Twenty IBEW Local 1245 delegates traveled to Seattle, Washington in January to participate in the 36th Annual Electrical Workers Minority Caucus (EWMC) Leadership Conference — an experience they described as both energizing and deeply meaningful.
Left to Right: Charlotte Stevens, Donny Davis, Iyasha Davis, Tonya Alston, Laquania Thompson, Kurene “KT” Turner, Gabrielle Baker, Tim Neal, Gerald Williams, Dannika Bynam, Brandon Fosselman, Al Fortier, Brittney Santana, Alvin Dayoan and Dorothy Fortier.
The conference carried the theme “Resist, Rise, Organize: Fight to Preserve Our Future,” bringing together union members from across the country to focus on leadership development, organizing, and strengthening solidarity across the Brotherhood and Sisterhood.
The Local 1245 delegation, led by Senior Assistant Business Manager Al Fortier, included six staff members, chapter leadership, retirees, and rank-and-file members — including four first-time attendees. Throughout the week, delegates participated in plenary sessions, workshops, caucus discussions, and the annual Day of Service, volunteering at projects throughout the Seattle community.
For many attendees, the opportunity to connect with union brothers and sisters from across North America was one of the most powerful aspects of the conference. “Being in a space filled with brothers and sisters from different locals and backgrounds reminded me how strong our union is when we come together with a shared purpose,” said delegate Jermaine Eti.
First-time attendee Daryl Dudley echoed that sentiment, noting that building relationships with members from other locals reinforced the strength of the broader union community. “From the start, it felt like more than just a conference — it was a space for growth, honesty, and real connection, not just as union workers, but as people,” Dudley said.
Delegate Trevor Robertson also emphasized the value of collaboration across unions, saying, “It was a great experience and opportunity to partner with other unions in the country. It was refreshing to see the next generation of workers holding the line for our union’s future.”
Local 1245 members also played important leadership roles during the conference. Brothers Alvin Dayoan and Brandon Fosselman served as Sergeants-at-Arms, helping ensure safety and coordination throughout the event, while Solano County Chapter President Laquania “Q” Thompson served on the Bylaws Committee. The conference also became a moment of pride for the Local 1245 delegation when Ninth District leadership announced Thompson’s appointment as an Education Representative for the Ninth District.
Workshops throughout the conference addressed both workplace and personal challenges facing union members, including mental health, leadership development, financial wellness, organizing strategies, and outreach to youth entering the trades. Several delegates pointed to sessions on suicide prevention in the construction industry as particularly impactful. “It was a great learning experience attending the workshop Suicide Prevention in the Construction Workplace. We learned to recognize common risk factors and early warning signs,” said Charlotte Stevens.
A key topic during the conference was Artificial Intelligence and its impact on clerical work, particularly in call center environments — an issue increasingly relevant to many Local 1245 members. During a discussion with a member from another local who expressed concerns about job security and rapid workplace changes, Local 1245 Executive Board member Alvin Dayoan shared how the union is educating members about AI, advocating for job protections, and engaging in legislative and political efforts to defend union work. He emphasized that unions are strongest when members stay informed and involved, encouraging members at every stage of their careers to remain engaged and help guide the next generation through workplace changes. “Our IBEW strength, relevance, and our existence are continually renewed through the work of building unity and power from the ground up,” Dayoan said.
Beyond the classroom and conference hall, delegates participated in community service projects and networking events designed to strengthen relationships across locals. Many described the experience as a reminder that the union extends far beyond individual workplaces. “The conference served as both a call to action and a reminder of the collective power we hold when we organize and stand together,” said delegate Iyasha Davis.
Delegates also reflected on the personal impact of the experience. “Overall, the conference gave me motivation, fresh perspective, and the energy I needed going into the year,” said Laquania “Q” Thompson. “This conference was incredibly motivating, and I am excited about my future in the labor,” added Gabriella Khan.
Tonya Alston said the conference provided valuable insight into both policy issues affecting members and opportunities for personal growth, highlighting several forums she found particularly impactful, including Ninth District Caucus discussions on anti-union legislation, workshops on AFL-CIO constituency groups and labor history, and a mental health journaling workshop.
The EWMC continues to grow nationwide, and IBEW1245 remains an important part of that momentum, helping strengthen leadership and solidarity across the labor movement. Our delegates returned home with new ideas, stronger connections, and a shared commitment to applying what they learned to support members and build an even stronger union.
Attendees: Al Fortier, Tonya Alston, Charlotte Stevens, Gerald Williams, Dannika Bynam, Liz McInnis, Laquania Thompson, Brandon Fosselman, Alvin Dayoan, Kurene Turner, Gabriella Khan, Gabrielle Baker, Iyasha Davis, Brittney Santana, Daryl Dudley, Donny Davis, Dorothy Fortier, Jermaine Eti, Tim Neal, Trevor Robertson.