A SOUTHWEST AIRLINES COMMUNITY AFFAIRS & GRASSROOTS PUBLICATION

Southwest Airlines and Jackie Thompson are honored at the Jenesse Center Silver Rose Awards & Luncheon.From left to right: Karen Earl –Executive Director Jenesse Center , Jackie Thompson – Southwest Airlines, Avis Frazier-Thomas, Esq. - President Jenesse Center, Halle Berry –Chair.

FLORIDA ONEHONORING THE STATE

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NFTEMAKING IT IN BUSINESS

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EDUCATIONBRIDGING THE GAPS TO SUCCESS

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On April 18, 2010, the Jenesse Center, Inc. saluted Southwest Airlines and Jackie Thompson, Community Affairs & Grassroots Manager, as 2010 Silver Rose

Honorees along with Ambassador Shabazz, along with Mark and Avis Ridley-Thomas at the 30th anniversary celebration. Southwest Airlines was recognized for helping the Center in accomplishing its mission to help families in need. Pat Greene, Board member and Gala Chair, said, “Southwest Airlines is not just our Official Airline they are our official community partner and there to lend a hand year after year. This is important because every dollar that we are able to save is a dollar that can go toward helping families who are in crisis due to domestic violence. So, when we are able to

call Southwest Airlines for assistance, it means the world to us.” Chaired by Academy Award winning actress Halle Berry, the event benefited

Jenesse Center families, a nonprofit organization that pro-vides holistic, comprehensive programs to nurture families victimized by domestic violence back to a place of mental, financial, physical, and emotional well being. Founded in 1980, the center houses women and children in emergency and transitional shelters as well as providing a variety of support services. Jenesse Board President, Avis Frazier-Thomas said, “When you have someone special like Jackie Thompson in your corner, you have to take a moment to say thank you. She is literally in the trenches with us, saving one family at a time.” The gala was a huge success! The crowd was entertained by top stars namely, Jamie Foxx, Alicia Keys, and Leona Lewis. Southwest Airlines is proud to support an organiza-tion that gives so much to the Los Angeles community and helps to make a difference in so many lives.

Welcome to the Team

Southwest Airlines is the Official Domestic Airline of the Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE). As the

Official Domestic Airline, Southwest Airlines supports NFTE’s Advanced Entrepreneurship Seminar (AES), National Business Plan Competition, and Annual Awards Gala. AES is NFTE’s two-week intensive summer program for students 18 and older who want to launch their businesses or take existing businesses to the next level. The day camp includes field trips and guest speakers focused on providing students with a comprehensive understanding of business. At the end of the camp, students compete for cash awards to fund their businesses. NFTE is headquartered in New York City with local offices in major U.S. and Southwest Airline cities, including Washington, D.C.; Baltimore; Chicago; Dallas; Westchester City, NY; Los Angeles; New England; Philadelphia; South Florida; and San Francisco. Since its founding, NFTE has reached over 280,000 young people from low-income communities. Currently, there are more than 1,500 active

Certified Entrepreneurship Teachers. NFTE currently has programs in 21 states and 12 countries. In addition to 11 program offices across the country, NFTE has both national and international licensed partners. An amazing seventy-five cents of every dollar raised by NFTE goes directly to programs. This year, NFTE National Annual Awards and Gala raised $1.3 million and more than $500,000 at the Washington, DC Gala. “Meeting the passionate students at the Washington, DC NFTE Dare to Dream Making It in Business was an inspirational thrill,” said Karen Price-Ward, Southwest Airlines Community Affairs & Grass-roots Manager. “It was a pleasure to surprise three NFTE Rookie Teachers of the Year each with one roundtrip airline ticket,” said Price-Ward. NFTE believes supporting teachers is the key to their program’s success and growth. During a weeklong training session via NFTE University, teachers become certified to teach the NFTE curriculum. What a dynamic program and partnership!

Students – Making It in Business

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Rachel Barry

Welcome to the Team

We are pleased to announce that Rachel Barry joined the Community Affairs & Grassroots Team on March 15, 2010. Rachel started her career at Southwest Airlines on January 7,

2008 as a Customer Relations Writing Representative. Prior to joining the Southwest Airlines Family, Rachel attended Texas Tech University where

she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Advertising with a minor in English. Rachel LUVs spending time with friends and family, and

singing and playing guitar. Welcome to the Team, Rachel!

