Transformative and Influential, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s fight for equality impact is felt through Campus Recruiter, Simone C. Williams, M.A.

When thinking about our Company’s culture statement, “We believe that every Associate, regardless of personal beliefs or worldview, has been created in the image and likeness of God. We seek to become stronger from our diversity. We seek personal respect and fulfillment from our work. Most of all, we seek to recognize the dignity and potential of each member of our Republic family,” one sentence really stands out to me: “We seek to become stronger from our diversity.” As a Company, we continue to attract diverse talent, knowing that our differences offer us an advantage. They make us a stronger, innovative workplace. When we fully embrace all of our Associates and all that they bring to the table, empowering them, allowing them to grow in their roles and as people, we can reach cruising altitude and really soar.

In observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day this year, I reflected on Dr. King’s message, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Dr. King’s speech explicitly illustrates the importance of displaying love to one another for it is one of the greatest forms of unity. To continue to sustain Dr. King’s legacy here at Republic Airways, we must continue to (L)isten and show empathy to others, (O)bserve, and show people that they and their ideas are (V)aluable at work.  And, lastly, continue to (E)mbrace our differences, which will help Republic to grow as a forward-thinking organization, as well as our similarities, which will bridge any gaps between Associates and allow us to truly focus on the bigger picture, our Vision: “With the BEST people, products and performance, we will be America’s regional airline of choice.”

As our airline continues to break “glass ceiling” barriers, diversify the workplace on different levels, improve the work culture and cultivate new meaningful connections with our Associates and the communities in which we serve, our mission, vision and culture statement will continue to reflect our purpose, values and goals. This, in turn, will allow us to continue to succeed and support autonomy while conquering adversity.

I began my career here at Republic Airways as a flight attendant, and I felt supported and empowered by the Company to continue my career in aviation and became a college campus recruiter this past year. As a flight attendant, I had the opportunity to interact with diverse groups of people from all over the world. This experience aptly honed my innate interpersonal and communication skills all while expanding my horizons. By exemplifying excellence and inclusiveness during all phases of flight, I reassured passengers daily from different backgrounds, origins, sexual orientations, religions and communities that we are all one people.

When I transitioned into the College Campus Recruiter role, I was confident that I was a good fit for this new opportunity. This role has challenged me to continue increasing my self-motivation and self-efficacy by possessing a strong internal locus of control. In my new role, I also apply what I am learning in my Doctoral program in Organizational Leadership where it’s applicable at work. My passion for wanting to create and develop a pipeline for talented individuals from all backgrounds has led me to the career of recruiting.

In this role, I’m fortunate to bring opportunity to others. I see students fulfill their dreams of working in aviation. These students come from all walks of life, and while we still, as a global community, have a lot of work to do to accomplish Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s goals and dreams, I’m seeing small areas of that work being fulfilled each day and am incredibly proud to be part of it.

I encourage all Associates to take a few minutes today to find an MLK quote that resonates with you and reflect on it as well.