Tag Archives: SkyWest People

May 30

AAPI: A Journey Through Culture

SkyWest is home to incredible people. As we wrap Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’ve enjoyed sharing the stories of our team members. This includes people like Tala Maluia-Zepeda, a SkyWest flight attendant in San Diego, California.

For Tautalafua Maluia – Zepeda, or Tala as everyone calls her, this month is more than just a celebration for her. It’s a chance to showcase her pride for her people’s contributions to society, a connection of her identity with her ancestors, and a time of remembrance of the culture and heritage that is deeply rooted into her life and family.

 “It’s important that we recognize this month for what it is,” said Tala. “Remembering our roots and the path that our ancestors traveled. We are people of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia who have traveled thousands of miles from home, to work and secure a better life for our families. Our people are strong because we continue to embrace our culture while adapting to changes and becoming acclimated to new surroundings. Knowing this helps me pave a way through the many obstacles in my journey, and my life.”

Born and raised in American Samoa, a South Pacific Island with a population of 25,000 people in the 1970s, Tala grew up surrounded by her culture and a tight-nit family.

“Samoans are very proud of their culture and family traditions because we are taught from a very young age to always put God first, ‘Samoa muamua le Atua,’” she said. “Our ancestors instilled in us the importance of starting and ending your day with prayer, respecting your elders, saying excuse me ‘tulou,’ lowering your head every time you walk past others while they are engaged in a conversation, and saying please ‘fa’amolemole’ and thank you ‘fa’afetai’ when you ask and receive something.”  

Tala was raised to speak Samoan for most of her childhood but quickly learned English from her cousins who visited from the United States. This helped her as she attended elementary school, high school, and then gained acceptance into the only community college in American Samoa at the time. She credits her parents and her upbringing in her culture as things that led to the opportunities she has today.

“I was working a job as a credit analyst in Hawaii when I joined my sister at the airport for Wackenhut Security monitoring and checking carry-on bags for passengers boarding flights,” said Tala. “This was my first taste of a career in the industry and I quickly gained the skills to keep up in the ever-changing world of aviation customer service.”

She later moved to San Diego, California in the late 80s and began work for Rohr Industries, one of the biggest aerospace manufacturing companies.

“I worked another job during my time with Rohr Industries, but this is where I truly developed a love for aviation and for the details that go into manufacturing an aircraft,” said Tala. “I worked in various departments where I was involved in the research and development of the 787 aircraft, coordinated movement of raw materials, and where I provided support to quality control, warehouse management and aftermarket services.”

Tala later joined the Department of Defense as a supply systems analyst contractor at the U.S. Naval Base 32nd San Diego, California. She was offered an overseas position to assist in the startup of DDKS (Defense Distribution Depot Kuwait, Southwest Asia). This is where she was able to overcome her fear of flying as she was now traveling thousands of miles away from home to work. She lived and worked in Kuwait for three years before returning home to the United States.

“As soon as I got home, I started looking for airline jobs,” said Tala. “I knew that I needed to be in aviation, and after hours of interviewing and research, I knew that I was meant to be with SkyWest.”

Tala calls her time at SkyWest “amazing and adventurous.” She has enjoyed the travel privileges that have given her the opportunity to visit different places and, most importantly, re-connect with her family for important events.

“I am always proud to see Pacific Islanders throughout the system,” said Tala. “The first thing I ask them is, are you a pacific islander? And what island are you from? I am fluent in the Samoan language so l enjoy conversating with them if they speak the language too. It always makes me happy to connect with the many different faces of the islands.”

May 19

AAPI: The Strengths of My Heritage and Culture

In honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we asked several SkyWest team members to share their unique stories and tell us why this month is so important to them.

Meleasi Cornell – Station General Manager, EKO

For Meleasi Cornell, this month allows Pacific Islanders like herself to share more about her heritage, successes, experiences, and her family’s values. She hopes that this month can be inspiring for others as they learn more from the principles that she was taught growing up and how she’s been able to lead her life.

