Author Archives: Emily Ekker

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Family Traditions

Throughout this past month we have been recognizing the rich cultural backgrounds of many members of our SkyWest family. We have been inspired by their stories and explored how they continue to celebrate their heritage. As Hispanic Heritage month comes to a close, we are excited to share Houston-based Flight Attendant Jennifer R.’s story.

Jennifer R., IF (IAH)

For Flight Attendant Jennifer R., Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor her culture and family. Her parents, first-generation immigrants, emigrated from El Salvador in search of better opportunities.

“It was all to help my generation and those beyond, my parents taught us that family and God come first,” Jennifer said. “I still wonder how they managed everything, ensuring we had food, clothes, a home, and love.”

Family plays a central role in both Jennifer’s life and career. She celebrates her heritage by spending time with loved ones and practicing cultural traditions, especially during holidays like Christmas. As part of their celebrations, her family exchanges gifts and enjoys homemade Salvadorian tamales and panes de pollo.

Her close-knit family has been the biggest support system and central to her success. Because of her parents’ sacrifices, Jennifer now has the unique opportunity to live out some of her biggest aspirations.

“My mother always dreamed of being a flight attendant and she encouraged me to follow my dreams,” Jennifer explained. “I am happy we now get to experience traveling the world together.”

Her grandmother also inspired her with lessons of perseverance and determination, recognizing Jennifer’s passion for aviation and encouraging her to work hard. Though her grandmother has passed on, Jennifer knows her spirit lives on through her.

“The biggest lesson she ever taught me was to never give up and keep striving for what you want,” Jennifer said. “I will always look up to her and hope to continue to make her proud.”

Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing your story with your SkyWest family and teaching us about the impact your heritage has had on your career.

Cancer Awareness: Serving with a Purpose

Whether you are a survivor, advocate, community organizer, or co-survivor, cancer touches us all. This October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we will share the inspiring stories and events of the SkyWest people who are actively fighting cancer of all types in their communities.

Recently, our SBN Maintenance team participated in a charity golf event to support women battling cancer.

The sunny weather, coupled with the enthusiasm of the participants, created a perfect atmosphere for a day of fun and giving back to a nonprofit organization called Hello Gorgeous. This foundation offers professional makeovers to women who are undergoing cancer treatment, so that they can feel confident and beautiful again.

“I have supported this organization for over 15 years,” Manager of Parts Penny M. said. “As a former cosmetologist, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact it has on women to lose their hair during treatment. Seeing the smile on someone’s face after being given a full makeover is priceless.”

Penny is deeply passionate about helping women in their fight against cancer, as she has seen the lasting effects the disease has had on many of her friends and family.

“I volunteer for all the events that are held locally,” Penny explains. “My favorite part of the golf event is to see so many men participate. It helps them to not feel so helpless when their wife, mother, sister, or daughter is diagnosed with cancer. Supporting an organization like this makes them feel like they are making a difference.”

The golf course provided an enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels. As members of the MX team made their way through the course, they were greeted with various on-course activities, like a longest-drive contest and closest-to-the-pin challenge that added an extra element of team building to the day.

“I am so proud to have some of my SBN MX team join me in supporting women battling cancer,” Penny said. “A special thank you to Brian W., Ryan P., Joey R., and Zachary M., who gave generously of their time and money to help a great cause.”

SkyWest Teams Give Back to Local Communities

Since 1972, SkyWest people have been known for providing exceptional service in the skies and in the communities where we live and work. As SkyWest celebrates 52 years of flying this month, that commitment to giving back to the community has been on full display with our people volunteering at various food banks across the U.S.

“What a wonderful experience and opportunity we had to serve and give back to our community,” said Boise Domicile Support Specialist Bekah W. “St. Vincent’s de Paul in Boise reaches a multitude of families weekly within the Treasure Valley and it was fantastic to be a part of helping.“

Team members in Salt Lake, Denver, Los Angeles, Boise, Chicago, Phoenix, and St. George, Utah worked together to sort and pack thousands of pounds of food donations and to assemble thousands of food kits that were then shipped to families in need. While the fight against hunger remains an ongoing battle, the efforts of those who volunteered helped to ease the burdens of many families who do not always know where their next meal will come from.

“Witnessing everyone come together for such a meaningful cause was truly inspiring,” said Chicago Domicile Support Specialist Tony G. “Together we packed 901 boxes of shelf-stable food for the elderly. I’m looking forward to the next time when hopefully we can reach 1,000 boxes!”

This initiative not only benefitted the food banks in managing their operations but also gave team members a sense of joy and fulfillment through their service.

“I really enjoyed my experience at the food bank,” said Katie H., a Human Resource coordinator at SkyWest HDQ. “It was fun to interact with coworkers outside of work while we helped with a good cause. I would love to do it again!”

SkyWest Airlines is proud to partner with organizations like food banks and other non-profit groups that provide vital support to our local communities. A special thank you to those who participated in these opportunities and the countless others who continue to go above and beyond to serve and give back.

If you are looking to be part of a team that values exceptional service and giving back to your community visit our Careers page and check out the current openings here at SkyWest!