Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Malia Aperto

For Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today’s profile is Malia Aperto of the Laborers (LIUNA).

“After a few minimum wage jobs, working with the Laborers was a dream come true. I didn’t know all the work my father had me doing would land me here,” Malia Aperto said. “This is fulfilling work. I started as a general laborer, moved to abatement, and now work in traffic control. I’ve been granted opportunities I probably wouldn’t have anywhere else. I’m enjoying the security and loving the benefits of being a Laborer.”