“My career in aviation was heavily influenced by my culture,” said Meleasi. “This stems from years of core values being instilled to me by my elders, family, and my community. Being raised in the Polynesian culture has taught me to be confident in my choices, and to always carry pride for where I came from and for those who’ve helped me along the way.”

Meleasi joined SkyWest in 2002 as a part of the customer service team in Elko, Nevada (EKO). She credits her successful work history to her team members around her and for the dependability that they represent for the airport and SkyWest.

“I was raised to always view an opportunity with different perspectives,” said Meleasi. “We’re taught from a very young age to serve others, and to do it with a cheerful heart. I’m very blessed, especially due to the opportunities that were presented in my career, to represent that and to share those teachings with my colleagues. Just as my family at home is very important to me, I’ve invited my work family into my heart as well. As a station general manager, I strive to emulate those values in the workplace by creating a familiar sense of comfort through equality, collaboration, respect, and compassion.”

Ella Ika – IF, SLC

Seven years ago, Ella Ika began her SkyWest journey as a flight attendant and credits her family members for inspiring her to take to the skies.

“My aunt and cousin are both flight attendants,” said Ella. “I remember hearing all their travel stories and hoping that one day I could also experience them. I was 21 years old and had a need for exploring and seeing new places. I applied, got the job, and haven’t looked back.”

During this month, Ella says that she reflects on how important it is to feel represented and the significance this has on her cultural identity as a Pacific Islander. It is a culture rich of history, traditions, and familial principles unique to the islands.

“For most of my life I navigated being a minority or being labeled as lesser because of this title,” said Ella. “I would get questions like, ‘What are you?’ or ‘What is a Polynesian?’ and I’m really glad that now we’re able to mainstream the answers to these questions throughout this month. I am so grateful to share more about myself, and to hear about others experiences as Asian American or Pacific Islanders. Each of these groups are unique, important, and beautiful in their own right.”

Ella says this month is all about shining a light on the many ethnicities and stories within the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. She’s also grateful for her travel privileges and the opportunity that her and her family have to explore the world and learn more about other cultures.

Angela Nguyen – IF, ORD

Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee to first generation immigrants from Vietnam and Cambodia, Angela Nguyen knows how important heritage is.

“My dad is Vietnamese, and my mom is Cambodian,” said Angela. “Like most people with immigrant parents, my parents came to the United States with nothing, but were able to build a great life for our family. My dad didn’t want us to struggle adjusting to American culture, so our parents didn’t give my brothers and I Vietnamese or Cambodian names.”

“I have always admired my parents and the rest of my family for moving to a new country and learning a new language as quickly as they did,” said Angela. “I remember being embarrassed when I was younger that I was so different because I grew up in a community that was very different from me, culturally and ethnically. But as I grew older, I learned more about my family history and culture, and I started to gain more pride in my background. I understood why my parents made the decisions that they made in raising our family.”

After graduating from the University of Memphis, Angela decided that she needed to get out of her comfort zone and applied to become a flight attendant. Inspired by her parents’ work ethic, she graduated from InFlight training and pushed herself to overcome her fears of public speaking and making new friends.

“It became one of the best decisions I’ve made,” said Angela. “This job has pushed me to be a better version of myself and to have courage. I am not the quiet, shy girl I once was and this career is the reason I can travel solo in different countries. I can’t imagine doing anything like this before SkyWest.”

For Angela, this month is all about learning. She loves using her flight privileges to travel and to learn new cultures, as well as sharing her own stories from her heritage with others.

May 14

Happy Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Day to all our SkyWest moms and to the mothers who helped inspire us to follow our aviation dreams! Here’s what a few SkyWest people had to say about the moms in their lives:

Kendra A. – ERJ First Officer

“My mother has always been my number one supporter in aviation. She told me to pursue being a flight attendant and to travel the world, as it was always her dream. We traveled the world for four years until one day I told my mom I wanted to be a pilot. She never had a shred of doubt that I could do it and supported me and encouraged me through the whole process. When I took leave to become a pilot, she finally pursued her own dreams and became a flight attendant with SkyWest. One of my favorite aviation memories is when she worked my IOE (huge thank you to Sonya!) and she flew with me as I landed the ERJ for the first time.

