For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Gary Kakalia of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC)
Gary Kakalia is a member of NALC Branch 1100 in Garden Grove, California, and is originally from Hawaii. He has served his fellow letter carriers as a shop steward for 20 years, and 2025 will mark Kakalia’s 30th year as a letter carrier. Alongside his wife, Linda, who is also involved in NALC as a branch officer, Kakalia is involved in a variety of activities that give back to the membership and the community, including the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. His favorite event was being dunked in a dunk tank to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association at the annual picnic.