• “Thanks for sending me the quarterly report. It really gave me a feel for your outreach projects which are very diverse and community oriented. Congrats to you and your team.” — Queens Chamber of Commerce President, Sophia Ganosis

• “IwouldratherflyonSouthwestthananyotherairline’sfirstclassservice!” — Dr. Gil Cardenas, Samora Chair, University of Notre Dame

• “Thanksagainforallyoudotomakeusfeellikesuchtreasuredcustomers!” — Amy Borchers, Customer at STL 25th Anniversary Celebration

WHO ?SAID

THAT

3SUMMER 2010

UPCOMING EVENTS

2010

Rachel Barry

JULY 10-13 SAN ANTONIO, TX

• NATIONALCOUNCILOFLARAZA(NCLR)

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

JULY 10-15 KANSAS CITY, MO

• NAACP101ST ANNUAL CONVENTION

JULY 10-13 WASHINGTON, D.C.

• NATIONALRECOGNITIONWEEKFOR

“DO THE WRITE THING CHALLENGE” JULY 12-17 ALBUQUERQUE, NM

• 81ST ANNUAL LEAGUE OF UNITED LATIN

AMERICANCITIZENS(LULAC)

NATIONAL CONVENTION & EXPOSITION

JULY 20 WASHINGTON, D.C.

• NATIONALASSOCIATIONOFLATINO

ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS

(NALEO)EDWARDR.ROYBALLEGACY

GALA JULY 28-31 WASHINGTON, D.C.

• NATIONALURBANLEAGUE100TH

CONFERENCE

SEPTEMBER 15-18 WASHINGTON, D.C.

• CONGRESSIONALBLACKCAUCUS

FOUNDATION ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE

CONFERENCE

The NWRA works in the three major areas of advocacy, education and outreach, and landscape conservation. Southwest volunteers will be proudly showing their Spirit by working closely with the NWRA in local Florida markets. Florida One continued its tour throughout the state celebrating in each of the six markets (Tampa Bay, Ft. Myers/Naples, Jacksonville, Orlando,Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach) that Southwest serves with a special dedication ineachcity.Watchforthehigh-flyingsaluteduringyourtravels on Southwest Airlines!

On April 23, 2010, Southwest Airlines honored the State of Florida with the unveiling of Florida

One,thenewestmemberoftheall-Boeing737fleetemblazonedwithanartist’srenderingofthestateflag.Theaircraftis a demonstration of Southwest’s dedication to its Florida Employ-ees and a symbol of gratitude to Florida communities. Southwest Chairman, President, and CEO Gary Kelly kicked off the celebration in Tampa, FL to a crowd of over 200 members of various community organizations. “We were totally surprised with Florida One - what a fantastic idea to have the Florida Seal painted on it as a dedication,” said Dalia Gray, Community Relations Director for Hillsborough County Appraiser. “Everyone in our office was impressed.” The plane was not the only thing impressive about the tribute to Florida. Southwest’s partnership with the National Wildlife Refuge

Association (NWRA) was celebrated as Evan Hirsche, President of the NWRA, took the stage to explain the importance of the NWRA’s mission of wildlife and habitat conservation and its effect on the environment of Florida. The National Wildlife Refuge System began in Florida in 1903 when President Theodore Roosevelt declared Pelican Island a protected bird reserve. Today, there are 28 refuges in the State of Florida. “These are places where endangered manatees find shelter in warm springs, migratory birds feed, and where Florida panthers roam,” explains Evan, “and these places belong to all of us.”

SOUTHWEST SALUTES

FLORIDA

Ginger Hardage, Sr Vice President of Communications & Culture presenting Evan Hirsche, President of the National Wildlife Refuge Association with a heart-shaped shovel to symbolize Southwest’s commitment to our partnership with the NWRA.

