MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - Merleigh Motooka

IAM District 142 is proud to shine this month’s Member Spotlight on Merleigh Motooka, a 20-year IAM member, Lead Cleaner at Hawaiian Airlines, and dedicated Shop Steward and District Auditor. Merleigh’s journey is one of service, growth, and deep commitment to her union family.

Merleigh first joined Hawaiian Airlines in 2005, where her introduction to union service came quickly—and unexpectedly. When her aunt, then a shop steward, was out on medical leave, the team needed someone to step in. Despite initially declining, her coworkers encouraged her to take on the role.

“I wasn’t as active as I should’ve been at first,” Merleigh admits, “but one day there was an incident and they asked for a shop steward. I thought, okay, I guess I’m up. That was my moment.”

From that point forward, she dove in—studying the contract late into the night and asking questions until she understood every detail. She credits General Chairs Dave Figueira and Derek Morton for believing in her, mentoring her, and sending her to leadership training.

“In all honesty,” she says, “I owe my IAM career to these two men.”

For Merleigh, being a union member “means everything.”

“They’re like my second family,” she says. “The IAM has given me a voice and allowed me to connect with so many different cultures and people. I’m very grateful to be a part of this IAM family.”

In addition to supporting her Local, she serves proudly as a District Auditor—work she looks forward to every six months in Phoenix.

To anyone new to the IAM, Merleigh’s message is simple:

“If you have the opportunity, volunteer to be a shop steward or get involved in your union.”

Merleigh loves meeting new people and sharing what she’s learned over her two decades on the job. Her family motivates her every day, reminding her why she works hard and takes pride in what she does.

One of her proudest moments was attending her first year of Leadership training at the Winpisinger Center, where she formed lasting friendships. “We still attend leadership classes together,” she says. “We keep in touch and even send gifts to each other’s families during the holidays.”

Looking ahead, Merleigh hopes to continue growing and ultimately reach the level of leadership her mentors embody. “That’s my goal.”

When she’s not hard at work, Merleigh loves arts and crafts, spending time with her family, and rooting for the San Francisco 49ers! Her favorite place to travel is Japan, “especially for the food.”  

At District 142, we want to shine a light on our members who are doing great things on the job, for the union, and in their communities. Do you know someone who you would like to see featured here? Email Director of Communications Todd Day at tday@iamdl142.org.