Inclusion Paradox Sightings

First All Female African-American Flight Crew Makes History

Robert on June 22, 2010

Delta’s Regional carrier Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA) made history in 2009 when the first all female African-American flight crew took passengers from Atlanta to Nashville and back again. The crew included Captain Rachelle Jones, First Officer Stephanie Grant, and Flight Attendants Robin Rogers and Diana Galloway.

The crew did not realize that they would all be comprised of African-American women until they actually met. As you watch the joyous reactions on charliemike02’s YouTube upload of the crew’s interview on CNN, do you see these five lessons in diversity?

  1. Plant a bigger vision of what is possible. Although she already worked in the airline industry, it never occurred to Captain Jones that she could be a pilot until someone else suggested it.
  2. The joy of affinity. You can feel the delight these women found in serving together.
  3. The fun of bending others’ expectations. These crew members enjoy engaging with passengers and each other about expectations tied to race and gender.
  4. The slam dunk of strong performance. Despite the real unfairness that still exists, in these accountability times, it’s getting harder and harder to dismiss strong performance due to biases. Be the best at what you do. Still means that we may need to, unfairly, meet a higher bar, but make it a homerun and dare them to dismiss it.
  5. The power of role models who “look like me.” ASA President Brad Holt puts it this way: “Not only are these women gifted in their professions, but they set examples for young people across the country that with hard work, passion and determination, the sky is the limit.”

Related posts

Gay Couple Wins Second Place in Crate & Barrel’s “Ultimate Wedding Contest”

First Step toward Inclusion: Learn How to Pronounce Names!

United Way: Diversity Is as Critical for Not-for-Profits as for Corporations

Holy Diversity! The Bible’s Niche Markets

inclusionparadox.com