Happy Father’s Day to all of our SkyWest dads and to the fathers who have helped encourage us to achieve our aviation dreams! This includes Captain Mark, who inspired his daughter, First Officer McKenna, to pursue a career as a pilot.
“Long story short, I got into aviation because of my dad,” McKenna said. “I don’t know many people who still have a passion for what they do after doing it for 30 years. That’s rare.”
Captain Mark has been with SkyWest for nearly three decades and he has been a part of plenty of positive changes over the years. In fact, he remembers a time when there were only 500 SkyWest pilots and our operations were much smaller.
“SkyWest has been smart with their growth over the years,” Captain Mark said. “I’ve had a good career and life here.”
McKenna was surrounded by the aviation industry growing up, but it wasn’t until she was a few years into a medical degree that she decided to make the switch to aviation and follow in her father’s footsteps to become a pilot.
“I’m grateful to have parents who supported my decision,” McKenna said. “And I’m especially grateful to have the best example of the kind of pilot I hope to be someday.”
McKenna was familiar with SkyWest thanks to her dad’s career and knew it would be a great place to fly. She was also drawn in because of the travel opportunities and special memories her family was able to make growing up.
“I always thought SkyWest was the best, but the more I learned about my opportunities here, the more I found that to be true.” McKenna said. “I’m proud to work here and be surrounded by great people who are really good at what they do.”
Captain Mark and McKenna’s shared journey in aviation has strengthened their bond. They are grateful for the opportunity they have had to both be at SkyWest where they’ve even been able to fly a short turn together, from Salt Lake City, (SLC) to Fresno (FAT).
“The greatest day I have had at work was a couple of weeks ago, when I got to fly with my daughter, I don’t think anything could ever top that,” Captain Mark said.
“Flying with my dad has been my goal for many years now, and it was so cool to finally accomplish it and work with him,” McKenna said. “He is a great example to me of exactly what a Captain should be, and I appreciate his guidance and support.”
Aviation has truly become a family tradition for their family. All three of Captain Mark’s children completed their flight training and soloed at Utah State University, just like he did. McKenna’s younger brother is currently a flight instructor, and her older sister had been scheduled to begin ground school at SkyWest before her unexpected passing.
“I have great kids, and I know McKenna’s big sister was with us on that flight,” Captain Mark said. “Everything McKenna has accomplished is a testament to her strength and the challenges she’s overcome. I couldn’t be more proud of her.”
Throughout November we’ve been celebrating Native American Heritage Month by sharing the stories of some of our incredible people. Read on to hear how their background and culture has impacted these SkyWest employees.
Anna G. – First Officer, SFO
Anna is a member of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. Her tribe wasn’t federally recognized until 1994, a significant milestone that came after years of persistent advocacy and effort.
Anna takes pride in knowing that her grandmother played a pivotal role in the journey to Federal recognition. She testified in front of Congress, passionately advocating for the tribe’s recognition. Her courage and dedication were instrumental in securing the rights that the tribe now holds.
For Anna, her grandmother’s legacy is a source of motivation. She believes it is important to highlight the rich history and ongoing contributions of Native American communities.
“A tradition in my culture is to receive an eagle feather to recognize our success,” Anna said. “I’ve received feathers for many of my accomplishments including graduations, finishing flight school, and completing training with SkyWest.”
Each feather she has received serves as a tangible reminder of her hard work and helps her hold her heritage close. Symbolizing the support from her community, who helped her achieve her dreams.
Anna’s passion for aviation began in highschool. Her mother, who was a flight attendant for a short time, had many friends with airplanes and one of them took Anna on her first flight in a Cessna 182.
“I have been hooked ever since,” Anna said. “I knew I wanted to pursue a career in aviation.”
Anna was drawn to SkyWest because of it’s reputation for job security and it’s exceptional safety record. The assurance of stability and the company’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards provided her with the confidence that she was making the right choice for her aviation career.
“I’m happy to represent my tribe as a SkyWest pilot,” Anna explained. “And I’m proud to be a part of a company that celebrates me.”