“I’m so lucky to have my mom with me at SkyWest. She’s my mother and best friend. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her unconditional love and support. Happy Mother’s Day to my mother, Dawn!”

Douglas B. – Flight Attendant

“Today I give much love and thanks to my Mom and to the woman I call my birth mother. Forty-four years ago in Guatemala, my birth mother stood outside saying goodbye to her twin boys. I was one of those boys and only one-year-old at the time. We departed from her, and she didn’t know if she would ever see us again. She wouldn’t know what would become of our future, but she trusted and had immense faith that the woman she was handing her precious babies to would give them everything that she couldn’t. Twenty-seven years later, we were able to hold and embrace once again. Thanks to my SkyWest travel privileges, I get to have a relationship with my birth mother.

“Once there were two women – one who gave me life, and the other who taught me how to live it. Happy Mother’s Day to both of these incredibly strong women!”

Skylar A. – MX Technology Specialist

“Back when I was in 9th grade, SkyWest had a Bring Our Kids to Work Day. My mom Jennifer, or Jiffy as everyone knows her, was working in Aircraft Records at that time. She asked my best friend and I if we’d like to join her and to see how the operation worked. Of course, we said yes! I remember that day being filled with so many activities and seeing all the cool stuff my mom did at work, it was so much fun! We went home and I couldn’t stop thinking about how great it was to be a mechanic and how my mom assisted by tracking parts and inspections. We even had our photos taken at my mom’s desk for the local newspaper.

“A few years later, I was looking to start a career of my own and my mom told me that Records was hiring. I applied and thanks to her encouragement and sparking that light in me again, I was able to get the job. Over the years, my mom and I have been able to attend some fun events together like Mini Indy, Employee Appreciation week, and SkyWest’s 40-Year Anniversary celebration at the Salt Lake City hangar. She has cheered me on over the last 12 years and I am grateful for her knowledge and kind heart that has pushed me to be a better person and leader. She has seen me grow as a daughter, employee, leader, friend, and more importantly a mom. She is my rock and the greatest example to me!

“My mom has been an inspiration to me throughout my life. She has encouraged me to do what makes me happy. I am so glad that we work together here at SkyWest and that she is my mom. Happy Mother’s Day, Jiffy!”

Mona S. – Flight Attendant

“I joined SkyWest over five years ago and I’m still so grateful for the decision I made to start a career that allows me to travel with my mom and other loved ones. I feel blessed to use my flight benefits to give the gift of taking her to the dream spots from her bucket list. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor last year and I cherish every trip with her.

“Happy Mother’s Day to my mom! Someone who sacrificed everything to immigrate to the United States, so her kids had more opportunity than she did. I am forever indebted to you and for the lives we enjoy now.”

May 01

AAPI: “Service, Belonging, and Relationships”

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month and SkyWest is honored to recognize the employees who help make us the best regional airline in the industry.

Walter and Hannah Chi – AO, Aspen, Colorado (ASE)

For Walter and Hannah Chi, ramp agents in Aspen, Colorado (ASE), being at SkyWest is a family affair.

“I grew up at SkyWest because of my dad,” Hannah said. “Some of my favorite family memories were made in airports. I traveled as much as I could under my dad’s flight privileges but when I turned 26, I knew that it was time to join the family business.”

Hannah’s dad, Walter Chi, says “service, belonging, and relationships” are key values that Asian Americans bring to any workplace. He started his aviation journey in the ‘80s, working for Air Wisconsin in various airports before finally moving to Aspen. After graduating with a degree in aviation management & flight operations, he started a 27-year career in law enforcement while maintaining a job in aviation. In 2005, he joined the SkyWest team.

