Ondrea is a ten year American Airlines flight attendant running for LGA Base President. She has spent her entire 10 year career based in New York and has seen first hand how our base has evolved. Prior to her career at American she attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham and worked in property management.
"I started this career by accident, but I am exactly where I am meant to be. This base has raised me so to speak. I started shortly after my 30th birthday with American. And I would not be the person I am today if it was not for my career, this city, and more importantly my fellow coworkers and friends. For ten years everyone has helped me in various ways. From teaching me our contract or DECS, sharing meals and layover adventures, providing words of support, or even critiques and building life long friendships, I am grateful for it all. Along with my running mate, Paul Smith, this campaign is my way of using my organization and leadership skills to not only say THANK YOU but to also help more of us get involved! I think we can all agree that we are tired of the self-serving drama. We want a union that focuses on the members for once. I am confident that together we can return our base to the hands of its members."
Paul Smith is a 31 year old native New Yorker with nearly 11 years of service as a Flight Attendant at American Airlines. His love for aviation started young. As a kid his first trip was on American Airlines' Super80 with a flight from LGA to MCO. He was in awe of the flight attendants and the magic they brought to the experience.
"Like many of you I didn't dream of a union leadership role- I've always been a blue-collar worker, just trying to make it through the daily grind. But through my journey, I've seen how much we can accomplish when we come together, and that's what brought me here. I have spent my career on the line, helping my coworkers however I could. This past summer, a friend suggested I volunteer for the Strike Authorization Vote Center. That was a turning point for me as I was able to see what we can accomplish when we stand together as one. That experience lit a fire in me to return to NYC and get involved, even if only in a small way. While my time working within the base was brief, it was eye-opening. I saw firsthand how apathy, burnout, and self-serving agendas can hold us back. I realized that union leadership isn't just showing up- it's about truly caring for the people you represent. This isn't a position for power or prestige; it's about fighting for what's right, standing up to the company, and ensuring our voices are heard. I'm running for NYC Base Vice President because I know what its like to feel exhausted and disillusioned. I know what its like to feel like no one is fighting for you. I want to be part of the change we need- someone who understands the challenges we face on the line because I'm right there with you. With my running mate, Ondrea Wallace, we bring a commitment to real leadership- no gimmicks, no ulterior motives. Our goal is simple: To unite our base, defend our contract, and ensure we all thrive in this challenging but rewarding career. Together, we can bring pride, solidarity and strength back to NYC. Actions speak louder than words. Lets build a better future together."
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