From Veteran to Film Industry Professional
A Woman on a Mission.
Award-winning Actress
Sheila Ivy Traister is an award winning actress, director, and screenwriter who has a passion for communication through truth in storytelling. She’s been blessed with opportunities to work with some of the best in the business: Helen Mirren, Hilary Swank, Toby Mcguire, Nathan Lane, Taylor Hackford and Jim Sheridan to name a few.
Military Life to Front Lines for Sag-Aftra
As a proud member of SAG-AFTRA, Sheila has dedicated the last 40 years in service to her union as an elected volunteer leader. From 1994 - 2011 in both legacy unions SAG and AFTRA; then with merger in 2012, Sheila was elected President and National Board for the Colorado Local and served in those positions through 2020.
A Veteran who still serves the People!
As well as the brilliant actors, directors and writers, whose names are not known. As a teaching artist and mentor, Sheila coaches award winning actors, writers, and directors on both stage and screen, as well as, world class winners in Tedx Talks, ToastMasters and over 90 Story Slam Finalists from around the globe.
A Disciplined Woman
Kicking Ass and Taking Names. Whats sets us apart!
Awards and Nominees
She currently serves on 6 SAG-AFTRA National Committees and as the Labor Liaison for the Colorado Local. In addition, she serves on DALF, the Denver Area Labor Federation, and is a VP on the Executive Board of the Colorado AFL-CIO, and serves on their Inclusion and Diversity Committee.
Sheila is a Complete Package
She was twice nominated and recognized by the National AFL-CIO as one of this country's top union leaders during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in 2021 and 2023.
The Family Business
Serving Is In Their Nature!
Sheila is also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and feels that her greatest service to her country was as the daughter of Lt. Col Martin S. Traister, a decorated Vietnam War Veteran, and her mother Lynne L. Traister. For the first 18 years of her remarkable life, Sheila traveled the U.S. and abroad moving every 2.5 - 3 years as her father and mother dedicated their lives in service to our country.