“In Aspen, our staff here enjoys being a part of the industry, travelling, and the people we work with,” said Walter.

Walter credits his love for aviation to his culture, and to the influence of his father. A first-generation immigrant from Korea, his father moved to the U.S. and obtained multiple degrees in aeronautical engineering and metallurgy. He became a radiologist and later enlisted into the Air Force. 

“My father was the first person to introduce me to this industry,” said Walter. “He joined the Air Force Reserves and told us of the importance of giving back to the country that accepted him. After he enlisted, all I knew were airplanes. I remember a trip to Korea as a kid on NWA, and on Ozark Airlines as an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) to North Carolina where my family took me to ‘Kitty Hawk’ on the outer banks. Seeing where Orville and Wilbur Wright pioneered aviation with the first powered flight had me hooked!”

For Walter’s daughter, Hannah, this month is all about appreciating what her culture has given to the world and how it’s influenced her life.

“This month is a great way to highlight one of the many diverse communities and identities that live in the U.S.,” said Hannah. “Korean culture has been in the spotlight recently for K-Pop and Korean-BBQ, but there is so much to our culture and identity. My favorite part of this job is traveling with my co-workers around the world and introducing them to the various aspects of my culture.”

Hannah, born and raised in the U.S., credits her dad and SkyWest for the love and appreciation she has for her culture.

“I was curious about my Korean heritage at a very young age,” said Hannah. “I had a very American upbringing so I was curious to learn more about my identity. I used my father’s flight privileges to fly to Korea and I met with so many amazing people and learned more about my ancestry. I also learned that Seokyeong Ji, a Joseon period physician that contributed to ridding Korea of smallpox, was a distant relative of mine.”

Hannah was excited to for her own flight privileges and to learn more about her family’s history. She joined SkyWest in 2021 and is excited to work alongside her dad and the great Aspen team every day she’s at work.

Linus Wu – Flight Attendant, Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC)

Born in Taiwan, Linus Wu, a Salt Lake City-based flight attendant, knew that he wanted to do something different with his life and that he needed to be in the U.S. to make it happen. Linus joined a foreign exchange program and moved to Salem, Utah. Knowing he’d be on his own with a foreign family who wouldn’t understand Chinese, he set out to learn the English language at 15-years-old, to attend college like his sister, and to live the American dream.

“Growing up in Taiwan I was told that the elite of the elite went to America,” said Linus. “My mother sacrificed a lot for me because she believed in me. I knew starting my journey that anything could happen, but I learned the language quickly and started earning college credits in high school. I wanted to get a head start on my education goals and to hopefully attend college. I wanted to show my family, my mother, that her sacrifices meant something.”

After completing school, 19-year-old Linus moved back to Taiwan to complete his mandatory military service. He was excited to serve his country, and it was during this time that his interest in aviation began. After speaking to a few of his comrades about the cadet pilot programs, he knew that he needed to return to school. Linus completed his military service and returned to Utah Valley University (UVU) where he learned more about their pilot program.

“I was nervous and hesitant at first, but I knew that I needed to work hard to push myself,” said Linus. “For example, I had a goal to become accustomed to the higher altitude in Utah. I vowed to hike a steep mountain side for 100 days and to not give up. I knew that I needed to build resilience and prove to myself that I could accomplish anything I put my mind to. It was very hard, but I did it!”

Determined to be the best at everything he did, Linus switched his major to Aviation Management, got accepted to the SkyWest Pilot Pathway Program, and became the Presidential Intern at UVU. He graduated school with two bachelor’s degrees, took a corporate job during the COVID-19 pandemic to save money, and was determined to get back in the air. Linus applied to many airlines in the hopes of taking a chance to join the industry, so he quit his job and started training to become a flight attendant.

“I took a leap of faith and decided to join SkyWest,” said Linus. “SkyWest is where I decided to give my all. It’s been the most amazing time of my life. I am based out of the city that I live in, and I met the girl of my dreams here.”

