Belinda Hawkins has been named the new District 141 Employee Assistance Program Regional Coordinator for the South Central region. She is replacing Bahiyya Wright, who has retired.
Belinda began working for Continental Airlines three decades ago when she was hired into the Claims Department. It turns out, filing lost luggage claims for Continental was an excellent way for her to hone her already-sharp “people skills.” Belinda would deal with passengers that had lost keepsakes, prized souvenirs, and more. Handling these cases in a patient and empathetic way was something that came naturally to her.
“We lost Sammy Davis, Jr’s sunglasses,” she recalled. “I got to talk to his road manager,” she said with a smile. “He was upset because the most we could pay out was $1,250, and he had sunglasses in his lost bag that were worth $10,000.”
Belinda later took a position at Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston to work at AOAC. There, she began working in the resource office helping people solve FMLA issues. “FMLA is confusing for a lot of people, and they make you do everything exactly right. I would help them make sure that everything was in order and correct mistakes when they happened,” she said. Again, Belinda was working to help people under stress, and sometimes help them with very private and personal issues. “I like people,” she said. “I’m helping people from the heart. I’ve always found myself caring about those around me.”
In 2006 Belinda became a Customer Services Employee, where she became active in her union as a Steward. In 2018, she became a Peer Coordinator with the District 141 Employee Assistance Program. Her familiarity with company policies and procedures combined with her encyclopedic knowledge of union contracts made her an instant standout at Local 2198.
Bahiyyah Wright, who has retired from the position that Belinda now holds, praised the decision. “We’ve been friends for decades, and I can’t think of anyone better suited for this job,” she said. “Belinda has a beautiful spirit and is one of the kindest people. She’s also tough. She’s a smart and effective employee advocate. I know her to be resolute in upholding the principles of our IAM EAP Program.”
Belinda says she’s excited to get to work. “God instilled this in me. My whole life has been dedicated to raising up those around me. It’s something that’s in my heart.”
The District 141 Employee Assistance Program can connect you to professional services that can help you deal with a wide range of personal challenges. EAP services are free, compassionate, and completely confidential. To speak with someone today, please visit the EAP PAGE >>
