MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - Irma Zamora Bird

IAM District 142 is proud to announce that our latest Member Spotlight is Sister Irma Zamora Bird, an active and compassionate leader from Local 2198 in Houston, Texas.

A Customer Care Representative at Southwest Airlines and a 14-year member of the IAM, Irma serves as a Shop Steward, the Secretary for the Local 2198 Women’s Committee, and has become a trusted advocate for her fellow members. Her commitment to helping others, both on the job and through her union service, reflects the values of solidarity and support that define District 142.

Irma’s path into union activism began during an earlier chapter in her career when she worked as a Supervisor with the company. In meetings involving discipline or hearing notices, she saw firsthand the care and dedication Shop Stewards brought to each member they represented. Their ability to connect with employees one-on-one and advocate for them on a personal level made a lasting impression.

“I wanted to be able to do that,” Irma shared. “When I stepped away from being a Supervisor, I knew becoming a Shop Steward was something I wanted to pursue.”

With encouragement from fellow Shop Stewards, Irma embraced the opportunity to serve and has never looked back. Today, she is proud of the decision to step into a role where she can make a meaningful difference for members facing difficult situations.

For Irma, being part of IAM District 142 means being part of a family built on shared purpose and lasting support.

“I’ve learned so much from fellow members and built friendships that I know will last a lifetime,” she said. “Together, we support one another, stand united, and continue working to make this District stronger for all our members.”

She encourages newer members to get involved early and stay engaged in the life of their Local.

“Attend monthly meetings, volunteer for a committee, and participate with the AFL-CIO,” Irma said. “Our union’s strength comes from active members working together.”

In her role as a Shop Steward, Irma finds deep fulfillment in helping members navigate difficult situations and keep their jobs intact. She also takes pride in her work as a Customer Care Representative, making sure each customer leaves the line with their question or concern answered.

“Knowing you made a difference for someone, and their family is what makes this role so rewarding,” she said.

What motivates Irma each day is simple and heartfelt: her peers and the members she serves.

“My peers and the members … no question about that.”

One of Irma’s proudest moments came while attending Leadership 2 at W3 and visiting the Capitol. The experience of helping arrange meetings with members of the Senate or Congress and then representing the IAM in such a positive and professional way left a lasting mark on her.

For Irma, the opportunity to advocate for members on that level was priceless. Looking ahead, she hopes to continue helping people every day through both her job and her union involvement, knowing that even in the most difficult moments, the support of those around her gives her the strength to keep fighting for fellow members.

Outside of work, Irma enjoys a rich mix of hobbies and passions. She has played the piano since she was 8 years old and still finds it a peaceful way to step away from everyday stress. She also loves fly fishing with her husband, and each year they take a trip to the mountains to spend a full week fishing rivers and searching for trout, a tradition they deeply cherish.

“Trout don’t live in ugly places” is one of her favorite sayings. She is also an avid fan of Friends and Star Wars, happily rewatching them again and again.

A proud supporter of the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros, the Arizona Wildcats, and the Kansas State Wildcats, Irma also names Belize as her favorite travel destination. If she had the opportunity to share dinner with historical figures, she would choose Frida Kahlo and Princess Diana, admiring both women for standing strong, speaking up for others, and championing meaningful causes.

IAM District 142 is proud to recognize Sister Irma Zamora Bird for her service, compassion, and dedication to her fellow members. Irma’s leadership and dedication are a testament to the power of advocacy, solidarity, and the difference one committed union member can make.