Linus returns to UVU this summer to complete his flight ratings and to become a pilot. He credits his mother’s sacrifices, work ethic, and courage to send her children away for the great opportunities he’s had. He believes that anything is possible if more chances are taken, and if people are determined enough to get the work done.

Throughout the month, we will feature updates from employees across the operation sharing their thoughts about what Asian American and Pacific Islander Month means to them and how their culture and background have shaped their experience at SkyWest.

Apr 10

National Siblings Day: Sisters at SkyWest

The aviation industry is full of people’s stories reporting pivotal experiences that first fueled their desire to join the industry. For sisters Lia Tausinga and Sei Fa’ulao, the decision to join SkyWest was the result of years of those pivotal experiences. With family members who joined the industry in the ‘80s, a mother at a major carrier for more than 10 years and Lia’s husband previously at SkyWest, they were surrounded by aviation and often spoke about joining the industry.

“Our mom worked for a major airline for a long time so it wasn’t too shocking that one of us would follow in her footsteps,” said Sei. “I just didn’t think it would be me because I was preparing for law school and my schedule was stacked.”

She says her sister Lia thought it would be a great idea for her to apply as a flight attendant to make extra money, which she immediately rejected.

“Lia told me that she heard so many great things about SkyWest from her husband and others who worked there. She didn’t relent until I submitted my application.”

Sei joined SkyWest in 2017 as a flight attendant and later became an InFlight ground instructor. She is now a corporate communications coordinator.

“I tell my sister ‘You’re welcome’ every time I see her,” says Lia. “I also remind her on every international trip that she owes me a souvenir or treat because I like to joke that without my forcing her to apply, she wouldn’t have the great career that she has today.”

Lia got her aviation start working alongside her mother at Delta Air Lines for a few years after school and says that experience is why she’ll never stop telling people that aviation is the best industry to be in. She joined SkyWest in 2022 and is now a Salt Lake City-based airport operations agent and enjoys catching up with her sister and other family members throughout the SkyWest system. 

“I spent so many years telling people that SkyWest was this great place to work that I decided it was my turn,” Lia said. “We have such a rich history of hard-working family members in this industry and I’m proud to represent them. We all love to travel, and we love to be great at what we do. My little sister reminded me that it was my time to experience SkyWest and I’m so glad I did.”

Are you interested in becoming part of the SkyWest family? Visit our careers page today!

Mar 20

From Passenger to Pilot in N712SK

Many young passengers dream about what it would be like to be in the flight deck, flying an airplane when they are traveling. For SkyWest CRJ First Officer Derek Baker, that dream truly came full circle when he recently made an unexpected discovery.

“I was going through some old photos and found an image from when my family and I visited Salt Lake City, Utah on a ski trip,” said Derek. “After taking a closer look at an image of 10-year-old me at the airport, I knew that I recognized the tail number, N712SK. It was definitely a SkyWest aircraft!”

Derek has been a CRJ pilot with SkyWest for almost four years now and was completely unaware of the connection he had with N712SK.

“After a week of finding that photo, I flew the same tail number from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas (DFW) to Austin, Texas (AUS),” he said.

Following the flight, Derek made sure to re-create his childhood photo in front of the aircraft that he now operates as a pilot. He noted how surprising it was to find the image of his younger self and how much he loves being able to fly the aircraft as a pilot.

Mar 15

Celebrating Women’s History Month

In honor of Women’s History Month, we asked a few women to share their thoughts about what this month means to them and their experience at SkyWest.

I flew as a pilot with SkyWest for eight years and it’s the highlight of my career. I was proud to be the first female check airman and was excited to instruct alongside some of the best in the industry. I had fun at SkyWest and learned a lot from the pilots I flew with. I’m grateful for the steps that SkyWest took to be more inclusive. That’s what this month means to me, creating a space for more women to do what they’re best at. If you’re at SkyWest now, you’re already doing great. Stick at it and keep going! SkyWest has helped take my career to new heights and it’s the best place to be.

