Javier G Gonzalez

As a Manufacturing Foreperson and Project Lead for years, I've seen firsthand where our Costume/Wardrobe teams are often left out of the conversation. Our craft is essential, yet we are frequently excluded from key planning meetings where critical decisions on budget, timeline, and quality are made. This must change. My experience isn't just about building beautiful work; it's about fighting for the respect and resources our members deserve. I’ve repeatedly stepped into the gap, briefing directors and producers to make sure they understand the realistic timelines and craft-specific steps needed to deliver quality work on time. These conversations, while sometimes challenging, are always welcomed once I thoroughly explain our process—they turn into strong advocates because I empower them with the truth.

A perfect example of this advocacy in action was on Captain America: Brave New World. My team had the rare opportunity to successfully compete with non-union studios like Legacy to build the costumes entirely in-house. How did we win that fight? Through clear and strategic communication. I laid out the undeniable advantages of an in-house build:

• More Control over the process.
• Faster Iteration and immediate problem-solving.
• Tighter Quality Assurance directly benefiting the final product.

Even in contentious moments, having someone who can calmly explain the process and impact made life easier for the entire department and secured a win for our members. I pride myself on constructive advocacy, speaking up for those who can’t while preserving strong relationships across departments and with producers.

My primary goal as a leader is to create an environment where our creatives can focus on the work. This means:

• Proactive Planning: I plan ahead to prevent downstream delays and coordinate proactively so no one is left waiting on us.
• Contingency Ready: I always maintain secondary and tertiary plans to keep camera on time.
• Absorbing Friction: When the pressure is on, I absorb the friction and manage the logistics so you can focus on your craft.

My door has always been open for advice, support, or a simple check-in. One area I want to expand, regardless of this election's outcome, is structured training and coaching to grow larger, stronger teams ready for the next level of leadership and complexity.

My commitment to service is not new; it’s a career long dedication. After the 2023 srikes, I decided to pursue a degree in Business as a backup and graduated on the Dean’s List. I’m continuing toward a Master’s degree, applying my military benefits so I can use advanced, data driven tools to manage complex projects and deliver efficient, effective union member services. I’ve proudly served in the military for 23+ years, including since 2007 as a diplomatic soldier in Civil Affairs. In this role, I’ve led teams, coordinated with civilian stakeholders, managed logistics, and executed disaster response operations under extreme pressure. This career demands trust, discretion, and accountability, all of which I maintain today. 

Accountability matters. l set a strategic plan and obtainable goals that are time-bound and conduct formal, transparent self-evaluations quarterly. I leverage the relationships I’ve maintained across the industry. To demonstrate my record of performance, leadership, and integrity, I’m making my last 10 years of military annual evaluations public transparency guides my progress. 

• Response Times
• Satisfaction
• Training Participation and Compliance
• Safety Trendlines

I am ready to bring a systematic approach, tested leadership, and unwavering commitment to serve you.

My job is to work tirelessly, but my mission is to fight for what's right. That means championing equity and inclusion until everyone feels respected, represented, and empowered.

Respectfully,

Javier G Gonzalez