Tag Archives: SkyWest

May 01

Celebrating our AAPI Colleagues!

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage (AAPI) Month, and SkyWest is pleased to celebrate the stories of some of our amazing people.

Michael L. – DVL Agt Cross Utilized

Growing up in Hong Kong, Michael watched Boeing 747s navigate the infamous approach at Kai Tak Airport (HKG). Aircraft would use a large checkerboard-painted hill as a visual sign to start a hard turn, descending to the runway with a tight, right turn over skyscrapers. Michael says he was impressed by the expertise displayed by pilots every day.

“It was a really difficult approach, you can ask any pilot about that,” Michael said. “I admired the skills that the pilots had, and after that, I wanted to be a pilot.”

Michael said living in Hong Kong also played a role in shaping him for a successful future in aviation.

“Hong Kong has a mixed culture as a city. I think that really helped prepare me to be able to adapt to different cultures and to get ready for flight training,” Michael said.

A graduate of the University of North Dakota, Michael is building up his flight hours and working his way toward the flight deck. Recently, he joined the SkyWest airport operations team in Devils Lake, North Dakota (DVL).

“At UND, I always heard good things about SkyWest,” Michael said. “I’ve always heard SkyWest is welcoming of everyone.”

Michael has also enjoyed seeing a different side of the aviation industry as a cross-utilized agent.

“It’s a good opportunity to help me understand the whole operation from the airport side, not only a pilot’s point of view,” Michael said. “I think it prepares me for what comes next and I think it’s really helpful.”

Michael enjoys working at a regional airport and learning how to be an agent.

“I’ve had a positive experience with SkyWest,” Michael said. “I’m working with a small team and they’ve really helped me to succeed. SkyWest is a great environment for me.”

Magdalene F. – BOI Clerk Parts III

Magdalene started her aviation career in airport operations at the Boise, Idaho (BOI) airport. Drawn to SkyWest because of the great benefits, she started on the ramp and quickly made a good impression with her skills.

“My leaders would say, ‘Oh my gosh, you’re so buff,’” Magdalene said with a laugh. “Because you’d have to carry luggage and all that other stuff. They saw me as a strong individual, so they put me in places where I could be the best.”

That was a natural fit for Magdalene, who thrives on stepping up where she is needed.

“I like to be a helping set of hands,” Magdalene said. “If anybody needs help, then I’m there.”

Magdalene says her parents helped her get to where she is today. Her family is from Western Samoa and New Zealand. Magdalene’s parents moved their family to California to provide a better life for their kids. Her mom managed a warehouse, and her dad built his own trucking business. Her parents’ examples, along with a cultural identity built on strong, efficient work, have encouraged Magdalene to take big steps every time she gets the opportunity, including making the jump from Airport Operations to Maintenance.

After over a decade of quality work and personal reliability, Magdalene has excelled in her current role as a parts clerk in the Maintenance Department.

“I have learned a lot from SkyWest,” Magdalene said. “My leaders seem to like my work ethic. They’ve given me many opportunities and I appreciate the confidence they have in me.”

When asked about more reasons she’s stayed for a decade, Magdalene adds excellent coworkers to the list.

“I love it here,” Magdalene said. “All the personalities we have here just fit in so well together. There’s a lot of different backgrounds, and we just get along so well.”

Sijin R. – DEN First Officer CRJ

Sijin moved to the United States from China at 17 years old. He was originally drawn to aviation as a flight attendant. Sijin was always impressed with how crewmembers presented themselves professionally, and he was intrigued by the opportunity to travel and meet people from all different cultures.

In 2014, Sijin joined American Airlines, and later met his wife, a fellow flight attendant, in Chicago. She helped Sijin to chase his dreams and become a pilot.

“My wife encouraged me,” Sijin said. “She wanted me to take a big step forward, so she pushed me to go to flight school and become a pilot. She’s my biggest supporter.”

Sijin attended Cornerstone Aviation and heard fellow student pilots talking about SkyWest.