Shelby A. – Agt. Cross Utilized, RIW
As a proud member of the Dena’ina Athabascan tribe, Shelby believes she naturally gravitated towards the aviation industry because of the integral role it played in her daily life. Growing up in Nondalton, Alaska, aviation was essential to connecting remote communities with essential services.
“Flying serves as the primary source of transportation for all of Alaska,” Shelby said. “So it has become a prominent staple of who I am. I was welcomed into the business by SkyWest Airlines in Riverton about five years ago now, and I am excited to contribute for many more years to come.”
For Shelby, honoring her heritage is a communal experience. She chooses to celebrate with her fellow tribesmen through various cultural activities that reinforce their connection to their ancestors and traditions.
These activities include gatherings where they come together to share stories, songs, dances, and traditional cuisine that have been passed down through generations. These practices are not only a way to preserve their cultural heritage but also to educate others about the legacy of their people.
Camillo A. – First Officer ERJ, SEA
Growing up on the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, Camillo was often captivated by the sight of planes from a nearby flight school flying over his community and he enjoyed watching the pilots practice their maneuvers.
“I realized then that a career in aviation had to be the coolest job in the world,” Camillo said. “That’s what inspired me to pursue flying.”
Camillo decided to join SkyWest during the pandemic. He had a friend who worked at SkyWest who suggested he apply after seeing how SkyWest continued to be successful even during industry uncertainty.
“This prompted me to convert my license and apply to SkyWest,” Camillo said. “I sought stability and consistency, a job I could depend on to provide for me and my family.”
For Camillo, Native American Heritage month is important because it is an opportunity for people to learn about the resilience and perseverance of the Native cultures, and recognize the remarkable endurance they have demonstrated through generations.
“In the early 1800s, Chief WhiteBear had a vision of a lake to the north,” Camillo explains. “In his vision, he saw a united people, composed of individuals from cultures all over the world, singing songs and celebrating together. Determined to fulfill this vision, he traveled north with his clan, enduring many moons of harsh weather. Eventually, they arrived at the lake he had seen in his dreams. There, they settled and called it home. Today, this community is known as the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation. Every year, the Nation hosts a powwow, attracting clans from around the globe to come together in celebration. I believe this annual event is a testament to Chief WhiteBear’s vision of unity and cultural celebration.”
Alayha M. – Crew Scheduler, HDQ
Alayha is passionate about upholding her family’s traditions and connecting with her culture. While she was growing up, Alayha’s mother served as the Superintendent of the Bureau of Indian Affairs for several years in St. George, Utah. During this time, she would often take Alayha and her siblings to see various reservations in the Southern Utah area. These visits provided valuable learning experiences that allowed her family to immerse themselves in the diverse traditions and customs of different Native American communities.
Her experience in Southern Utah also helped bring Alayha to SkyWest. A friend suggested she apply for a role in crew scheduling knowing how much she loved solving puzzles and multitasking.
“He was right,” Alayha said. “Years later, and I still love working here!”
Alayha says she is happy to be part of a company that celebrates her and takes pride in sharing her family legacy. She believes that it is important to share the stories of her ancestors, so they are not forgotten.
“On my mother’s side, my family is proud to be directly related to Susan La Fleshe Picotte, the very first Native American physician,” Alayha explained. “She was a true trailblazer, breaking barriers for Native American women and setting an inspiring example for our tribe and beyond.”
Her dedication, hard work, and compassion brought much-needed medical care to the Omaha reservation, making a significant impact on the health and well-being of her community.
Sept. 15 marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month and SkyWest is honored to recognize and celebrate the month by featuring updates from employees across the operation who share their thoughts about what this month means to them.
Read on to hear what Hector T., SFO-based E175 first officer, and Vicente G.P., OKC lead mechanic, say about their personal journeys and how they honor their heritage while contributing to the world of aviation.
Hector T., E175 FO (SFO)
Hector T.s’ transition from the IT industry to the flight deck embodies the spirit of pursuing one’s dreams. After spending 23 years in IT, with the last decade in management roles, Hector decided to follow his childhood passion for flying. His dream was realized just a few months ago when he became a SkyWest pilot.
