May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. It’s time to pause and celebrate the diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and their significant contributions to the growth and development of the United States.
AFGE is proud to celebrate our AAPI members and uplift their experiences and voices through the union’s constituency group, AFGE A.P.O.W.E.R., which stands for Asian Pacific Organized Workers Empowering Representation.
This year, we are honored to spotlight Ili Meaole, AFGE Local 1102 acting president/treasurer whose commitment to her local community is inspiring.
As a reentry affairs coordinator at Federal Detention Center in SeaTac, Wash., Ili leads initiatives that prepare incarcerated individuals for successful reintegration by evaluating programs, developing strategies, and building local partnerships. She oversees workforce readiness efforts, trains staff in inmate skill-building, and facilitates reentry panels, job fairs, and workshops to connect individuals with essential resources.
She also organizes large-scale events like the Reentry Department Resource Fair and Child Support Seminars, bringing together over 40 organizations to support reentry efforts.
Ili began her career with the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) in 2002 as a correctional officer. After that she served as a recreation specialist before becoming a reentry affairs coordinator, the position she has held for 10 years.
Ili Meaole
How long have you been an AFGE member? How did you get involved in the union?
23 years. I’ve always believed in speaking up for what’s right. Sitting on the sidelines while knowing something is wrong was never an option for me. So when I learned we had the opportunity to join a union at my workplace, it was a no-brainer.
Growing up in the housing projects of San Francisco, raised by a strong single mother, I was taught early on to stand up for those who couldn’t speak for themselves—and to keep learning no matter what. My mom always told me, “Know who you are, and don’t let anyone take that from you.”
That foundation shaped my drive to advocate for others, especially those who might not yet know their rights. Joining the union was simply a continuation of what I’ve always believed: if you see injustice, you speak on it—and you fight for fairness together.
Can you share with us your experience ensuring equality in the workplace?
Ensuring equality in the workplace, especially within a correctional setting, is both challenging and deeply rewarding. We work in a high-risk environment, and my top priority is making sure that every staff member returns home safely to their families. That starts with advocating for proper safety protocols, ensuring access to necessary equipment, and making sure no one is left behind.
Equality means more than policies – it’s about action. I speak up against bullying, call out prohibited conduct, and make sure that every employee is treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. I actively participate in labor-management meetings, department head discussions, budget sessions, and safety meetings to ensure that the union’s voice is always present and heard.
Holding monthly general membership meetings allows me to stay connected with our bargaining unit, listening to concerns, gathering feedback, and turning their ideas into action. I believe in maintaining open, honest dialogue between management and staff because collaboration is key to finding real solutions and building an equitable workplace culture.
Equality in the workforce takes commitment, consistency, and courage. And I’m proud to stand in that space every single day for my union family.
What is your role as District 11's national fair practice and affirmative action coordinator?
As the national fair practice and affirmative action coordinator for District 11, my role is to ensure that every local within our district has a knowledgeable and accessible advocate when it comes to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) matters. I provide education and representation to our members on the EEO process, making sure they understand their rights and the steps they can take if they face discrimination, harassment, or need reasonable accommodation.
I advocate for fair treatment across the board, with a strong focus on disability rights, workplace discrimination, and ensuring accommodation is not only requested but respected. I attend monthly district meetings to stay aligned with current issues and maintain open communication with our leadership and membership.
Training is at the heart of my work, equipping our union representatives and members with the tools they need to navigate EEO issues with confidence. My commitment is to be available, responsive, and present for our locals, ensuring that representation and fairness aren’t just values, but practices we live out in District 11 every day.
Why is AAPI Heritage Month important to you?
As a proud Pacific Islander from Tau Maun'a of American Samoa, AAPI Heritage Month holds deep meaning for me. Our culture is everything, it represents family, unity, faith, respect, and the way we were raised. It’s not just about where we come from, but who we are.
For me, knowing your identity and what you stand for is powerful. I know who I am, I love who I am, and no one can ever take that away from me. AAPI Heritage Month is a time to reflect, uplift, and celebrate the beauty and strength of our roots.
Family is at the heart of everything we do, and culture is the thread that keeps us connected. Honoring our traditions, stories, and ancestors isn’t just important, it’s essential. AAPI Heritage Month reminds the world that our voices matter, our cultures are rich, and our families are strong.
Which AAPI labor leader inspired you and why?
While he may not have been a traditional labor leader, the late Congressman Eni Fa'aua'a Hunkin Faleomavaega Jr. was the first leader who truly inspired me. Growing up in San Francisco, my mom took us to one of his fundraisers when he was campaigning for Congress to represent the territory of American Samoa. That moment left a lasting impact on me.
He was the first person I ever met who was running for such a prestigious position, and he won. Seeing someone who looked like me, who came from where we come from, stepping into rooms of power and using his voice for our people in Washington, D.C., gave me hope. He showed me at a young age that our voices matter, and that we are capable of anything.
He wasn’t just a leader, he was our leader. A fierce advocate for the Pacific Islander community, he used his platform to uplift and represent us when few others would. His legacy taught me that leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about service, courage, and never forgetting where you come from. That’s the kind of leader I strive to be every day.
Are you involved in your local community, including the AAPI community?
Absolutely! Giving back and serving my community is at the heart of who I am. I actively volunteer through our family foundation, support local churches, food banks, and attend community events that uplift and promote small businesses, especially those within the AAPI community.
I also dedicate some of my weekends to teaching others how to advocate for themselves and their communities, offering resources to help address local or school policy concerns. Some of this work is done virtually, reaching out-of-state participants and even those across the Pacific Ocean. No matter where someone is located, I believe everyone deserves access to knowledge and support.
For me, service isn’t just an act, it’s a way of life. Whether it’s organizing, mentoring, or simply showing up, I’m committed to equipping others with the tools they need to grow, lead, and make change. Giving back is vital, and I’m honored to play my part in strengthening the communities that shaped me.