“I started to look into SkyWest and learn about the company culture,” Sijin said. “I found out SkyWest is a great place to work, a great company, and has an awesome culture. That is how I decided to join SkyWest.”

Sijin joined the SkyWest Pilot Pathway Program while in flight school, and after graduation, he got his professional start at SWC, where he flew a variety of passengers, including college sports teams.

After a year, Sijin jumped at the opportunity to join SkyWest Airlines.

“I always wanted to fly here so that opportunity was great,” Sijin said. “I get great destinations to explore, and of course I love to fly.”

Sijin has found SkyWest to be a welcoming place for everybody.

“SkyWest is a place for equal job opportunities for everyone,” Sijin said. “If you’re willing to work hard and put your best foot forward, SkyWest will welcome you. That’s what I’ve experienced.”

Apr 08

SkyWest Team Gives Back In Idaho Falls

Several SkyWest employees from our Idaho Falls, Idaho (IDA) station recently traded in their uniforms for aprons as they volunteered at The Idaho Falls Soup Kitchen. The team chopped, baked, and plated more than 200 meals.

“We spend our days taking care of passengers in the air,” said Julie, IDA customer service agent. “We’re happy to take care of our neighbors here at home.”

The group says the decision to volunteer their time to give back was an easy one.

“We were made aware of a need in our community and acted quickly to form a team,” said fellow agent Kim. “We all wanted to offer our time to help ease this burden.”

The Idaho Falls Soup Kitchen provides daily meals year-round to individuals and families facing food insecurity. With 1-in-8 Idaho residents facing limited or uncertain access to adequate food, community partnerships like this one play an important role in keeping services running.

“Community support makes all the difference,” said DJ Collins, director of The Idaho Falls Soup Kitchen. “When organizations show up like this, it strengthens the entire Idaho Falls community.”

SkyWest people, like our team in IDA, are known for giving back to their communities. In fact, the station plans to continue supporting local outreach efforts. They hope their example encourages other SkyWest people to “lift where they stand.”

Mar 31

Celebrating Women’s History Month!

March is Women’s History Month, and SkyWest is excited to celebrate the stories of some of our incredible people.

Jessica T. – DEN Captain ERJ

Living near a small airport inspired Captain Jessica to make a career change.

“I always saw the planes flying around. I went for a discovery flight, and I was absolutely hooked on aviation and flying,” Captain Jessica said.

She picked up flying as a hobby and enrolled in flight school planning to become a flight instructor to afford more flight time. When she met instructors that went on to join SkyWest, Captain Jessica knew she wanted to follow that path.

“It was just such a good opportunity to try to make that happen,” Captain Jessica said. “I was a single mom, so I moved back home with my family to make SkyWest work. My parents were fantastic and just helped me make that dream come true.”

Captain Jessica loves being a pilot because there is variety in every shift. She has learned to rely on her team in the flight deck, cabin, and on the ground to excel each day.

“Everyone at the company has been extremely supportive and understanding,” Captain Jessica said. “SkyWest has always had a good support system. The company gives us the tools that we need to make decisions. They take the time to talk through things with you. They’ve made an effort to make the job a lot easier for us.”

Captain Jessica said it’s SkyWest’s people and culture that have kept her here for 20 years and inspired her to step into leadership roles.

“I remember when I went down to my chief pilot’s office to tell him that I was thinking about applying to be a line check airman, he said, ‘Why do you want to be a line check airman?’ I told him, ’We’re growing as an airline, and I want to be there to carry forward the culture as we bring in a lot of new life.’”

Scarlett O.S. – PSP Mechanic II

Growing up, Scarlett saw her mom as Superwoman. With her example, Scarlett knew she could accomplish anything, including following her passion to become an aircraft mechanic.

“She’s a single mom and she was providing for us on her own,” Scarlett said. “Seeing her handle that gave me the confidence to go for it.”