“After consulting with current and previous SkyWest pilots, it was evident that SkyWest was my first choice,” Hector said. “It is the best regional airline in the industry, with a strong record and performance.”
For Hector, recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month is an important celebration of diversity and an opportunity to spotlight the contributions of the Hispanic community to aviation.
“Diversity should be celebrated,” Hector said. “It’s a chance for others to learn about our cultures and promote the field of aviation.”
Hector moved from Puerto Rico to San Diego in 1989, where he continues to live today with his family, and has worked to ensure his heritage continues to play a significant role in his life. He fondly recalls “Las Fiestas Patronales,” a series of local festivals where communities gather to celebrate Puerto Rican culture with food, music, and pageants. These festivals offer a glimpse into the rich culture and traditions of Puerto Rico.
Vicente G.P., Lead Mechanic Crew (OKC)
Vicente’s path to SkyWest is rooted in a commitment to excellence and a desire to work with a great team. He chose SkyWest thanks to our reputation in supporting and developing its employees.
“I wanted to work somewhere I could use my skills as an aircraft mechanic and be part of a team that values safety and innovation,” he said.
For Vicente, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to reflect on and share the rich cultural legacy of Hispanic communities.
“It’s important to celebrate and honor our history,” he said. “It helps everyone understand and appreciate our backgrounds.”
One story Vicente likes to share with his friends is when he and his family moved from Durango, Mexico to Artesia, New Mexico. The move marked a significant shift and was only possible thanks to the resilience and dedication of his family.
“Their journey has taught me the value of hard work and staying true to our heritage,” he reflects.
Vicente also works to keep his culture alive through traditional practices, such as enjoying Mexican food and participating in cultural events. Family is central to his celebrations, and he emphasizes the importance of maintaining customs that connect him to his heritage.
As we honor Hispanic Heritage Month, the stories of Hector and Vicente remind us of the diverse backgrounds and experiences that contribute to making SkyWest the best in our industry.
Amelia Earhart Day is celebrated each July to recognize the pioneering achievements she made for women in aviation. The organizers behind the Amelia Earhart Festival in Atchison, Kansas continue this effort by honoring outstanding aviation professionals each year who are making a difference in the industry. This year, they presented the Pioneering Achievement Award to SkyWest First Officer Kamia B. for her career achievements and community contributions.
“Given her journey from homelessness to flight instructor, Kamia has a compelling story to tell,” said museum and festival coordinator Maggie Nelson Collins.
Kamia was recognized and accepted the award from Amelia Rose Earhart (no relation to the pioneer Amelia Earhart), who had won the Pioneering Achievement Award almost 10 years ago and had provided a scholarship to Kamia early in her flight training.
“It means so much to me that SkyWest cares about my achievements and is willing to be part of such a glorious occasion. I love this company and truly feel like part of a family,” said Kamia. “I’m excited to upgrade as soon as I get my hours and do the best job I can here.”
SkyWest, Inc. Board Chairman James Welch and Director of Flight Operations and Company Chief Pilot Jessica Mulligan, and their spouses, attended the event and were excited for the opportunity to recognize Kamia.
“The event was fantastic,” said Jessica Mulligan, Director of Flight Operations and SkyWest Company Chief Pilot. “Kamia’s speech was raw, endearing, and motivating. She did a wonderful job discussing the obstacles she has overcome and providing advice and inspiration to others. It was a privilege to support her and be part of the festivities.”
Congratulations, Kamia, on receiving this prestigious recognition and for continuing to inspire others to pursue their dreams. Learn more about how you can take to the skies as a SkyWest pilot.
The SkyWest team is the best in the industry thanks to our people and the various skills and strengths we bring to work every day. As we continue to celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, read what Captain Lauren A. and Mera B. have to say about their experience at SkyWest and how they share their culture with those around them.
