Category Archives: Making a Difference

Nov 01

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

November is Native American Heritage Month and SkyWest is proud to recognize our people and their varied backgrounds and cultures. Watch for stories throughout the month featuring some of our people, including Penny M., parts manager in South Bend, who is part of the Lumbee tribe of North Carolina, and DEN-based First Officer Maria M. who is part of the Leach Lake band of Ojibwe tribe in Minnesota.

Penny M. – SBN Parts Manager

For SkyWest Parts Manager Penny, being Native American is something that she is proud of and holds close to her heart. She is a member of the Lumbee tribe, made up of tribal nations from the Algonquian, Iroquoian, and Siouan language families, including the Hatteras, the Tuscarora, and the Cheraw. Recognized as Indian in 1885 by the State of North Carolina, the Lumbee continue working to educate others about their right to be federally recognized, a movement that Penny holds dear to her heart.

Growing up in Michigan and far from her tribe in North Carolina, Penny credits her father for the knowledge and appreciation she has for her heritage and culture.

“I have a lot of pride in my heritage,” she said. “I’ve always been interested in learning more about my culture since I was 11 years old, and my dad instilled in me a love of where I came from and who my tribe was. Just ask my family, I’m the go-to person for tribal information and family history.”

Before coming to SkyWest, Penny worked as a JCPenney corporate manager for 20 years. There she gained experience working with teams and helping showcase the value of recognizing diversity and fairness. In 2022, a family member convinced Penny to take a break from retirement and join the SkyWest team where she has seen how our diversity has helped us be successful.

“I’m grateful that SkyWest gives us opportunities to share our stories with each other,” she said. “It shows that we can have different backgrounds and share with each other the best parts of ourselves. I think this is why my team has been so great to work with and for me to lead. We all understand each other and have learned from each other’s stories.”

Penny is devoted to sharing her heritage with her family members too. She’s been able to fly with her grandchildren to attend powwows and cultural celebrations along the Lumbee River in North Carolina, where her tribe originated. She also visits local tribe festivals where she can connect with other Native Americans and learn more about their history.

Penny’s favorite part of this month, “Recognizing each other!”

“My native heritage has helped me immensely in my career and has brought my family closer,” said Penny. “I love being able to share that with others and to learn more from their stories. Not only does this recognition help us become more aware as humankind but it’s a freedom that we can all learn from.”

Maria M. – DEN First Officer

Denver-based CRJ First Officer Maria has always wanted to become an airline pilot. As she was training and flying with mentors, she learned about SkyWest and knew the airline is exactly what she was looking for.

“What really piqued my interest was the culture of SkyWest that I had always heard about,” she said. “Whether it was the Pilot Pathway Program, an interview, or at my instructing job, people would mention SkyWest. They convinced me it was the best learning and working environment out there.”

Maria joined the SkyWest Pilot Pathway Program in 2021 and she recently completed her first flight as a first officer.

“Once I got to my first day of training, I knew I had made the right choice,” she said. “Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful and I’m happy I made the decision to continue my career with SkyWest.”

Maria is proud to be celebrating her Native American heritage throughout the month and is excited for others to recognize and connect with her great culture. She is a member of the Leach Lake band of Ojibwe tribe in Minnesota, a tribe known for their preservation of heritage.

“It is important to recognize Native American Heritage Month because it makes people feel more comfortable and welcome, especially in their workplace,” she said. “Being able to share my story is so encouraging and ensures that representation for the culture and community stays alive.”

Maintaining her connection to her heritage is very important for Maria. She celebrates her culture by spending time with family, sharing experiences, and attending various traditional events. Maria’s advice for those wanting to recognize this month is to support indigenous artists!

Oct 06

Cancer Awareness: Hope and Support

Whether you are a survivor, advocate, community organizer or co-survivor, cancer affects all of us. Throughout October and Breast Cancer Awareness Month we will be sharing the stories of SkyWest people and their battles against cancer in its various forms.

Flight Attendant Jaime R. and Captain Ricky M. have both faced the challenge of a cancer diagnosis and are still fighting the ongoing battles of treatment and recovery. Their unique journeys serve as powerful examples of how resilience and unwavering determination have enabled them to conquer adversities.