At SkyWest, Scarlett has found a welcoming environment that has allowed her to succeed.

“I was extremely nervous just coming into the field as a woman,” Scarlett said. “It’s intimidating. I was kind of expecting to have some strange experiences, but I haven’t. Everyone was welcoming. If I had questions or needed help with anything, they were more than happy to do that, and it was a judgment-free zone. I love all the opportunities that we get to continue advancing.”

Scarlett was also pleased to see a female lead mechanic, another great example of women successfully pursuing her field.

“It gave me a boost,” Scarlett said. “It felt nice to see someone in an elite position. She’s been a good mentor for me.”

Phally H. – DFW Flight Attendant

Growing up, Phally had a neighbor who was a flight attendant. She would watch her heading off to work, dressed professionally, and carrying her suitcases. One day, Phally asked her what she did and her neighbor told her she was a flight attendant.

“I didn’t know what it was,” Phally said. “She explained it to me as a kid and I was like, ‘That’s what I want to do when I grow up.’”

Phally was able to achieve this dream because of the sacrifices her mother, Pring Aik, made. She came to the United States to give her family a better life after going through war in Cambodia.

“My mother is my mentor, guide, hero, and every term possible,” Phally said. “I wouldn’t be here without her going through the war in Cambodia and getting us here safely. Also, giving us the opportunity to go to school, study, and become who we want to be in the future.”

Pring and other family members instilled values in Phally that have made her a successful flight attendant.

“They taught me great work ethic and the determination to always do things to the best of my ability and beyond, never shortcutting anything,” Phally said. “Me going into this field just kind of enhanced what my mom, parents, uncles, and aunts have taught me throughout the years: Work hard and you will achieve whatever you want in life.”

Phally sees these values in many of the women she works with at SkyWest.

“They’re dedicated. They’re loyal. They do everything that is expected and more,” Phally said. “Their hard work and work ethic are what I’m inspired by.”

Phally has also appreciated the leaders at SkyWest who have mentored her throughout her time in the skies.

“Our leaders are fantastic. They mold you and help you grow,” Phally said. “One, in particular, has been a huge positive role model to me. She’s very private and I have the utmost love and respect for her. She’s a huge inspiration in my life and comparable to my mom at how influential she is to me.”

People like that have made this job the perfect fit for Phally.

“I absolutely love the company and love the people I work with,” Phally said. “The flexibility of our job, the mentorship, and all the different departments that I’ve been able to work with, spoken to, or even asked help with, just overall are hands-down amazing.”

Lexci L. – ORD Mechanic III

After seeing what her future might look like at a desk job, Lexci knew she wanted to do something else. In high school, she especially enjoyed hands-on classes like welding and woodshop. With the help of her mom, a former flight attendant, Lexci decided to pursue aircraft maintenance

“I always knew that I wanted to fix things, work on things, and get my hands dirty,” Lexci said.

After about three years at SkyWest, Lexci is qualified to work on almost everything as a mechanic. She loves the variety she experiences at work every day.

“There’s just always a lot to offer, and I like that there’s always something new to work on cause it’s never the same old thing with planes,” Lexci said.

When she arrived at the SkyWest maintenance base in Chicago, Lexci was the only woman there, but she felt welcomed and has forged great friendships. Now, she’s helped bring new hires, including other women, at the base up to speed, even spending some time as a lead.

“I really get along well with a lot of my coworkers,” Lexci said. “They are like a second family to me.”

Noelle S. – DEN First Officer ERJ

Noelle aspired to be an airline pilot as a kid but didn’t know anyone working in the industry. After researching her next step out of high school, Noelle settled on Baylor University in Waco, Texas. She credits the aviation program there with setting her up for success.

“When I started out, I didn’t know anything about aviation,” Noelle said. “Their main focus was to introduce the airline world to brand new pilots, and that was super helpful.”

When Noelle was looking at regionals to apply for, SkyWest became an obvious choice.

