How One Union Worker Achieved the American Dream
by Mark Hardter, CEM IATSE 835
Many different unions do the work of tradeshows and conventions across this great country of ours. But a union is more than an affiliation and a number. A union is a group of people—professional, hardworking Americans, striving to achieve the American dream of economic prosperity through hard work.
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) 835, in Orlando, has approximately 1,800 workers, each with a unique background and story. We would like to share one of them to illustrate the positive impact our industry has had on union workers.
Angel Lopez de Victoria was born and raised in Puerto Rico. He met and married his wife Evelyn while studying at university. They bought a home and had four children. After losing his job, Angel struggled to find another that paid well to provide for his family. He moved to Central Florida in 1989 and took three low-paying jobs. He saved enough money to rent an apartment, and his family joined him in Orlando.
Eventually, Angel found a job with the local Stagehand Union, IATSE. The convention industry was just picking up steam, and Angel’s work ethic and professionalism provided him with numerous opportunities. He was able to provide for his family, raising four wonderful children with his wife. They bought a home, and Angel put his children through college.
His son, Angel Antonio, became an engineer for Northrop Grumman, leading a team of over 200 engineers. His oldest daughter Juliana earned two Masters degrees in business leadership and Instructional Design. She now designs courses for schools and teachers. His second daughter, Alejandra, earned her Juris Doctorate and works in corporate law, negotiating contracts that regulate energy markets. His youngest daughter Gabriella has a passion for teaching children.
With the help of his union and the convention industry, Angel has realized the American dream. His children have become model citizens who bring leadership and prosperity to their community. Angel, a regular at Freeman Warehouse, is approaching retirement. He is grateful to his union family and the industry for providing him with the opportunities to prosper. His work ethic lives on through his children, who are poised to positively impact the world. When Angel retires, he will have a pension and time to spend with his four grandchildren, whom he adores.
“My father’s greatest accomplishment is his family,” said Alejandra, “His presence through our life milestones has shaped us into who we are today. After retirement, he will continue building family memories and fundamental values for years to come.”
We celebrate Angel’s story because his hard work, both as a union worker and a father, has provided him with an abundance of blessings. This is a story of the convention industry and union jobs making the American dream a reality. Thank you on behalf of Angel, his family, and IATSE 835 in Orlando, Florida.
This story originally appeared in the Q3 2024 issue of Exhibit City News, p. 64. For original layout, visit https://issuu.com/exhibitcitynews/docs/ecn_q3_2024/64.
