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 Maria Teresa Hank of the Transport Workers Union (TWU).
Maria Teresa Hank is an engaged union member who advocates tirelessly for workers' rights. As a Southwest flight attendant, Hank does not attend any meeting, action or rally without her “support your flight attendants” lanyards and giving anyone who will listen a quick background on why flight attendants deserve better protections. As a recent graduate of the Nevada State AFL-CIO candidate training program, she plans to run for office in a local capacity in 2026. She is of Filipino and Hawaiian descent.