Manager of Station Administration, Los Angeles
After graduating from the University of Southern California, Hawaii native Melissa Chun landed her first job as a Customer Service Agent for Southwest Airlines. Nineteen years later, she still shares her Fun-LUVing Attitude with Customers and Coworkers at Los Angeles International Airport—or as it’s better known, LAX.
Helping Southwest spread LUV for diversity and inclusion, Melissa has served as a representative for the Company’s Diversity Council since January 2011. The Council’s goals are to heighten Employees’ aware- ness and appreciation of cultural and lifestyle differences within our diverse workforce and to help the Company create additional opportunities to enhance inclusiveness and diversity. Melissa enjoys being part of the Council and is honored to work alongside other dedicated Volunteers. “We all have fulltime positions in our respective departments, but we gladly take on the additional work and responsibility because we believe so strongly in the importance of fostering an inclusive work environment,” Melissa says. “It’s a true ‘Labor of LUV.’”
“We strive to create and maintain an environment where inclusion and appreciation of every person is second nature,” Melissa says. “The Company has taught me that Freedom has no boundaries. I guess that’s why I feel like a part of something bigger.” With a passion for international travel, Melissa has been to 84 cities in 22 countries. “When visiting another country, I try to get a feel for what it’s like to live there,” Melissa explains. “I prefer to explore lesser-known areas since I’m not a huge fan of major tourist attractions.”
Her most desired destination for Southwest to serve someday is her birthplace, Hawaii, and she’s excited that the Aloha State is on the Company’s wish list!
When Melissa isn’t serving Customers or traveling the world, you can find her fashioning origami creations— considered good luck in the Japanese culture—for her Coworkers. (Melissa once helped make 1,000 origami cranes for the wedding of a friend’s daughter.)
As her 20th anniversary with Southwest approaches, Melissa says, “Considering this was my first job, I feel like I got really lucky!” Melissa, we are fortunate to have you as part of our Southwest Family! —Catherine Lewis
1 Comment