ATU Announces Winners of Thomas Dunn Scholarships
The following students beginning post-secondary education in the 2025-2026 academic year won scholarships in memory of Thomas Dunn, a Local 1593-Tampa, FL, member who was tragically killed on the job in 2019. Short bios and excerpts from their essays appear below:
Paul Baraka, a Local 508-Halifax, NS, member, is attending Nova Scotia Community College to study Automotive Service and Repair. A pillar of his community, Paul is a leader in his church, leading prayer sessions every week, and a volunteer food bank distributor, organizing shipments and handing out food. His most rewarding experience, though, has been working for Halifax Transit, providing safe and reliable transportation for his community.
“Organized labor benefits everyone, regardless of union membership. Through fair wages, workplace protections, advocacy for social justice, and economic stability, labor unions improve working conditions and contribute to a more equitable society. While some may argue against the influence of unions, their role in securing fundamental labor rights and shaping a fairer workforce is crucial for society. A strong labor movement ensures that all workers, unionized or not, experience dignity, fairness, and economic security in their professional lives.”
Isys Crew, daughter of Local 689-Washington, DC, member Terrence Crew, is attending the University of Maryland to study Letters and Sciences. Isys is an active founding member of her school’s African Student Association servings as the club’s Secretary. Isys wants to continue working in cybersecurity, eventually becoming a cyber engineer, protecting critical information and vulnerable populations.
“I had become accustomed to starting my mornings off waiting for the school bus and even considered it a rite of passage, but one morning, the bus never arrived. There wasn’t a mechanical issue or a scheduling mistake. It was a strike. As a teenager reliant on the morning school bus, missing rides due to a strike was an unexpected lesson in solidarity and justice. It was more than a ride; it was a glimpse into the power of labor unions.”
Amreen Lohcham, daughter of Local 1573-Brampton, ON, member Navdeep Lohcham, is attending the University of Toronto Mississauga to study Health Science. Amreen, a member of the Volunteer Council, Math Club, and the Badminton Team, sees herself as a neurosurgery resident in ten years.
“From the factories of the Industrial Revolution to the modern workplace, organized labour has played a crucial role in fair wages, safe working conditions, and social progress. In Canada, unions have played a pivotal role in shaping labor laws and public policies, contributing significantly to the economic stability and social equity that benefit not just their members but all workers and citizens. Although some argue that unions primarily serve their own members, the broader impact on labor rights, workplace standards, and public policy proves that organized labour benefits everyone.”
Rasha Rogti, daughter of Boston Carmen’s Local 589 member Ahmed Rogti, is attending the University of Pennsylvania to study Business. Rasha is a first-generation American, a member of the National Honor Society serving as Vice President, and founder of the Thrifting Wizard Club, promoting sustainable fashion through education, who wants to consult clients through ethical investing and budgeting.
“There is a reason we have weekends. There is a reason children no longer work factory shifts. There is a reason your job cannot fire you for demanding safe conditions or fair pay. That reason is organized labor. From the picket lines to the halls of Congress, labor unions have never just been about wages. They have been about dignity.”
Amy Tan, daughter of Boston Carmen’s Local 589 member Jianping Tan, is attending Harvard to study Government. Amy is a Student Council School Committee Representative and Historian, an Executive Board Member of local nonprofit Quincy Votes, and the National Honor Society President who wants to become either a legislative aide, union lobbyist, or community organizer.
“As work evolves, organized labor addresses modern issues and ensures that economic progress is not prioritized over workers’ rights. The ongoing push by labor unions underscores their ongoing importance in advocating for economic security, workplace fairness, and general community well-being.”
Zoe Zuloagam, daughter of Local 164-Wilkes-Barre, PA, member Evelyn Santos, is attending Swarthmore College to study Biology. Zoe is a student organizer with La Sociedad, a Latino Affinity Group, sits on the Residential Life Leadership Dorm Board. She also choreographs and dances and wants to one day be featured in a science textbook for her research.
“Organized labor movements have advocated for workers in the United States since the Industrial Revolution, helping to establish the modern standard for working conditions. Workers organize themselves to demand better conditions, which gives them bargaining power against employers who, historically, have been quick to replace individuals who speak out. Contrary to popular belief, organized labor benefits everyone, not just those involved in the union.”