Joel Hass, CEO of the Mid-Florida Region American Red Cross, Linda Rutherford, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Communications & Strategic Outreach, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer; Alison Hoefler, Sherri Hull and Monica Whalin, Southwest Airlines.

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Patricia Castillo, Executive Director of the P.E.A.C.E. (Putting an End to Abuse through Community Efforts) Initiative, works in the field of domestic

violence and has seen remark-able changes led directly by the White House and into the national policy making dis-course. According to Castillo, the Obama administration has given the issue of domestic violence greater focus. For example, in addition to the existing Office on Violence Against Women, the President created a new position -White House Advisor on Issues of Violence Against Women. One of Castillo’s colleagues, Lynn Rosenthal, was recently appointed as the White House Advisor. “Her role is unusual and she’s the first to ever hold and act in this high level position,” says Castillo. Over the years, Castillo too has gained the attention of leaders both in the U.S. and abroad. Due to Ms. Castillo’s national reputation, the P.E.A.C.E. Initiative received an invitation to the White House Cinco de Mayo

reception. “Our organization does not typically plan for visits to see the President & Mrs. Obama in the Rose Garden,” quips Castillo. “This trip would not be possible

without community-minded partners like Ms. Rosenthal and Southwest Airlines.” Consequently, Castillo was able to accept the invitation and expand her message to eliminate domestic violence. Castillo’s cutting edge work serves as a model for other communities engaged in the prevention of domestic violence. Her efforts have been recognized in the city of San Antonio, TX for the unique collaboration with more than 40 domestic violence service organizations, the Police Depart-ment, and numerous state and federal officials. Even at that, Patricia looks to other experts like Lynn Rosenthal saying “Her passion and dedication

is inspiring and someone I look up to.” The P.E.A.C.E. Initiative kicked off a campaign asking individuals for a modest contribution of $20.10 as they celebrate their 20th anniversary in 2010. To make your donation, log on to www.peaceinitiativesatx.org.

at the White House

On the White House lawn, with Patricia Castillo; P.E.A.C.E & Christine Ortega; Southwest Airlines

Mission Statement:

ThemissionoftheP.E.A.C.E.Initiativeistoeducatethepublicabouttheextentandoften-deadlyconsequencesofdomesticviolenceandtorespondeffectivelythroughcollaborativeefforts.

5SUMMER 2010

National Civic League All-America City AwardsEvery year, the National Civic League recognizes ten communities for outstanding civic accomplishments. The competi-

tion is fierce and so is the spirit of optimism and civic pride. Imagine a cross between a high school pep rally, a commu-nity fair and a conference on public-private partnerships, and you have an approximate description of the annual

All-America City (AAC) Awards. “The award is unique in that it is given to whole communities rather than specific individuals or organizations,” notes Gloria Rubio-Cortés, President of the Denver, Colorado-based nonprofit group. “The emphasis is on inclusiveness/diversity, innovation, results and broad-based participation from all sectors of the community.” PastAACwinnershaveaddressedarangeofissues,fromflooddamagetolowhighschoolgraduationrates;fromracialdivision to joblessness. Others have founded free dental clinics, revitalized neglected neighborhoods and created new businesses. There are more than 500 All-America Cities. To enter, each community submits an application listing its most pressing critical challenges and describing three public initiatives or projects. Each finalist sends a delegation representing a cross-section of the community to present their stories of positive change to a national jury of experts. Communities of all sizes—neighborhoods, towns, cities, counties and even regions—are eligible to apply. For the past several years, Southwest Airlines has been the Official Airline of the All-America City Awards. This year’s AAC was held June 16-18 in Kansas City, Missouri, a five time All-America City. Log on to www.allamericacityaward.com for more details.