Jaime R. – DEN Flight Attendant

After years of preventive care, regular exams at home and with her doctor, and no familial history of cancer, Jaime was surprised when she was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) earlier this year. At age 46 she began her new life of tests, never ending appointments, and what seemed like endless treatments.

“I always thought because I was doing the right things, I don’t smoke, I eat clean, only glassware for drinks, regular exercise, and natural deodorant, that I would prevent cancer,” she said. “I did several at-home checks and with my doctor and felt confident of being cancer free. The only way that the cancer was detected was through a mammogram, a free test that can be done for anyone. Something that I found too uncomfortable and had put off.”

After a pathology report determined that Jaime had four tumors, the largest at 15mm, and large amounts of Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), her doctors gave her the options to begin her battle against cancer. She underwent a seven-hour bi-lateral double mastectomy with a direct implant reconstruction. Her weekly chemo sessions begin this weekend for the aggressive cancer, and an additional year of infusion treatments to come.

“I found out that I’ve had this cancer inside of me for a long time,” she said. “I still have a small amount DCIS they couldn’t get, and I’m hopeful the chemo gets it.”

For Jaime, prioritizing herself and well-being has become more important since her diagnosis.

“Many of us think we’re too busy and that our work schedules, children, and homes are a priority over our own,” she said. “We barely make time for ourselves, and our self-care is in the back seat. I was no different. Between three kids and two jobs, I neglected myself. Do not wait on self-care, it matters.”

For anyone with questions about breast cancer, Jaime offers this advice, “Get a mammogram by 35 for a good baseline. A FREE yearly screening is all it took and could have made all the diﬀerence for me. You matter, your life matters. Make yourself a priority!”

Captain Ricky M. – LAX ERJ Captain

For Captain Ricky M., the month of October is more than his battle with cancer but a great time to reflect on what others are going through.

“This month makes me appreciate all the great things I’ve experienced in my life and the dark times I survived.,” he said.

As a kid, Captain M. had always wanted to be a pilot. When he was 18 years old, he signed up at his nearest flight school and worked hard to become an airline pilot. In 2003 he was diagnosed with cancer and underwent multiple surgeries, treatments, and reconstruction surgeries. He started chemo the next year, and only two months later joined the SkyWest team.

“I’ve learned the greatest lessons since my diagnosis,” said Captain M. “I’m living my dream, and nothing can stop that. No one can tell me that I can’t do what I love, which is flying airplanes for the best company. I’ve been doing this for almost 20 years, and I’ve still got a long way to go! Having cancer didn’t stop my dream and I don’t see it stopping me anytime soon.”

Captain M. has since flown the EMB, CRJ, and E175. He’s held several positions throughout his almost 20 years at SkyWest as a Captain on various aircraft and a line check airman. He’s also seen a lot of support from coworkers throughout his battle, including those who have supported him through the SkyWest’s internal employee programs.

His advice for those battling cancer: “People will be hesitant to tell you the truth about cancer, ask them to be brutally honest. Having cancer is the scariest thing that you’ll go through, please hold tight to your loved ones, and rely on the systems of support that you have. Finally, do not watch crime movies or dark TV shows, the best medicine is slapstick comedy and cartoons, trust me.”

Screening tests can also help find cancer early, significantly increasing the survival rate of those diagnosed with cancer. Ensure you and your loved ones are having regular screenings. One excellent option is to use United Healthcare’s preventive care checklist tool to see what exams you might expect at your next checkup.

SkyWest supports the fight against cancer and knowing you’re not alone is an important way we can support each other.

Aug 09

SkyWest Culture: Casting a Line for Connections

It all started back in 2015 when a group of SkyWest mechanics in Colorado Springs decided to put their passion and skills for fishing to the test through a friendly competition. The idea took off, and the first fishing tournament resulted in an unforgettable event filled with laughter, fishing tales, and the thrill of the catch. After just one year they were hooked, and that initial group vowed to make it an annual affair. Now, nine years later, it has now evolved to include employees from other SkyWest teams, their families, and continues to provide opportunities for camaraderie, connection, and giving back.

“We not only compete for the biggest catch but also compete in acts of kindness and generosity, giving back to our community and supporting charitable causes,” said Bruce Chang, SkyWest maintenance training instructor.

