Tag Archives: SkyWest Pilots

Dec 22

SkyWest Santa Visits Honduras

CRJ Captain Zelaya Amaya grew up in Honduras and never experienced the traditional magic of Christmas. His family always celebrated the holidays with new clothes and fireworks, but with two brothers and four sisters, his parents had a lot of mouths to feed and Christmas presents weren’t in the budget. He always hoped that Santa Claus would stop by his house to drop off some presents, but it never happened.

At nine, and no longer believing in Santa, Captain Zelaya Amaya moved to the United States where he began a new life. He eventually became interested in aviation, enrolled in flight school, and joined SkyWest in 2021.

Over the years, Captain Zelaya Amaya has continued to think about his home country and how he could give back. In recent years, Honduras has faced numerous natural disasters, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and wiping out crops, infrastructure, and homes. Additionally, Honduras is one of the poorest countries in the region with over 50% of the population living in poverty.

This year, Captain Zelaya Amaya had the idea to fulfill his childhood dream by bringing the Christmas spirit to the children who, just like him, had never experienced a visit from Santa.

“I wanted to help the kids forget what they’ve been through these past few years,” he said.

He started a GoFundMe to raise money for toys and other goodies. Then, dressed in a big red suit with a fluffy white beard and boxes of gifts, he flew to Honduras.

“I am very thankful for the job I have here at SkyWest,” Captain Zelaya Amaya said. “Without it, this wouldn’t have been possible.”

During his trip, Captain Zelaya Amaya says it was thrilling to hand out toys and food to the struggling community called Rio Blanquito. The children jumped around, beaming with joy and excitement as their dreams came true. Memorably, one child ran up to him, hugging and thanking him for his new toy car.

In total, he estimates that over 1,000 children received a toy. Additionally, 40 kids received a backpack filled with school supplies and 50 families received a bag of staple groceries.

Captain Zelaya Amaya plans to return to Honduras again next year, spreading the Christmas cheer to even more children.

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 15

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

For Hispanic Heritage month we’ve heard incredible stories from SkyWest people about their diverse journeys to aviation and how their culture has influenced their careers. As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, we have several more stories to share:

James B. Sr. and James B. – Cross Utilized Supervisors, Scottsbluff, Nebraska 

For the Benitez family, celebrating their culture is an everyday occasion and they’re very proud to be a part of the growing Mexican American community in Scottsbluff, Nebraska (BFF). They’re also very proud to be a part of the SkyWest team as “SkyWest’s BFF pioneers.”

“My family is very tight knit, and we can celebrate anything,” said James Jr. “I think because we’re the only Benitez family in the area, my mom and sister are insistent in getting our family together as much as possible. In the Mexican culture, family is everything. Family pushes us to do better. They’re who supports most and it’s who you learn all the important lessons from. Family is everything to us and I love that part of my Mexican culture!”

James’s dad, James Sr., had recently retired from 30 years of service at the post office when he heard about a new airline that would be flying at his local airport. He jumped at a chance for another career and was among the first SkyWest employees in BFF. James Sr. loved his job so much that he convinced his son to join the team only five months later.

“It’s fun to work with my dad,” said James Jr. “Before SkyWest I was a social worker and part-time substitute teacher at my local schools. I wasn’t the happiest and I jumped to apply when my dad called me. We’ve both been here for over five years and we both love our team. I’m also grateful for the opportunities to travel with my dad and attend the NFL, MLB, and college games that we enjoy.”

Captain Jesse B., First Officer Julieta V., Flight Attendant Yessenia A., and Flight Attendant Carla N.

Recently, a Houston-based all-Hispanic crew operated a local trip together for the first time. This experience provided them with an opportunity to reflect on their unique journeys within aviation and the similarities their personal stories share. Here is what a few of them had to share:

Captain Jesse B. – El Salvador

For Captain Jesse B., flying with an all-Hispanic crew was something he didn’t think too much about when he began his aviation career. However, the recent experience he had is one he will never forget.

“I was surprised but excited,” Captain B. said. “It was great to see all of us together and it felt rewarding to be a part of a community who supports each other when we see each other doing well, it makes me proud! Houston may seem small, but we are filled with people of rich cultures and I’m happy to be a part of that.”

Captain B. was also glad to see a crewmember he had flown with before and who was from his home country.

“I’ve flown with Yessenia before and I am always excited because we are both from El Salvador,” said Captain B. “When we first met I was surprised that I knew exactly which town she was from and that I’ve visited it before. I like knowing that even though we’re almost 2,000 miles away from El Salvador that because of our jobs we can still connect and share our stories.”

First Officer Julieta V. – Colombia

“It was a lot of fun to work with this crew and the only thing that made me sad was the fact that it was a local trip,” said Julieta. “It excited me to see so many different countries represented in our crew. That was my favorite part, seeing our different cultures represented and showing others that it’s possible to be a Latino, or Hispanic or whatever, and succeed in your job.”

Becoming a pilot involved a lot of hard work and Julieta credits the lessons she was taught as kid growing up in Colombia. For Julieta, her culture strengthened her to stop at nothing until she had accomplished her dreams of being a pilot.

Flight Attendant Yessenia A.– El Salvador

“The world of aviation is what united us,” said Yessenia. “After our introductions and seeing how we work together, I was filled with so much pride to be on this trip. I loved seeing the diversity within SkyWest come together and it was a full circle moment for me.”

Yessenia began her SkyWest career over 12 years ago and says it’s a “lifelong dream come true.” Growing up in a small town in El Salvador, she would recreate what she thought was happening on the handful of flights that flew over her town. Yessenia wanted to travel the world as a flight attendant. She knew that with hard work and sacrifice her dream would one day come true.

For Yessenia, SkyWest is exactly what she was looking for. She loves her job and enjoys meeting the diverse crewmembers she interacts with. She uses her travel privileges to visit El Salvador and takes her son to show him where she was raised. Her parents are also very proud of her career and still support her dreams of traveling the world.

“My parents sacrificed a lot for us to move to the U.S.,” said Yessenia. “Because of them I got my opportunity to follow my dream. I drove six hours to attend my SkyWest interview, and I got a speeding ticket because I didn’t want to miss my chance. It was stressful and fun, but I got the job!”

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.

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 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.”

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.