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS & GRASSROOTS

HAPPENINGS AROUND THE SYSTEM

GLAAD Media Awards (SFO) Latino Leaders Maestro Awards (SFO)Forest Park Forever Hat Luncheon (STL)

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The Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) represents college opportunity programs that motivate and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds in their pursuit of a college degree. More than one million low-income and disabled

students throughout the United States and territories each year receive college access and retention services through COE’s member colleges and agencies. “Students need more than financial aid to successfully navigate college admissions and college life,” says COE President Dr. Arnold Mitchem, who has headed the Washing-ton, D.C. organization since its inception in 1981. “There are a host of barriers that keep poor students from attending and graduating from college, and college opportunity programs provide vital support to overcome those barriers.” With Southwest Airlines’ commitment to COE’s student leadership and professional developmentactivities,about200highschoolstudentsareselectedeachyeartoflytoWashington, D.C. for their National Student Leadership Congress. This is a dynamic, intensive one-week learning experience that includes diversity and leadership training and meetings with students’ Congressional representatives on Capitol Hill. On September 1-4, 2010, COE will sponsor its annual gathering of 1,600 educators and college opportunity professionals in San Diego. The Conference, “Fitting STEM Into the College Opportunity Equation,” will have a special focus on effective strategies in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education to support disadvantaged students in learning and succeeding in the college pipeline. Lidia S. Martinez, Manager, Commu-nity Affairs & Grassroots, will be joining representatives from the GE Foundation and 3M to co-chair COE’s 2010 Educational Opportunity Dinner at their Conference in San Diego. “I am thrilled to work with other corporate leaders in this major initiative to help talented low-income students enter and succeed in higher education”, says Martinez. “Our com-mitment will ensure that disadvantaged students with the talent and motivation to earn college degrees are able to do so. Working together, we are expanding the pool of Ameri-cans who enter our 21st century workforce!”

AN INVESTMENT THAT THE GAPS TO SUCCESS

High school students arrive in Washington, D.C. to take part in COE’s National Student Leadership Congress

BRIDGES

Latino Leaders Maestro Awards (SFO)

7SUMMER 2010

VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNICATIONS & STRATEGIC OUTREACH LINDA RUTHERFORD

MANAGING EDITOR LAURA NIETO

EDITORS CHRISTINE ORTEGA, MILLIE RICHTER

CREATIVE EDITOR ERIC DANIELS

Southwest Airlines helps champion causes that matter most in the daily lives of our Customers.

The National Council of Asian American Business Associations (NCAABA) hosted its Supplier Academy at

San Francisco State University. The two-day development program aimed to provide the Asian American Pacific Islander community critical training that will improve the success of minority businesses in securing corporate and government contracts. For the past two years, Southwest has helped provide travel scholarships for NCAABA’s various supplier academies and national roundtable discussions throughout the country. Executive Director Jamie Borromeo shared, “Through the generous support of corporations like Southwest Airlines, NCAABA continues to provide invaluable opportunities for diverse minority businesses to expand their business prospects. The Community Affairs & Grassroots Team of Southwest Airlines has assisted in cultivating the unity of Asian American and Pacific Islanders.” Taught in different states four times a year, this intensive training course accepts only 50 suppliers, who receive executive coaching on writing business plans, navigating the corporate bidding process, and other topics. Honorary guests and speakers such as Ana Ma, Chief of

Staff of the U.S. Small Business Administration, and Mona Pasquil, the acting Lieutenant Governor of the State of California, participated in this unique event. “Having two full days of mentorship, professional resources and intensive training all in one high-level event has proven invaluable,” said Lisa Gentry of Palo Alto-based XY3D, Inc. “Going forward, our company’s performance goals and critical business skills will be modeled after this program to ensure success. Thank you, Southwest Airlines.” To continue its mission of effecting positive change in economic development, supplier diversity, and public contracting, NCAABA anticipates taking the Supplier Academy to major states, including California, Texas and Hawaii, for the remainder of 2010. Southwest Airlines Supplier Diversity Manager Richard Moore participated in the corporate supplier diversity panel. “The entire NCAABA program was outstanding,” he said. “The attendees were all business owners, individuals that have in many cases poured their heart and soul into creating and sustaining successful businesses. The self starters were hungry for any knowledge we could provide that would assist them in taking their businesses to the next level.”

Supplying Opportunity

2010 Class participating in the NCAABA San Francisco Supplier Academy.

Vice President, Communication & Strategic Outreach I Linda RutherfordManaging Editor I Laura Nieto

Editors I Christine Ortega, Anabell Odisho, Brian LuskCreative Editor I Eric Daniels