Geoconda Arguello Kline is the first female Secretary Treasurer of the Culinary Union Local 226. She got there the hard way. Beginning as a maid, then union organizer, director, ten years as President, and then the in 2012, she attained the highest office in the local. Arguello Kline left Nicaragua in 1979 as a political refugee and settled in Miami. The wages there did not allow her to take care of her family so she moved to Las Vegas following family members who had taken union jobs upon their arrival. She joined as well and worked as a guest room attendant for eight years. After becoming an organizer, she organized and walked picket lines whenever necessary. She is adamant that striking is the last thing that workers want to do. Her longest strike and the longest one Culinary Union history was the Frontier. The strike lasted for six years, four months, and ten days. Geoconda feels honored to be a member of the Culinary Union Local 226. ”It is a testament to our diverse and incredible members that has put me her. We undoubtedly have challenges ahead, but I’m confident that we will overcome by working as a union.” I’m sure that this quote by her in 2012 holds true today.
Charlotte Hill's arrival in Las Vegas was not an instant love affair. She had grown up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and in comparison Las Vegas "was the worst place I had ever been." The year was 1952. He husband had taken a job with the Sands casino. Over the next six decades Charlotte would become an honored volunteer and community activist. Her first organization was the Brownies as a mother and soon was involved with the Frontier Girl Scout Council, about which she shares a delightful story about cookie sales. In 1962, she was a charter member of the Home of the Good Shepherd. In 1972, she founded the Friends of Channel 10 and became innovative and active in fundraising for public broadcasting. By 1974, she was the United Way's first woman campaign chairperson, a quite successful one who helped exceed the one-million dollar goal during economically difficult times. Her other milestones included serving on Economic Opportunity Board, board of Boys and Girls Clubs of Las Vegas, as president of the Community College of southern Nevada Foundation and most recently being named to the Nevada State Board of Education. Charlotte's community efforts have made a difference in countless people's lives. She has been acknowledged numerous times, but counts the Alexis de Tocqueville Award from United Way of America as a crowning achievement. In addition to her volunteer work, she is a fashion consultant with the Carlisle Collection.