Southwest Airlines Community

Every day, nearly 60 million Latinos are helping drive growth of the U.S. workforce and economy as they continue to reshape the American Dream. Southwest Airlines celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and recognizes the significant contributions Latinos have made to the culture and traditions of life in America. The Latino Leaders Network is dedicated to bringing leaders together to celebrate its role models, heroes, and leaders. Southwest is proud to continue our partnership with them  Mayors attending the 2019 summer Tribute to Mayors reception sponsored by Southwest in Honolulu, hosted by the Latino Leaders Network honoring Mayor Miguel Pulido of Santa Ana and Mayor John Giles of Mesa with The Honorable Antonio Villaraigosa and Chairman Mickey Ibarra. to uplift and inspire the growing community during the unprecedented crises created by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).   Since 2004, the Latino Leaders Network has provided a unique platform for elected and appointed officials, policymakers, corporate representatives, opinion leaders, civil rights activists, and industry experts to establish relationships, build unity, and share their personal stories. These stories include participants who have overcome obstacles to achieve success—their stories are shared at six annual signature events, including the Latino Leaders Luncheon Series and Tribute to Mayors.    At these events, Leaders who have demonstrated a strong record of impact and influence on the lives of Latinos living in the U.S. are honored by attendees from diverse professional backgrounds including corporate executives, elected officials, journalists, sports heroes, entertainers, education administrators, and community activists.   Honorees Executive Rushern Baker of PG County, MD, and Mayor Alvin Brown of Jacksonville, FL, attending the 2015 winter Tribute to Mayors dinner in Washington D.C. , along with Lidia Martinez and Jose Luis Sanchez of Southwest , Chairman Mickey Ibarra, and The Honorable Antonio Villaraigosa.The events also highlight “Latino Leaders Speak: Personal Stories of Struggle and Triumph,” a book featuring 33 leaders honored by the Latino Leaders Network, and a new, matching curriculum guide created to educate, inspire, and prepare the next generation of leaders. The organization continues to carry out its mission of “Bringing Leaders Together” virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic.   “We are grateful to Southwest Airlines for 13 years of support, helping us achieve our mission of bringing leaders together to celebrate success—our stories are powerful and need to be told,” said Mickey Ibarra, Chairman of the Latino Leaders Network.   We applaud Latino Leaders Network for their steadfast commitment to the Latino community and celebration of their achievements, leadership, and personal stories that inspire us to be better citizens of our communities, country, and world. Visit The Latino Leaders Network website to learn more. ... View more

At Southwest Airlines, our love of People and community is our most powerful fuel. That is why we partner with a diverse group of organizations that share our values. One of those great organizations is Equality California.      Over the last 21 years Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, has been a formidable force on the front lines of the fight for equality for all Californians. From addressing marriage equality and health disparities to working with the California Legislature to pass the strongest statewide civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ people in the country, Equality California has and continues to work toward full, lived equality for all.    Through its tailored programs, Equality California does the work necessary to ensure equality in all communities.    For more than two decades, Equality California and Equality California Institute (the nonprofit education arm of Equality California) has successfully sponsored and passed laws that protect California’s LGBTQ+ students. The organization’s Safe and Supportive Schools Program is tasked with improving school climate for LGBTQ+ students, protecting them from bullying, harassment, and discrimination. Through their work, all students will benefit from this more safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.   Outside the classroom, Equality California Institute has trained more than 2,400 healthcare providers across California, Nevada, and Arizona, empowering them to provide culturally competent quality care to LGBTQ+ patients. Through Equality California Institute, various coalitions were created to tackle issues important to the LGBTQ+ community including combatting educating people on why the 2020 Census is critical for LGBTQ+ people and shedding light on the mental health disparities within the community.    Our partnership and travel support has enabled Equality California to be nimble and responsive to the needs of the diverse LGBTQ+ community, whether they be in Sacramento, Nevada, Washington D.C., or beyond.   Thank you, Equality California, for being a Leader in the fight for full, lived equality for LGBTQ+ people and the diverse communities to which they belong. We are proud for the 12 years we have worked with such a community-minded organization and look forward to our continued partnership in years to come.  ... View more

As the official airline sponsor of The East Los Angeles Community Union (TELACU) Education Foundation, Southwest supports first-generation Latino students, including military veterans, from underserved communities by connecting them to academic and professional opportunities. TELACU established its Education Foundation in 1983 to combat the high dropout rates among Latino college students. Each year, the TELACU Education Foundation provides financial resources and support services to 2,000 high school, college, and graduate school students. More than three decades later, the TELACU alumni program comprises thousands of graduates across the U.S. Because Southwest serves more than 100 destinations and offers extensive routing options, access to our service enables students to visit and attend schools all around the country—a possibility that might have otherwise been beyond their reach. Southwest also provides flight access to students pursuing internships in their chosen field.   Earlier this year, a group of TELACU high schoolers traveled on one of Southwest’s convenient cross-country flights to tour prospective colleges and universities on the East Coast. During the trip, students visited Washington, D.C., where they got a firsthand glimpse into how our democracy works. Both informative and inspiring, this experience exposed the students to new possibilities. TELACU scholars and alumni are grateful for the support of the foundation and its committed partners like Southwest. One of TELACU’s countless success stories is Stephanie Haro, a current Ph.D. candidate at Harvard University.   While receiving her undergraduate degree in electrical engineering at Brown University, Stephanie helped develop an automated system for hospitals that detects whether an infant’s cries are pain-induced. TELACU has empowered Stephanie to venture far from home to achieve her dreams, and thanks to Southwest, she knows home is just a flight away. ... View more