-Roxanne Diamantopoulos – First Female Check Airman at SkyWest, Former CRJ Pilot

Never reduce yourself down to your sex and never reduce others down to their sex either. I’ve been with SkyWest for 16 years now, and I haven’t come across any barriers or glass ceilings in moving up the ladder, due to my sex. I believe that I was the first female QC manager years ago. I believe, I’ve held at least six different positions here at SkyWest. I’ve had opportunities to start new positions and assist with various projects that were up-and-coming, such as transitioning from paper AML to electronic AML. My advice to women in our industry is the same for any individual in our industry. If you are interested in something, go for it! Don’t shy away from the hard work that it will take to get you there. Work on improving your skills and understanding of the operation. Talk to leadership, inform them of your goals, and ask them for any tips on how to improve or gain the skills necessary for your next leap. Get out there and see what’s available to you. Being a women shouldn’t make a difference. We shouldn’t create restrictions for ourselves, and we shouldn’t assume others have preconceived notions about what a female can or cannot do.

-Rachel Pergram – QC Process Trainer and First Female QC Manager MX, Fresno, California (FAT)

This month is about increasing opportunities for women to learn so that they can become leaders. That’s what SkyWest did for me. I was based in Los Angeles, California for 12 years and that’s where I learned all the tricks of my trade. I’m always grateful for the potential that SkyWest saw in me and the opportunities they gave me to lead. If aviation is your passion, SkyWest is the best place to refine your skills and to learn from the best in our industry. I’ve been at my current job for six years now, and I’m continually using the knowledge that I gained at SkyWest to lead my team and to show other women, especially women of color, that we can lead and make significant contributions in any space.

-Chyna Soloi – Former AO Manager, Los Angeles, California (LAX)

Being with SkyWest for almost six years now, I’ve seen how diversity within the company has evolved, and it’s been significant. It’s really great to be a part of that change. Being inclusive has brought us closer together, and I’ve learned so many new things from my colleagues. I love that we’re all different and unique. In this industry, that diversity can only make things better. This month, I want all the women in aviation to embrace all the greatness that comes with our jobs. Don’t be afraid to live your dreams, especially if it’s being a flight attendant.

-Voulanda Thomas – Flight Attendant, Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas (DFW)

I love SkyWest so much! I was a recruiter with SkyWest for many years and I’m so happy to talk about SkyWest any day. I learned so many valuable lessons from my team and from the different people I was able to meet because of my job at SkyWest. Being a woman in this industry can seem tough, but with SkyWest I never felt like that. I was part of a team that consisted of strong women and who were leaders. SkyWest is full of the brightest women in the industry, it’s seriously the best. If you’re at SkyWest now, you’re opening a door of endless possibilities because of the great company you are representing. I miss my SkyWest days and I’m lucky to have been a part of a great team.

-Ana (Kinikini) Watanabe – Former Pilot Recruiter, Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC)

I’ve had a career in aviation for over a decade – since I graduated high school, and I’m always so excited to see how many more women have joined the industry. SkyWest is working hard at creating more opportunities for women to be in leadership positions, and I think it’s important that we have more people in positions who will help create an inclusive environment for everyone. I am excited to celebrate Women’s History Month with my colleagues and I’m excited that SkyWest is celebrating the incredible women of this company.

-Lia Tausinga – AO, Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC)

Joining SkyWest has been the best and it’s extremely freeing to have a career that I love. I also love this industry because of the close-knit group that we have, it’s like a family. I have always felt like I belonged, and everyone I’ve flown with or spoken to has always been supportive. My advice to the women in our industry, follow your dreams. Join as many organizations as possible and get involved. I’ve met with so many women who were supportive of my journey and they’ve given me the best advice. We always need more women to be pilots, and I am grateful for the position I am in to help them do that.

