National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Janna Lopez

Throughout National Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and toward expanding the rights of working people. Today’s profile features Janna Lopez of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).

Janna Lopez is a nontribal card member of Yaqui and Taos Pueblo tribes. Lopez was sworn in to IATSE Local 695 in 2016 and earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, where she trained as a sound designer. Lopez has worked as a day player for drama television series “NCIS” and the Marvel show “Runaways.” “My motto is ‘if you are not working, be learning,’” Lopez said. “I have been able to take classes presented by my local to better do my job as a Y-7A, sound utility.” Lopez has volunteered with the LA Sound Mixers Facebook group, Cinema Audio Society and LA Skins Fest during Native American Heritage Month.