We are proud of our SkyWest team and pleased to celebrate the various backgrounds and experiences of our people who help to make us the premier airline in the industry. Below are a few unique stories from some of our incredible SkyWest team members in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Ethan M.D.C – First Officer
Ethan grew up in Southern California, where he developed an early interest in flying. As a child, he loved watching Star Wars and later enjoyed watching airplanes soaring over his school. This interest led him to begin flight training while still in high school. Upon graduation, he enrolled at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona.
Ethan always knew he wanted to stay on the West Coast, and SkyWest quickly stood out as a natural fit. After researching the airline, he was drawn to its strong reputation, structured training program, and the positive feedback from employees who genuinely enjoyed their work.
“It seemed like the perfect career opportunity,” Ethan said. “The training was well-organized, and SkyWest really wants you to succeed. Safety is a priority, and I was able to adapt quickly.”
Ethan’s passion and determination to succeed are deeply rooted in his upbringing. Ethan’s father, originally from Mexico, served in the U.S. Marine Corps and worked tirelessly to build a better life for their family. Ethan credits his father’s example and his Mexican heritage for shaping his work ethic.
“With immigration, nothing is given. Everything is earned,” Ethan said. “That is how I learned that I have to give 100% every day, especially in aviation.”
Ethan also values the diversity he sees within the aviation industry.
“Everyone in aviation comes from different backgrounds, because we’re flying with people from all around the world,” he said. “It’s rewarding to be part of a team that brings together so many perspectives to achieve a common goal.”
One of his most memorable experiences throughout his career was flying to Manzanita, Oregon, a town he visited as a child.
“I remember walking along the coast as a kid,” Ethan said. “Flying myself there at 26 was a full-circle moment.”
Angell A. – Flight Attendant
Angell’s journey into aviation began after seeing a job posting for SkyWest.
“People always told me I had the kind of personality that would thrive in aviation,” Angell said. “I realized this was the path I was meant to take.”
Angell was raised in a multicultural household, with family roots in Mexico and Spain. He said he experienced many challenges growing up, but those challenges helped him develop a sense of compassion that continues to help him succeed in his SkyWest career.
“I always go out of my way to help, whether it’s guiding someone through their travel route, suggesting meal options, or simply easing their nerves about traveling.” Angell shares. “We’re often the first and last faces people see on their travel journeys. It’s a powerful role, and I take it seriously.”
Angell is grateful for the ability he has to speak both English and Spanish so that he can connect with passengers from all over the world and help them to feel more at ease during their travels.
Prior to joining SkyWest, Angell had limited travel experience, having only flown once after winning a contest. Today, he travels regularly both for his job and for leisure.
“I feel like I am living the dream,” Angell said. “I am working a job I truly love. My coworkers are like family, and because of my career, I can fly to places I’ve never been and see the world.”
Celeste M. – System Controller
Celeste’s passion for aviation is rooted in her love of travel. Born into an Argentine family, she spent her childhood traveling between the United States and Argentina to visit relatives, which sparked a lifelong interest in exploring new places and cultures.
Today, Celeste says she has found both personal fulfillment and professional growth in her SkyWest career.
“Seeing how the system works as a whole, and how each department plays a role in keeping us flying, has given me a deep respect for the teamwork it takes to run an airline.”
Encouraged by her father to pursue a career at SkyWest, Celeste was drawn to SkyWest because of the many opportunities it offers.
“SkyWest is growing, and with that growth comes so many chances to advance in our aviation careers,” Celeste says. “The opportunity to travel is a blessing that not every job provides.”
For Celeste, travel isn’t just about seeing new places. It’s about connecting with her heritage and learning from others. She values the chance to experience Hispanic cultures beyond her own and believes that understanding different backgrounds is essential to building strong teams.
“It’s important to respect and care about the people you work with,” Celeste says. “That’s how you become an effective team.”
Alfredo H. M. – Flight Attendant
Alfredo moved with his parents to the U.S. from Mexico when he was young. His parents taught him that they were here to work hard, succeed, and help others. Looking back, Alfredo believes those values of respect and service helped shape the person he has become, and he continues to carry those teachings with him on the job each day.
“When I was younger, I used to fly alone to visit my grandparents in Mexico. I’d help with their travel and transportation,” Alfredo recalled. “That sense of caretaking started early, and it’s one of the most rewarding parts of my job now.”
Alfredo is trilingual, fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, a skill that allows him to connect with passengers from diverse backgrounds and offer comfort to them while traveling.
Alfredo says he enjoys his role as a flight attendant at SkyWest and is grateful to be part of the close-knit family we have here.
“SkyWest gives us room to grow. As the company thrives, it brings its people along. We feel included, empowered, and capable of making a difference on every flight,” Alfredo shares. “Every passenger interaction is an opportunity to have a positive impact.”