Arlene Inouye
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Arlene Inouye was a Speech Therapist in the Los Angeles Unified School District before becoming an Officer and Bargaining Chair during the historic 2019 and 2023 strikes. Arlene is an Outreach Co Coordinator for the UCLA Asian American Studies Center Multimedia Textbook on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Her background includes over 50 years of racial and social justice activism and training, leadership in APALA (Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance), CTA (California Teachers Association), CFT (California Federation of Teachers), NEA (National Education Association) and AFT (American Federation of Teachers). Arlene is a third generation Japanese American situated in Los Angeles.
At Education International’s 10th World Congress, Arlene Inouye was awarded the 2024 Albert Shanker Education Award. In this article, Arlene looks back on her journey as a union activist, advocating for the rights of Asians and Pacific Islanders in education and society.
Education Voices | Arlene Inouye, Laureate of the 2024 Albert Shanker Education Award