-Kenzie Flanagan – ERJ First Officer, Chicago, Illinois (ORD)

Thank you to all the incredible women who have and are working at SkyWest, and who help us accomplish so much. Learn more about joining our incredible team!

Feb 16

Black History Month: Celebrating Their Heroes

In honor of Black History Month, we asked several SkyWest team members to share their unique stories and tell us why this month is so important to them.


Nick Goodlett – DEN CRJ First Officer
Three years ago, First Officer Nick Goodlett boarded a flight to Denver, Colorado and started his SkyWest journey. He began his trip as research for a potential job but left with an experience that changed his career for the better.

“Being a new cadet was nerve-wracking and I didn’t expect much from my visit,” said Nick. “Then I was experiencing and doing my own research about things that I hadn’t been able to before. I met so many great employees and after only one day of experiencing the SkyWest culture, I knew this is where I wanted to be.”

During this month, Nick says he reflects on all the great influences in his life and career. He likes to think of one person in particular, Ronald McNair, an American NASA astronaut and physicist who died during the launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger. Inspired by Ronald’s story of perseverance and determination, Nick was strengthened and uplifted to do more and to become a pilot.

“My favorite story of Ronald McNair is of him being kicked out of library because of his skin color,” said Nick. “He was prevented from learning because he was black. I would’ve been upset if that happened to me, but Ronald didn’t get upset, he grew from this. He overcame that obstacle and many more throughout his career and became an astronaut. The best part of this story is that the library he was kicked out of is now named after him.”

For Nick, Black History Month is a celebratory time. It’s time for creating a space for everyone to learn more about the Black heroes of history and to celebrate them. He says this is a great time to reflect on where America is today and the work that continues to be done.

“It is great to see how accepting it is now to be a pilot of color,” Nick said. “I will never forget the time when a passenger saw that I was the pilot of his plane, and he was so amazed that he took a picture with me. I appreciate what it means to be a Black pilot and I’ll never take that for granted.”

Shaunie Pemberton – SLC Customer Service Agent

Shaunie knew she wanted to work in the travel industry, and her one requirement was that she be in aviation. She loves airplanes and always wanted to know more about the operation of an airline, a job with SkyWest was the best solution.

“I was super excited when I applied,” said Shaunie. “I had heard about the SkyWest family and how awesome the company was; nothing was going to stop me from joining!”

For Shaunie, Black History Month means learning and understanding the Black culture more. She’s grateful for the time dedicated to acknowledging the achievements of Black people throughout history.

“I can definitely see diversity growing in our industry,” she said. “It’s showing now. I appreciate the opportunity that SkyWest has created for us to share our thoughts on an important month.”

Emmanuel Ogbebor – LAX ERJ Captain

For Captain Emmanuel Ogbebor, Black History Month is the perfect time to discuss the Black pioneers who paved the way for him to become a pilot.

“This month carries a lot of value for me. It’s a time for me to remember who came before me,” said Captain Ogbebor. “I can’t help but think of one hero in particular, Theresa Claiborne. She was the first Black female pilot in the United States Airforce. She is the perfect example of why we recognize this month. Her determination to overcome so many barriers inspires me every day.”

Captain Ogbebor says that he can see those barriers in aviation disappearing today.

“Diversity in aviation is evolving in so many ways,” he said. “I witness the biggest evolvement in the many people I’ve worked with throughout my career. I’ve learned so much from my coworkers and friends of different backgrounds here at SkyWest.”

Becoming a pilot has always been the dream for Captain Ogbebor. Growing up in Nigeria, he knew that it would be a lot of work but was determined to be in the skies. Joining SkyWest proved that his dreams had come true.

“When I moved to the United States, I was determined to work hard and make my dream a reality,” said Captain Ogbebor. “SkyWest Airlines has provided me with so many opportunities, and now I live in a reality that I’m forever grateful for.”

Visit our careers page today to make your own aviation dreams come true.