Beginning October 13, Dallas Love Field is FREE!  The restrictions of the Wright Amendment will be gone, ushering in nonstop destinations that span from coast to coast.   Southwest has been counting down the years and weeks (literally—we have a billboard at the Love Field entrance and a countdown clock in our Headquarters lobby) until we can say, “Goodbye, Wright Amendment. Hello, America!"   We are excited to begin this new era by serving five new nonstop destinations on October 13, followed by ten additional new nonstop destinations on November 2.  The addition of these 15 new nonstop destinations will bring Southwest to a total of 31 nonstop destinations from Love Field. In anticipation of this momentous event, each week we will take a look at one of the cities that North Texas Customers will be able to soon visit nonstop on Southwest.  Each post is written by a Southwest Employee who is affiliated with the city and can give an insider’s view of what to see and do while visiting.  Enjoy! San Diego is famous for its beautiful scenery and near-perfect weather all year, which are just some of the many reasons I have loved living in this city the past 15 years.  I have fond memories of walking with my husband in Mission Beach as we make our way to World Famous for a hearty, beachfront breakfast and meeting up with friends at Morton’s downtown for happy hour.  Not a day goes by that I don’t think about how lucky I am to live in a city as beautiful and FUN as San Diego. In terms of daily departures, San Diego boasts 95 nonstop flights to 23 cities each day, making it a bustling destination for visitors traveling to and from the city.  For those of us who call it home, we know why San Diego is such a popular place for some FUN in the sun!  Here are some of my suggestions for making the most of your time in “America’s Finest City.”   Your San Diego to-do list: To Eat: Croce’s Park West:  The story behind this restaurant and bar could make for a blog in itself.  You can’t miss stopping by Croce’s Park West if you’re traveling through San Diego.  Make sure to try the kale salad and some of their homemade ice creams—they are to die for! Puesto:  Located in Seaport Village, Puesto serves up some of the best Mexican street food in San Diego.  This is one of my favorite places to both eat and drink—the frozen horchata is made fresh daily and will not disappoint! To Do: Balboa Park:  When I’m wanting to relax, I head straight for Balboa Park.  There are plenty of museums to peruse during your visit, and The Prado restaurant in the heart of this historic park is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal when you get hungry from all your sightseeing. The Shout House:  For a night out on the town, my husband and I love to stroll the Gaslamp Quarters to find good live music.  We often end up at The Shout House, a dueling piano bar that always has great music to listen to or sing along with! To See: Sunset Cliffs:  Because this is one of my daughter’s favorite places in San Diego, my family often visits this spot when we’re looking for California coastline without the hassle of large crowds and sand.  But if you’re looking for a beach, Sunset Cliffs has several hidden gems at the base of the cliffs where you can play in the surf and sand. Mt. Helix:  Known as the “Crown Jewel of East County,” Mt. Helix offers beautiful views of San Diego and its surrounding scenery.  The park is a popular location for weddings and visitors looking to spend a relaxing day outdoors; make sure to pack a picnic lunch with you to enjoy at the top! My City Secret: San Diego Zoo:  Even though this location is a popular tourist attraction, I have to make mention of the San Diego Zoo as a must-do when you visit my hometown.  While it may not be much of a secret, no trip to San Diego is complete without a day spent in this world-famous zoo. ... View more

Last month I had the distinct pleasure of celebrating 30 years of excellence with the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) in the beautiful windy city of Chicago. USHLI (http://www.ushli.org/) attracted more than 5,000 college-bound students to their college fair, presentations by world-renowned motivational speakers, and many informative panels. The organization is steered by one of the most respected and influential Latinos of our time, Doctor Juan Andrade, Jr. Doctor Andrade has received awards and honors from the highest levels of government both in the U.S. and Mexico; holds five Doctorate degrees; and works tirelessly to motivate and activate youth to get involved, get an education, and give back to their communities. Just as you’re thinking—Okay, I’m sold, what a great organization … wait, it gets better!  Southwest Airlines is the official airline of USHLI.  For over 15 years, we have partnered with Doctor. Andrade and have gotten to know many of the students who have attended the national and regional conferences. Every single year, I am blown away by the talent and caliber of USHLI’s participants—we have some truly amazing students doing some incredible things out there!   In the business world, many companies base their involvement (in anything) on the return on investment, right?  Well, without seeking the guidance of Wall Street, I think I can safely say that SWA goes above and beyond when making wise investments. Our “return” is right in front of us for all to see.  I am confident that we have supported the next wave of talented teachers, doctors, scientists, musicians … maybe even the next President of the United States!  Our investments are paying off, and the future ahead looks bright! To learn more about how Southwest Airlines is supporting the Hispanic community, please visit www.southwest.com/vamonos. ... View more