Southwest Airlines Community

  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. frequently spoke about the power of community service. He lived his life serving others and referred to service as “the highest human virtue.” So it’s no surprise that MLK Day is the only federal holiday that is also designated by Congress as a national day of service. One of the best ways you can honor Dr. King’s legacy is through acts of service as they provide a meaningful impact on communities.   Southwest Airlines’ Community Outreach partner of more than a decade, Points of Light, is a global volunteerism and service organization whose mission is to ensure that people feel empowered to act on their unique desire to stand up and say, “I can help.” Southwest is a member of their Corporate Service Council and supports the organization through donated travel.   At Southwest, we strive to not only represent but also support the diverse communities that we serve. Employees have the opportunity to put their Heart in Action and make an impact through volunteerism, acts of kindness, and giving back by getting involved in organizations like Points of Light. This demonstrates our Culture of “Service and LUV” and putting People first. For inspiration on how you can celebrate MLK Day and support our communities, visit Points of Light’s website.     We believe that engaging in community service moves us closer to Dr. King’s dream to tackle society’s greatest challenges by bridging barriers and strengthening communities to create a better future.     ... View more

We’ve enjoyed celebrating Women’s History Month by highlighting the contributions of the incredible women at Southwest Airlines who are making an impact—on our great Company and those around them—along the way. We’re closing out the month by sharing the story of Melanie Jones, Sr. Manager in Communications & Outreach.         Melanie started at Southwest over 35 years ago, and shares that her long career can be attributed to the fact that she “loves what she does” and “has never gotten bored”. Melanie’s legacy at Southwest includes not only helping the younger generation, but also her two children who work at Southwest as a Ramp Agent and Flight Attendant. Melanie shares what makes Southwest Airlines such a great place—the People you work with, the work you do, and seeing what we do for our Customers and Employees.   If you missed the first two videos from our Women’s History Month series celebrating the Women of Southwest Airlines, check out Jen’s story and Monique’s story. ... View more

  As we continue our celebration of Women’s History Month, we are highlighting the contributions of the incredible women at Southwest Airlines who are making an impact—on our great Company and those around them—along the way.   Today we’re highlighting Monique Bolden, Inside Sales Associate Cargo, Cargo & Charters. Monique was a longtime Southwest Customer before joining the Southwest Family. She’ll celebrate 20 years in the Army Reserves this September and when she’s not in the office, she’s working to get her MBA. We’re thankful to Monique for her service to our country and the many gifts she brings to Southwest.   Stay tuned for the final video from our Women’s History Month series featuring the talented women of Southwest Airlines as they share their career journeys at Southwest. ... View more

We’re celebrating International Women’s Day by kicking off our month-long video series celebrating the incredible women at Southwest with Aircraft QC Inspector, Jen M. Jen’s advice to women? “Go after what you actually want to do in life… don’t settle!”     This Women’s History Month, we are celebrating the contributions of the incredible women at Southwest Airlines who are making an impact—on our great Company and those around them—along the way. What better way to kick off this series than on International Women’s Day—a global day that recognizes the social, economic, and cultural achievements of women from all areas of life. Today, we’re highlighting the accomplishments of Aircraft QC Inspector, Jen Morgan, who says her worst day at Southwest Airlines is better than her best day anywhere else. Jen shares how falling in love with what she does turned into a 20-year career working in a male-dominated field. Stay tuned for more videos from our Women’s History Month series featuring the talented women of Southwest Airlines as they share their career journeys at Southwest and how to inspire the next generation of women. ... View more

We’re concluding our Black History Month video series celebrating Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with Eureka Drayden, Southwest Airlines Sr. Technology Project Manager. Eureka shares how Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas “chose her” due to an Army scholarship.       What makes Eureka’s HBCU experience so special is that she was also a first-generation college student, leaving her small, rural hometown in Mississippi to become the first person in her family to attend and graduate college. Eureka’s mentorship to current HBCU students allowed her to provide the encouragement they needed to confidently share their ideas. Our partnership with HBCU First gave the students the feedback and guidance to “…step out, take the plunge, and go for it!" In case you missed it, check out our first two videos from our HBCU video series featuring Southwest Airlines Employees Bershun Devereaux and Angela Cunningham. ... View more

In celebration of Black History Month, we’re continuing our month-long video series featuring Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Angela Cunningham, Sr. Manager, Technology, shares that attending Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana allowed her to have a chance to experience “…the rich heritage and diversity that comes along with attending an HBCU.”         Angela participated as a mentor and judge for the initial Southwest Airlines HBCU First Case Challenge, where she provided guidance to current HBCU students as they presented a business case to Southwest Airlines Leaders. This opportunity allowed Angela to show the students what is possible in terms of experiencing a successful corporate career once they become HBCU graduates. It’s no secret that Historically Black Colleges and Universities produce top talent, and Southwest Airlines is focused on providing opportunities to HBCU students through our partnerships like HBCU First. In case you missed it, check out the first video of our HBCU series featuring Southwest Airlines Employee Bershun Devereaux. ... View more

