Congratulations to Ginger Hardage, our Senior Vice President of Culture and Communications, for being recognized as one of Texas’ Most Powerful and Influential Women. For more than 20 years, those of us in Communications have known Ginger is powerful and influential, but we also celebrate her kind heart, Leadership, and a smile as big as her native state, Texas. I asked Ginger to share her thoughts about this great honor, and here's what she had to say:
I once read, “The world's most powerful women aren't waiting for permission to take their careers to the next level; they're doing it for themselves. And they're seeking much more than just a job, they are seeking an adventure.”
After 20 years of service to the People and the causes of Southwest, I can proudly and clearly tell you, this adventure remains the most challenging, yet rewarding, of my professional life. I joined Southwest Airlines with a certainty that my work—and the work of all women here—would not be evaluated by gender but, rather, by our passions for Service and doing the right thing. And I was right. Southwest Airlines gives all of us the chance to unite the passions of our hearts and minds, with an extraordinary commitment for a better workplace, and we all share in the endless rewards.
A walk through any of our Stations or office spaces gives me an everyday reminder of how women are empowered here at Southwest: Ramp Agents, Customer Service Agents, Directors, and Vice Presidents, just to mention a few, bring their best forward and are effective agents of change.
I am proud to represent Southwest Airlines with this recognition as one of Texas' Most Powerful and Influential Women. I’m honored to represent all women in our Southwest Family who work every day to deliver the best Customer Service in the industry. I am humbled to be a part of an Executive group (that includes 11 female Vice Presidents) who work as a Team to take the Company to the next level.
Thank you, Colleen, (Colleen Barrett, our President Emeritus) for opening the doors for women—not only at Southwest—but in the airline industry. You remain one of the most influential women of our time.
