Southwest Airlines Continues Its Proud Tradition Of Celebrating Women's History Month

DALLAS, March 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) is proud to celebrate its continued commitment to women at Southwest and in the communities it serves by hosting an array of activities throughout the year.  At Southwest, women make up more than 40 percent of the Company.  Additionally, nearly 35 percent of the Company's total leadership roles are held by women. Southwest champions diversity and inclusion and the causes that matter most to its Customers and Employees.  

"At Southwest Airlines, we believe in an inclusive work environment that values differences and celebrates the unique perspectives and talents of our People," said Ellen Torbert, Southwest Airlines' Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion. "We also extend those values to the communities we serve through community partnerships throughout the nation, including more than 30 relationships with organizations that invest in women's leadership development, empowerment, and recognition.  Through those meaningful relationships, we are able to strengthen the communities in which our Customers and Employees work and live."

Here's how Southwest proudly gives back to women in the community:

Annually l Leadership Women, Dallas
Southwest Airlines, a founding sponsor and participant, has proudly supported Leadership Texas and Leadership Pipeline as Official Airline for more than 30 years.  Focused on advancing and improving the personal, economic, and professional status of American women, these programs focus on giving participants the tools and knowledge to make a positive difference in their communities. 

March-November | Leadership California, California Issues and Trends Program (CIT), Sessions I-IV, Los Angeles
Southwest Airlines proudly serves as the Official Airline of Leadership California's four-part CIT Program.  Participants will learn more about California's dynamic government, celebrate California's heritage, explore the opportunities and challenges of California's global business and economy, and focus on sustaining quality of life in California through innovation.

March 8 | International Women's Day, Dallas
Southwest Airlines is recognizing International Women's Day with conversation and learning opportunities at its Headquarters.

March 20 | Colorado Women's Hall of Fame, Induction Ceremony, Denver
Southwest Airlines is proud to support the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony honoring the women who have shaped the state of Colorado and the nation's history with courage and leadership.

April | Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE), Latina Action Day, Sacramento
Southwest Airlines is proud to be the Official Airline of Latina Action Day, which facilitates dialogue between corporate and community Latina leaders and elected officials on public policies affecting Latinas in California. 

April 3 | Dress for Success, Something to Share Gala, New York
Southwest Airlines is proud to support the Something to Share Gala where 800 to 1,000 of Dress for Success' friends and supporters gather to share in the transformation of Dress for Success clients from disadvantaged women to empowered professionals, excelling in both their careers and personal lives.

April 4 | University of Wisconsin Milwaukee School of Continuing Education, Women Leaders Conference, Milwaukee
Southwest Airlines is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Women Leaders Conference, which celebrates women who have pioneered their fields and uncovers their proven methods for success. Attendees will learn from accomplished women, discover what inspires them, and harness the energy to empower themselves.

April 4-5 | Women's Foundation of California, Los Angeles
Southwest Airlines is proud to be the Official Airline of the Women's Foundation of California's 2014 Conference, Giving Circle Network.  The conference will provide a place where Giving Circle leaders and other women philanthropists can find opportunities for networking, mentoring, and inspiration. 

May 14 | CABLE, Power of Inclusion Luncheon, Nashville
As a Gold Sponsor of the event, Southwest proudly joins CABLE as they recognize Nashville individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations that championed all types of diversity and developed innovative methods to enhance diversity and inclusion. Nominees are evaluated and selected by CABLE's panel of experts on Diversity Best Practice.

June-November | POWER: Opening Doors for Women, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, and Atlanta
Southwest is the Official Airline of POWER: Opening Doors for Women, which promotes and develops women leaders by providing a unique educational opportunity for women at all levels within their careers to interact and exchange ideas with thought leaders, industry experts, and their peers.  The airline will support four events held in cities throughout the country in 2014.

June 14 | 100 Black Men, Empowerment Breakfast for African American Professional Women, Orlando
Southwest Airlines sponsors the Orlando chapter of 100 Black Men as they proudly salute powerful female community leaders in Orlando. 

July 22-24 | Women Impacting Public Policy, Annual Meeting, Washington, D.C.
Southwest Airlines is the Official Airline and a sponsor to promote women-owned businesses and advocacy.

Sept. 17 | Women's Business Development Center (WBDC), Entrepreneurial Woman's Conference, Chicago
As a long-time supporter of the WBDC, Southwest Airlines is proud to sponsor the Entrepreneurial Woman's Conference, the oldest conference and business opportunities fair for women in business in the United States.

Oct. 25 | MANA de San Diego, Latina Success Conference, San Diego
As the Official Airline of MANA de San Diego, Southwest Airlines is proud to Empower Latinas through education, leadership development, community service, and advocacy.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

In its 43rd year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by nearly 45,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually. Southwest is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded and operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world to serve 96 destinations in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and five near-international countries via wholly owned subsidiary, AirTran Airways. Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for its triple bottom line approach that takes into account the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities it serves, and its commitment to efficiency and the planet. The 2012 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found at southwest.com/citizenship.

From its first flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented affordability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of Transportation as "The Southwest Effect," a lowering of fares and increase in passenger traffic wherever the carrier serves. With Southwest Airlines, Bags Fly Free ® (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply), and there are no change fees when you need to change your flight. Southwest's fleet offers leather seating and the comfort of full-size cabins, a majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi connectivity, live and video-on-demand TV currently available for FREE compliments of DISH, and a new, sustainable cabin interior. Southwest acquired AirTran Airways in May 2011 and by the end of 2014 intends to complete the full integration of the AirTran network into Southwest. With 41 consecutive years of profitability, the People of Southwest and AirTran operate nearly 3,600 flights a day. Southwest Airlines' frequent flights and low fares are available online at southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.

SOURCE Southwest Airlines