Bruce was one of the first to put the idea of a fishing tournament together. He says its uniqueness lies not only in the friendship it fosters among the SkyWest employees but also in the culture of giving that surrounds the event.

To participate, individuals from any SkyWest team or location pay an entrance fee with proceeds going towards prizes or being donated to organizations like Trout Unlimited. Prizes have also been donated by colleagues and fishing companies. These have included fishing gear and accessories, along with SkyWest apparel and merchandise, with the goal of being able to provide a prize to every child who participates in the tournament. This approach has helped foster a sense of belonging and strengthen connections within the SkyWest team.

“Beyond the thrill of the competition, our fishing tournaments are opportunities for families and friends to create memories and strengthen the bonds that keep us connected,” said Bruce.

The fishing tournaments have also acted as a catalyst for forming new friendships and acquaintances within the company. Newcomers are always welcome, and their participation enriches the event’s atmosphere and dynamics as employees from different departments can connect over their shared hobby.

“For nine years running, our fishing tournaments have been a testament to our commitment to fostering unity within SkyWest,” said Bruce. “As we look to the future, we hope to expand and share this wonderful tradition with even more participants.”

More than just a competition, the tournament promotes teamwork, belonging, and generosity. Each year, participants eagerly await the tournament, ready to cast their lines, create new stories, and strengthen the bonds of friendship and family.

Ready to join a company with great culture? Go to www.skywest.com/careers to get started on an application today!

Jul 14

SkyWest Recognized as an Outstanding Navy Reserve Employer

SkyWest representatives receive Navy Reserve award

SkyWest was recently recognized by the U.S. Navy as one of America’s outstanding Navy Reserve employers. We were nominated for the award by a current SkyWest employee for the support we provide to Veterans and reservists.

“We honor and recognize the many employers who support our Citizen Sailors, who are often called upon to leave their families and civilian jobs on short notice,” said Vice Adm. John B. Mustin, Chief of Navy Reserve and Commander, Navy Reserve Force.

SkyWest Chief Pilot Makenzie Meek and Assistant Chief Pilot Jorge Yepiz attended the Navy Employer Recognition Event in San Diego and accepted the award on behalf of SkyWest.

SkyWest is home to nearly 1,500 men and women who have or are still serving in the U.S. armed forces. We are proud of their service and look forward to seeing even more bring their incredible skills to our team in the future. SkyWest provides military pilots who have a DD214 form a $7,500 bonus, and we offer a Rotor Transition Program (RTP) for military rotor pilots to enter the commercial aviation industry. Through this program, pilots begin accruing company seniority, receive an enhanced introduction to SkyWest, have access to mentors and interview prep, and are eligible for up to $25,000 in bonuses and tuition reimbursement.

Jun 17

Happy Father’s Day

Lexi K. – CRJ First Officer (SLC)

“My dad has been my inspiration to fly since I was a little girl. My brother and I both chose to become pilots because of him, and we were lucky enough to be trained by him and fly together here at SkyWest.

“Growing up with my dad’s flight privileges is the reason I enjoyed traveling, but I didn’t know that I wanted to become a pilot. I even attended college to study another major and it wasn’t until I almost completed my bachelor’s degree that I finally took a discovery flight and realized that I needed to be in the skies. Joining SkyWest and being able to train with my family and eventually work in the flight deck with my dad has been really cool. Flying with my dad gets me really excited for my future in aviation and inspires me to do as much as I can with my career.”

Gabbie S. – Flight Attendant (ORD)

“Happy Father’s Day to the most impeccable person I know, my dad Cllr. S. He’s done and continues to do so much for my siblings and I, and we’ll never be able to fully share with the world his greatness.

“My dad put his law career on hold to move us out of Liberia, a war-torn country at the time, to America so that we could have a better life. I will forever cherish the sacrifices he made for my family. His determination to create a better life for us, and for those around him is reflected in the current work he does as a one of Liberia’s top lawyers. My dad inspires me to do better, and to become the best person that I can be. He’s taught me to help and care for the ones I love.

“Dad, I love you past the stars and back, you will always and forever be my superhero. I love you papa.”

Happy Father’s Day to all our SkyWest dads and to the fathers who helped inspire us to follow our passion to be part of the aviation industry!

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.