Feb 01

SkyWest Celebrates Black History Month

February is Black History Month and SkyWest is honored to recognize our Black employees who help make us the best regional airline in the industry.

Throughout the month, we will feature updates from employees across the operation Sharing their thoughts about what Black History Month means to them and how their culture and background have shaped their experience at SkyWest.

Lanshina Cooper – Flight Attendant, LAX

Lanshina has been on the SkyWest team for more than two years. She loves her job and is inspired by her history every day to be better.

“Everyone calls me Shawna and I’m also a Pro Standards member at SkyWest. I wear my wings high,” she said. “I am proud to embody the SkyWest family and I’m proud to represent the diversity and inclusion here.”

Her passion for travel and aviation helped her gain a greater love for her job and appreciation for everyone around her. When she saw the post for an upcoming Black History Month story, she could not miss a chance to share a photo that was especially meaningful for her in this month.

“I was on a sit in the San Jose airport, and I noticed two other crews around me,” said Lanshina. “We started talking and we realized that we were all based in Los Angeles. One of us was most senior, the other I had started in training with, and the youngest in the photo had just graduated InFlight training. We were happy to be together and celebrating being on this SkyWest journey together.”

For Lanshina, Black History Month means accomplishing the impossible.

“There was a time in America that black women were not allowed to do much,” she said. “The women in this photo represent what we can do now, and the impossible that we’ve accomplished!”

Kevin Lindsay Jr. – Captain, ORD

Captain Kevin Lindsay began his SkyWest journey over three years ago. Prior to joining the team, he was working a corporate job as a medical transport pilot. He was searching for another path on his flying career when a friend told him about a SkyWest interview in Atlanta, Georgia.

“I wanted to do more than what I was doing at my corporate gig,” said Captain Lindsay. “So, I decided to do the interview with SkyWest and I’m glad that it worked out! A great part of joining the team has been meeting other Black pilots and uplifting each other. We’re all professionals and we’re supporting each other in a career that we all love.”

Captain Lindsay’s love for aviation began at a young age. He was inspired by many Black heroes of aviation but mainly Captain William Ronald (Bill) Norwood. He attended the same college as Bill and looks up to the work he’s done for the Black community and for all Black aviators.

“Bill Norwood is someone who I saw myself in and he’s the reason why I went to Southern Illinois University,” said Captain Lindsay. “Black History Month is so important because of my story. I saw myself in Bill, a Black man who flew airplanes and was out making a difference. I knew that I would join him one day, and that I could make a difference too. That’s what this month is all about, commemorating all the great things that Black people have done. It’s about recognizing our history of contributions and the many who’ve shaped the world. This is our month to show everyone.”

During this month, Captain Lindsay says we could all help improve Black visibility in aviation.

“Black communities need to see representation,” said Captain Lindsay. “Outreach programs to these communities and HBCU universities is what we need to see more. Diversity isn’t specific to aviation, we all know that, but if we could show more people that there are so many options in this field then we could truly see a difference. We need exposure and we need people to see themselves in us.”

Yolanda Morgan – Flight Attendant, ATL

Yolanda knew she needed to love her job and that she wanted more adventure. After a friend pointed her to an ad for SkyWest, she applied and never looked back. She was excited to travel and to step away from a complacent job in corporate America.

“I wanted something different,” said Yolanda. “I was working for the state of Utah in different capacities, but I needed more. SkyWest was something different and I’ve loved it! I’ve been here since 1999, and that should say something.”

For Yolanda, Black History Month is a great reminder of the dialogue that is needed when people are curious to know more about being Black. She’s excited and happy to share with whoever wants to learn. 

This month also encompasses what Yolanda believes are the amazing attributes of a Black person: valor, Black greatness, accomplishments, and pride in being Black in the United States.

“It took time but I really appreciate the time SkyWest puts into acknowledging this month,” she said. “There is always a learning curve and I feel that the company is progressing as they’ve taken the time to celebrate diversity and differences. I like it!”