“Everyone that I talked to, who was at SkyWest, seemed to love it,” Noelle said. “I wanted to be a part of that.”

Noelle says it’s the people and culture at SkyWest that have made this job so enjoyable for her. Flights with all-women crews have also been a particular highlight for Noelle.

“It’s really cool because it doesn’t happen very often to get an all-female crew, but when it does, it’s pretty special, and we usually will take a picture,” Noelle said.

Noelle recognizes the women that paved the way for her to have her dream career.

“It’s important to recognize all of the women that have come before so that I could live my dream,” Noelle said.

Allison Z. – OKC Mechanic II

For Allison, being an aircraft mechanic is a family thing. Her dad worked for Boeing for decades, which started Allison’s fascination with aircraft. He showed her planes at his job and took her to air shows.

When it came time to figure out what to do after high school, Allison naturally decided to become an aircraft mechanic.

“I wasn’t interested in being a pilot,” Allison said. “I loved working with my hands to the point where I just wanted to be a mechanic and actually work on the airplanes.”

It didn’t happen right away, but Allison found her way to aviation.

Allison’s family is her biggest supporter, with her parents helping her find and succeed in her career.

“They’re both very proud of me,” Allison said.

Oct 08

SkyWest SBN MX Team Supports Women Battling Cancer

Whether you are a survivor, advocate, community organizer or co-survivor, cancer affects all of us. Recently, the South Bend, Indiana (SBN) Maintenance team participated in a fundraising event for Hello Gorgeous of Hope Inc., a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting women across the country who are battling cancer. This event was the foundation’s largest fundraiser to date.

“This event means so much to me,” said Penny M., parts manager. “I loved that our SBN MX Team had a chance to participate. It’s incredible to see our people come together to support such a meaningful cause.”

Hello Gorgeous provides professional makeovers, wigs, and educational resources to women undergoing cancer treatment, helping restore confidence and dignity during a difficult time. Penny has supported the organization for years, and her passion continues to inspire others.

Along with raising awareness for those battling cancer, this event also qualifies for SkyWest’s SOS: Our People in Action program. Through this unique program, SkyWest will donate to non-profit events and causes that are important to our people. A donation was made on behalf of each SkyWest employee who participated in the Hello Gorgeous golf event, on top of the money already raised by the team.

“I’m proud of the way our team shows up,” Penny added. “It’s not just about playing golf, it’s about making a real impact in the lives of women who need to know they’re not alone.”

SkyWest remains committed to supporting the fight against cancer and encourages everyone to find ways to get involved. Whether through volunteering, fundraising, or simply sharing your story, every effort counts. We’re proud of the SkyWest people who generously gave their time and money to play golf in support of women fighting cancer.

Nov 30

A Tribute to Native American Heritage Month

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.

Nov 07

Helping Teens Build Airplanes

Wyatt S., a Tucson-based mechanic, joined SkyWest in March 2023 but he has been “obsessed” with airplanes since he was a kid. At 16 he drove an old truck that required a bit of work to keep it running. Wyatt became fond of taking things apart, fixing them up, and working with his hands. So, when he found the Southern Arizona Teen Aviation program, he was able to combine his love for fixing things and aviation by building an airplane.

The project introduced Wyatt to many things including wiring, working with sheet metal and fiber glass, people skills, tool organization, following instructions, and procedures. He also learned all about making mistakes: everyone makes them and how to move forward. Through it all, Wyatt worked on the first two planes that were built by teenagers in the program and was able to help sign them off as airworthy.

“I was there for that approval,” Wyatt said. “Seeing both of those airplanes fly for the first time was awesome.”

After graduating high school, Wyatt completed the Aviation Maintenance program at Pima Community College before joining SkyWest.

“SkyWest was hiring, and everything went smoothly,” he said, knowing he was in the right place. “Once I got in, it was all just awesome.”

His contributions and hard work at SkyWest have also been appreciated by his team in TUS.

“Wyatt is a great mechanic!” said James H., TUS manager of maintenance.