Captain Lauren A. – CRJ Captain DFW Captain Lauren A.’s journey with SkyWest Airlines began as a college student, non-revving between Phoenix and Honolulu thanks to her father, a Delta Air Lines mechanic. Inspired by how happy our crews always were, Lauren set her sights on becoming a pilot with SkyWest. Proudly of Hawaiian, Japanese, Filipino, and English descent, Lauren embraces her diverse heritage and loves the unity that defines our company culture.
“Every flight feels like a reunion,” says Captain Lauren A., recalling her encounters with fellow Polynesians and Asians. “No matter where we go, we always find the island connections. The Aloha spirit lives on in all of us.”
Beyond the flightdeck, Captain Lauren A. celebrates her family culture by sharing traditions, customs, and favorite meals with her crews, hoping to share her sense of belonging and appreciation.
Mera B. – Parts Clerk OKC Mera says that Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a deeply personal and prideful experience. Born in Oahu and hailing from the Marshall Islands, Mera finds solace in wearing handmade Marshallese accessories and supporting local island businesses, even while residing far from her homeland.
“As the saying goes, ‘You can take the girl from the Island, but you can’t take the Island from the girl,'” Mera said. “I am proud to be a Marshallese, I am proud to be an Island girl!”
Grateful for the inclusive environment fostered at SkyWest Airlines, Mera emphasizes the importance of celebrating AAPI month as a means of honoring diverse histories and cultures.
“In our family, we are builders, war survivors, songwriters, and missionaries,” said Mera. “But the common thread is our commitment to preserving our land and heritage.”
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month and at SkyWest we take pride in the rich diversity of our team and the various backgrounds and cultures of our people.
Lika F. – Coordinator Crew Admin, HDQ
Lika, a coordinator crew admin at HDQ, doesn’t limit celebrating her culture to just the month of May; she embraces every opportunity to share what her heritage means to her and how it influences her life and career at SkyWest.
“Recognizing AAPI Heritage Month is important to me because it acknowledges the significant achievements, contributions, and impact of Asian American and Pacific Islander individuals and communities in history, culture, and society,” Lika explains.
As a member of the Pacific Islander community, specifically from the island of Samoa, Lika sees this month as a beautiful reminder to preserve cultural memory and to take pride in her identity. One key aspect of her heritage being her family and their history as farmers on the island, a connection of land and people that she describes as, “deeply rooted in the Samoan people.”
“The land is a source of life,” Lika said. “My family spends a lot of time outdoors together maintaining our cacao, plantain, and taro plantations. Once harvesting season comes, we prepare the crops to be taken to the farmers market for sale. We are planters and farmers. This is who we are, and it’s a part of who I am.”
So, how does Lika celebrate her culture? For her, it’s all about family and community.
“There’s no better way to celebrate than being surrounded by family at a cookout,” she says. “Traditional Siva or dancing is always the highlight of any Samoan cultural celebration. Whether it’s the art of dance and storytelling, listening to cultural music, learning and speaking the native language, or wearing traditional garments, there are many ways to celebrate our culture.”
The desire to be surrounded by a positive culture and community was an important part of Lika’s journey to SkyWest.
“I came to SkyWest after hearing a lot of positive feedback about the culture and leadership,” Lika says. “Along with its prestigious reputation, SkyWest also presented endless opportunities for professional growth and development.”
Captain Johnny C. – ERJ Captain, ORD
Captain Johnny C.’s journey with SkyWest began long before he became an airline pilot. As an exchange student during his first visit to the United States, his initial flight to his host family was operated by SkyWest.
“I quickly noticed the immense presence this airline had in the country,” Captain Johnny C. recalled. “I knew then that SkyWest would offer me a diverse range of flying experiences, unlike any other.”
This month, Captain Johnny C. has been reflecting on his journey from Taiwan to the Midwest and the significant importance of AAPI recognition.
“Understanding and embracing our differences allows us to break out of our shells,” he said. “Even though we are far from our home countries, this helps us feel closer to our heritage. This month, we can truly live, laugh, and smile as we celebrate our cultural differences through food, clothing, and various activities.”