This Black History Month, Southwest Airlines is honored to highlight Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs). Created with the mission of educating Black Americans when other options weren’t available, the rich history of the HBCU experience is still relevant today. We’re kicking off our month-long video series sharing the experiences of Southwest Employees who attended HBCUs, starting with Southwest Sr. Customer Experience Planner Bershun Devereaux, who describes his time at Morris Brown College and Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia as feeling like “family." Identifying HBCU Talent through our Diversity Center of Excellence is a top DEI priority for Southwest. Our Talent Acquisition Team recently partnered with HBCU First, a nonprofit organization that serves students from over 50+ HBCUs to provide students with career support and networking opportunities with companies such as Southwest. Bershun served as a mentor to the HBCU students on behalf of Southwest. HBCU First student participants had the opportunity to participate in a Case Challenge where they presented a business case to Southwest Leaders and Mentors, providing solutions for “Preserving Our Company Culture” in today’s environment. We look forward to continuing our partnership with HBCU First this year as we engage more students for internships and early career opportunities. ... View more

Each year, we celebrate MLK Day as a way to honor the achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. From parades, programs, and even social media posts we nationally recognize the impact and legacy of the late Civil Rights Leader.   We may take one day out of the year to celebrate the life of MLK, but there are so many opportunities to immerse yourself in his legacy all year round. There are several memorials and historic sites in the cities Southwest Airlines serves. Visiting the numerous memorials of MLK serve as a beautiful reminder of the freedom, justice, and equality for which he stood.   Source: https://www.nps.gov/malu/index.htmMartin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, Atlanta, Georgia Located in the birthplace of MLK, the National Historical Park includes several sites related to his life, including his childhood home, church, and gravesite.   Source: https://www.tnvacation.com/articles/The-National-Civil-Rights-Museum-MemphisNational Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, Memphis, Tennessee The Lorraine Motel where MLK was assassinated is now a complex of museums and historic buildings focused on the civil rights movement.     Source: https://raleighnc.gov/places/dr-martin-luther-king-jr-memorial-gardensDr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Gardens, Raleigh, North Carolina The Memorial Gardens is the first public park in the U.S. dedicated to MLK and the civil rights movement.     Source: https://yerbabuenagardens.com/features/#mlk-memorialThe Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial at Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco, California This memorial located in the city’s cultural district features a waterfall and panels inscribed with MLK’s words, poems, and images.     Source: https://www.nps.gov/mlkm/learn/building-the-memorial.htmMartin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Wall, Washington, D.C. This is the most well-known MLK national memorial, located in the National Mall. This memorial includes the Stone of Hope, a granite statue of MLK.   Each memorial provides a unique and immersive way to experience Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy.   We would love to know more about which memorials you’ve visited, which memorials you plan to visit, and how you choose to honor MLK’s legacy. Share in the comments below. ... View more

  We know that sometimes you #WannaGetAway and it’s just not possible. To help quench your thirst for wanderlust, check out these conference call backgrounds curated by some of our social brand ambassadors, better known as the Southwest Storytellers, on their latest adventures.     From Cabo San Lucas, Mexico to Kauai, Hawaii- immerse yourself in some of your favorite destinations without leaving the comfort of your home. We even have something for our Aviation Geeks- take flight with our winglet and window seat background options. Whether you’re taking your seat or on the beach, there is a background for everyone!   Using our Southwest backgrounds is super easy: Click on the link to access the Southwest Storyteller Conference Call Images Download your favorite image (or images) to your computer or mobile device  Follow the instructions of your desired conference call app to upload your background image Have fun! ... View more

      Our newest class of Southwest Storytellers recently touched down at our Dallas headquarters to get a dose of all-things Southwest Airlines before embarking on their year-long journey with us as social brand ambassadors. What makes this year’s Storytellers group so special (besides their love for both Southwest and travel) is they were each selected from more than 13,000 entries in the nationwide search we held earlier this year to find the “Next Great Southwest Storyteller”. From professional photographers to nature enthusiasts to family travel gurus, our 2019 Southwest Storytellers include an amazing group of content creators who can’t wait to share their adventures with you! Follow along with the hashtag #SouthwestStorytellers or by following their social media handles.   The 2019 Southwest Storytellers   Name: Alec Basanec, IG: @alec_basanec Hometown: San Diego, California Home Airport: San Diego International Airport (SAN)   Name: Alicia Fierro, IG: @aesthetiica Hometown: Chicago, Illinois Home Airport: Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)   Name: Jasmine Alley, IG: @jasminealley Hometown: Dallas, Texas Home Airport: Dallas Love Field (DAL)   Name: Kyle Fredrickson, IG: @kyle.fredrickson Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska Home Airport: Eppley Airfield (OMA)   Name: Michelle Robinson, IG: @moderndaymoguls Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee Home Airport: Nashville International Airport (BNA) ... View more