Wyatt credits Southern Arizona Teen Aviation for where he is now.

“I am out of school, I make good money, and I love my job,” he shared. “Not many people can say that.”

So, when the program offered Wyatt the chance to return as a mentor, he jumped on the opportunity.

“I thought about how good it was for me and now I wanted to help the program and the students as they figure out what they want to do and how to pursue it,” he added.

Now, nearly every Monday, Wyatt meets with fellow mentors to plan what the students will work on for the day, preparing instructions and materials. Once the kids arrive, he oversees them, letting them figure things out and offering guidance and answering questions when needed.

He also continually encourages anyone interested in aviation to get involved in similar programs.

“It’s a very valuable learning experience,” Wyatt said. “Go to camps and experiences and find whatever entry level programs that you can. If you can’t find any, go find someone and just talk to them. Everybody in aviation, for the most part, was helped by someone to get where they are. So they are very willing to help you reach your goals.”

Inspired by Wyatt’s journey? SkyWest is looking for passionate individuals to join our maintenance team. Apply today and start your aviation career!

Oct 04

Hispanic Heritage Month: Cultural Influences

As we continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we are excited to highlight Mechanics Leonardo and Horacio who recently shared their thoughts on how their culture has influenced their careers.

Leonardo, MX II (MKE)
Leonardo joined SkyWest’s maintenance team in Milwaukee because he wanted to be at a company he respected and that would allow him to grow in his career.

“I come from two Mexican migrant parents,” he shared. “My father came here at 16 and later met my mom while working at a local tannery. They always assured me that success will not be determined by my heritage and reminded me that perseverance will always be in my blood. That’s been true to this day.”

Leonardo enjoys incorporating Mexican, American, and Puerto Rican traditions into everyday life. From holidays with family to the food on their plates, his heritage touches all aspects of his life, and it started with his family.

He says that recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month is important because it helps to promote an open mind, which builds more teamwork with those around him.

“In a work environment that is crucial,” he said.

Horacio, MX Fleet Service (PSP)
Horacio didn’t originally expect to work at SkyWest seven years ago but he knew he wanted to be part of the aviation industry. With that goal in mind, he stopped by the maintenance hangar in Palm Springs and was immediately impressed with the team he met.

“Thanks to God and the manager Cesar V.,” he said. “I was given this opportunity and the confidence to work for SkyWest Airlines. Since then, my loyalty to SkyWest remains to this day.”

During his time at SkyWest, Horacio has learned a lot about aviation and knows he made the right choice in joining the industry. He’s also been grateful for the support he has felt in in sharing his background and culture with his team.

“Showcasing the achievements of Hispanic culture can help younger generations set and achieve their future goals,” he emphasized.

Celebrating his Mexican culture is something Horacio cherishes deeply and something he does in various ways, characterized by happiness and a strong sense of family unity. Traditions such as Day of the Dead; Mexican Independence Day; and traditional food, dances, and music are integral parts of these celebrations.

“Although different, many Hispanic traditions share customs and can help people identify themselves with other Hispanics,” he said.

One of Horacio’s fondest memories is the tradition of posadas in December. An event that takes place over nine nights in December and is organized by neighbors to commemorate the pilgrimage of Joseph and Mary before Jesus was born.

“Along with everyone in the neighborhood, we make a tour with candles and ask for lodging in the houses,” he said. “Piñatas are broken, filled with fruit like oranges, cane, jicama, and tejocote (little apple). We receive a bag called ‘Aguinaldo,’ filled with animal crackers, candy, and peanuts. We drink fruit punch and socialize with everyone who attends this event.”

Horacio believes that by sharing these memories, he can help keep his culture and traditions alive and celebrated.

Thank you, Leonardo and Horacio, for sharing your stories with us. We are fortunate for the influence and difference you have made on our SkyWest team!

Oct 01

Cancer Awareness: Serving with a Purpose

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sep 15

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

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.