For Captain Johnny C., the most unique aspect of his culture back home is the variety of street food that he misses celebrating. He also misses seeing others wearing traditional clothes, as it was a way to show pride in their ancestors and tribes.
“I’m grateful to be a part of this month’s celebration of AAPI,” said Captain Johnny C. “Our cultures are like a massive melting pot. Although we may look different, we share many similarities and view each other as family. That’s what it’s all about – the support we give our brothers and sisters to succeed in this industry, where we make up only a fraction of it.”
Throughout the month, we will feature updates from employees across the operation sharing their thoughts about what AAPI Month means to them and how their culture and background have shaped their experience at SkyWest.
The choice to become a pilot is a monumental decision and it comes in many shapes and sizes. For some, it starts as a childhood dream and, for others, it comes from their adventurous spirit and desire to see the world. First Officer Colton S.’s decision came thanks to the example of his brother and has led him to a fulfilling and invigorating career.
Colton’s brother, Captain Cody S., joined the SkyWest team in 2001. As Captain Cody was transitioning from the E175 to the CRJ in 2019, his simulator instructor, Captain Adam M., encouraged him to share the experience with his friends and family. This gesture not only gave Colton a chance to learn more about what it is really like to fly an aircraft but led to his decision to pursue a career in the skies.
“[Cody sharing his experience] was the moment that really changed everything for me,” Colton said. “It was really eye-opening and helped me understand why my brother enjoyed his career so much. I left [the conversation] with the realization that I was not enjoying what I did for a living and that someday I wanted to become an airline pilot for SkyWest, whatever it took to get there.”
“I feel for Colton it was a life-changing experience when he realized this is something he could do, and it could provide a stable career for him and his wife’s future,” Captain Adam M. said.
Shortly after, Colton enrolled in flight school at ATP in Ogden, quit his job, and surprised his brother Cody with the news a few days before class began by wearing his new school’s apparel. Colton enjoyed his time as a student at ATP, earning his CFI, CFII, and MEI. While building his hours, he became a flight instructor, then a lead flight instructor at ATP, and joined the SkyWest Pilot Pathway Program.
“I was a SkyWest cadet, and it was truly the only airline that I had considered or looked into, so I am fortunate to have made it here,” Colton said.
Colton has since graduated from flight school and is currently a SLC-based first officer.
“This has truly been a full-circle journey from the start of my aviation pursuit to where I am today,” Colton shared. “I want to thank Captain Adam M., my simulator instructor, for playing such a big role in a major life-changing decision, and I hope to fly with him someday! Also, I want to thank my brother Cody for all of his support throughout my aviation journey so far and for being a great example to me. We are both looking forward to flying together in the near future!”
Thank you, Captain Adam M. and Captain Cody S., for sharing your love for aviation. Welcome to the SkyWest family, Colton!
SkyWest operates nearly 2,000 flights every day. In just the last few months, several of these flights have been operated by an all-female flight crew. While the overall flight itself may be ordinary, check out what our people had to say about these flights.
ERJ Captain Claire F. and Flight Attendant Toni M. were part of an all-female crew that had the chance to meet SkyWest, President and CEO Chip Childs.
“I always love when we have an all-female crew,” Captain Claire F. said. “It’s always a LOT of fun!”
All-female crews provide a great opportunity for customers to see that the aviation industry is for everyone, no matter your gender.
“If you can see her, you really can be her,” Captain Claire F. added.
For Toni, being a part of an all-female crew is always heart-warming.
“Not only are SkyWest flight attendants and pilots among the best in the aviation industry but whenever I work with an all-female crew, I have an increased sense of pride that our company values diversity, equity and inclusion,” Toni said. “And our passengers benefit from our collective expertise when they fly with us.”
Lisa H., a Chicago-based flight attendant is proud of all the women that represent SkyWest and aviation in general. She was also extremely honored of be a part of an all-female crew.
“This does not happen very often and on the occasion that it does, it feels quite amazing,” she said.
Lisa described Women’s History Month as a chance “to show young girls to set their goals high and to be able to see women who have achieved their dreams.”
