jenny Bookert, and Regional Director Inflight Base Operations LAX Benito Pasia-Garcia Jr.

The committee’s next meeting with management is scheduled for September 16.

Topics of Discussion

The committee reviewed several items during internal AFA-only conversations and when meeting with management. Some items discussed include: 

  • Change of DEI Department Name: The DEI department has been renamed “Culture and Belonging” in response to current regulatory requirements and government orders. As a government contractor, Alaska recognizes that compliance with regulations is essential to our business operations. Senior management stated, “We take pride in our ability to adapt while staying true to our core values. Regardless of external changes, the leadership team is committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong.” The Committee has requested that senior management be more transparent by communicating excerpts of the executive order to the Flight Attendants.
  • Company Participation in Pride Events: The Committee confirmed with management that Alaska is scheduled to participate in 11 Pride events systemwide.
  • Making Event Information More Accessible: The Committee discussed with management the need to make information about celebratory events more accessible to Flight Attendants across multiple platforms.
  • Land Acknowledgment Announcements: The Committee submitted a draft of Land Acknowledgment Announcements for all seven Flight Attendant base airports for management’s review and consideration.   

What The Committee Is Working On

  1. Optional Pronouns on Wings. Awaiting finalization of the merger with Hawaiian Airlines, as there may be an overall new design.  
  2. Arrival “Land Acknowledgement Announcements” for our seven current domiciles airports (both pre-merger Alaska and Hawaiian).
  3. Batok Tattoos Visible While In Uniform. Awaiting finalization of Alaska merger with Hawaiian.
  4. Business Resource Group (BRG) Listening Sessions, co-facilitated with pre-merger Alaska Local AFA Human Rights Chairpersons for 2025. 

We Want to Hear From You!

Do you have feedback for the committee, concerns you’d like to share, or items you’d like brought up with management? Please let us know! Your Local Human Rights & Equity Committee is your voice to management. You can find our contact information on the Human Rights & Equity Committee page of the AFA Alaska website.

Celebrating LGBTQ Pride Month

June 1 marks the beginning of LGBTQ Pride Month in the United States. This celebration originated to honor the Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan in 1969, a significant milestone in the LGBTQ civil rights movement. On June 28, 1970, the first Pride March was held in New York City to commemorate the first anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. Over the years, this single-day event has expanded into an entire month filled with various events and activities.

Discover More About LGBTQ Pride Month

To explore the history of LGBTQ Pride Month and the broader LGBTQ rights movement, you can visit the following dedicated websites and resources:

Get Involved in LGBTQ Pride Month Events

Celebrate with an LGBTQ Pride Month AFA Pin

In 2018, the AFA Board of Directors took an important step by adopting a resolution to officially recognize June as LGBTQ Pride Month. As part of this celebration, a special commemorative pin was created for AFA Members to proudly wear throughout June.

If you’re interested in learning more about this pin and its significance, please reach out to your Local Human Rights Committee. Additionally, keep an eye out for communications from your Local Council or connect with your LEC Officers to find out how to obtain one of these commemorative pins!

MEC Officer Election Results

With the current Master Executive Council (MEC) Officers’ term ending on December 31, 2025, our MEC held elections this week for the next term. According to the AFA-CWA Constitution and Bylaws, each of the eight Local Executive Council (LEC) Presidents casts one vote for each officer position. The following AFA Flight Attendants have been elected […]

Sick Leave Survey Deadline Extended

Our JNC has received reports that some Flight Attendants may not have received the Sick Leave Survey email due to technical issues. Please check your spam or junk folder. The survey deadline has been extended to Friday, November 21, at Noon PT, allowing everyone to participate.

Sick Leave Survey Closing Soon

There’s just 1 DAY LEFT to complete the Sick Leave Survey that will help shape future provisions. Our JNC is eager to hear your thoughts on which elements of our paid sick leave policy are most meaningful to you, as we strive to improve our support for your needs. The survey is currently open and will remain available until Tuesday, November 11 at Noon PT.

Council 30 (ANC) LEC Officer Election Results

Polls closed at 12 PM PT today for the election of Council 30 LEC Officers, representing Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants based in Anchorage. The following AFA Flight Attendants have been elected to Local Council Officer positions: LEC President: LeiLauni ScheidemanLEC Vice President: Heather ReierLEC Secretary: Anne Madsen View the certified election results here >> These newly elected officers […]

Apps To Help You Save Money On Food

Our AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP)/Professional Standards Committee recognizes that Flight Attendants may be facing increasing challenges when it comes to accessing affordable food, whether on the road or at home. We want you to know that you are not alone. In response to these difficulties, we have compiled a list of apps to help […]

Recent Posts

News By Month

News By Category

AFA News Now Air Quality Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) AS/HA Merger AS/VX Merger Benefits Committee Committees Communications Committee Contract Contract 2014 Negotiations Blog Council 15 SAN Council 18 LAX (pmAS) Council 19 SEA Council 30 ANC Council 35 SFO Council 39 PDX Council 47 LAX (pmHA) EAP/Professional Standards Committee Extension 2021 Blog Featured Government Affairs Committee Grievance Committee Hotel Committee Human Rights & Equity Committee Industry News Inflight Service Committee Inflight Training Committee JNC Blog Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) Latest News Local Councils Master Executive Council (MEC) Membership Committee Membership Engagement Committee Message from the MEC President Mobilization Committee Negotiations Pairing Construction Preferential Bidding System (PBS) Press Releases Reserve Committee Retirement Committee Scheduling Committee Uniform Committee

Want To Stay In The Loop?

Stay up-to-date on AFA Alaska news and information by signing up for our email and text message updates. Click a button below to get started or update your preferences if you're already a subscriber.
Sign Up for Emails
Sign Up for Text Updates