First Officer Kalley G. and Flight Attendant Debra A. said they were especially excited when they learned they were part of an all-female crew on International Women’s Day. Debra described it as “PURE JOY,” and described the passenger’s joyful shock when they realized the unique situation. Many even asked to take pictures with the crew.
“I’m so proud to be part of SkyWest,” Debra said.
“It is incredibly amazing to be a part of an all-female crew,” Kalley said. “We did receive a lot of recognition and I truly think that an all-female crew is so important. Years back when I was a child, I really did not know that women could be an airline pilot. Having an all-female crew shows others that their hopes and dreams are achievable and limitless… The industry is a great workplace for women and there is plenty more room for those future aviators! The advice I would give to women who are interested in joining the industry is that you can do both: be a woman and be a pilot. You do not have to change who you are to fit in. It’s going to take a lot of hard work and commitment but enjoy the journey because it is so worth it!”
Flight Attendant Favi M. and CRJ First Officer Alex Aragon H. experienced their first all-female flight together enroute from Sacramento (SMF) to San Francisco (SFO).
“In my six years of aviation I have never flown with another woman, let alone an entire female flight crew,” Alex said. “The flight itself was ordinary but meant much more to myself and my coworkers.”
“I think this picture dictates the beauty of how far we can strive in our careers here at SkyWest,” Favi explains. “I am definitely a proud employee and proud to be a part of such an amazing organization.”
In January, Captain Kimberly P., First Officer Rachel M., and Flight Attendants Christina H. and Traci N. safely brought passengers to Durango, Colorado (DRO), Phoenix (PHX), and Eugene, Oregon (EUG) where they were grounded due to an ice storm. Despite the setback, these remarkable women maintained their spirits, even lending a hand to the hotel staff in cleaning up the restaurant area.
For Rachel, being a part of an all-female crew was empowering and she is hopeful to see more people getting involved in groups like the Ninety Nines or Women in Aviation.
Captain Kimberly P. shared that flying with an all-female crew provides a “different type of camaraderie” and a relaxed but upbeat atmosphere.
“Don’t doubt yourself because you’re a woman,” Captain Kimberly P. encourages. “I find that some of the most dedicated pilots I’ve flown with are females, and there’s nothing you can’t do if you put your mind to it!”
Throughout the month we’ve heard incredible stories from SkyWest people about their journeys to aviation and how their culture has influenced their careers. Before Black History Month ends, we want to highlight the experience of MSP-based First Officer Ryan B., an aviation pioneer for his family and community.
Ryan B. – First Officer CRJ
CRJ First Officer Ryan is proud to be a Black aviator and even prouder to be the first in his family to achieve this milestone.
“Being an airline pilot is something that I wanted to do since I was a kid,” said Ryan. “I did not think it would be possible for a person like me to achieve their dream. It took me sitting in an accounting class and watching planes fly into the Chicago O’Hare Airport to make the switch.”
Realizing he couldn’t continue doing something he didn’t love, Ryan took a chance on his aviation dreams. His pilot journey began in 2017 at Purdue University; continued through instructing in White Plains, New York; and finally obtaining his Airline Transport Pilot license in Salt Lake City, Utah. He joined the SkyWest team in 2021, accomplishing his childhood dream of becoming an airline pilot.
“SkyWest has given me the opportunity to live my lifelong dream,” said Ryan. “Some of the best moments for me here at SkyWest are when a passenger or a ramp worker tells me how happy they are to see someone like them in the flight deck. Not only does it inspire them to achieve greatness, but it inspires me to work harder towards my goal of being a Captain at one of our major airlines.”
For Ryan, Black History Month means taking advantage of all the opportunities life presents and making something spectacular with it. He credits the unwavering support of his family, friends, and colleagues at SkyWest, without whom his achievements wouldn’t have been possible.
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Throughout the month, we’ve also celebrated the remarkable achievements of individuals like Maintenance Admin Mike M. and Flight Attendant Myah D., whose unwavering resolve exemplifies the boundless potential within us all.
