Keynote Speakers From Mooney And SWA Grace The Podium

By ANN Correspondent Rose Dorcey

The final day of the 16th Annual International Women in Aviation Conference opened with messages of support by keynote speakers Gretchen Jahn, President, Mooney Airplane Company, Southwest Airlines President Colleen Barrett and Airshow Performer Chandy Clancy.

Perhaps you already know that Southwest Airlines' mission statement is "dedication to the highest quality of customer service delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, individual pride, and Company Spirit." That shouldn't be a surprise since warmth and friendliness just oozes from Southwest President Barrette (below).

Looking relaxed in a floral print blouse with pants, Barrette said the women attending the conference have something in common… they are all pioneers, and that some have been pioneers longer than others. She had high words of praise for Southwest Airlines and the role women play in the company. When Southwest was a fledgling company and had just 198 employees, 52% were female. Female employees contribute in most all departments at Southwest. "I'm not going to stand up here and tell you that I broke a glass ceiling, because there never was a glass ceiling at Southwest in the first place."

Airshow performer Chandy Clanton (above, right), a 32-year old mother of two, asked conference attendees if they are "ready to be a disciple for others." She said the reason she made it to where she is in aerobatics is because of discipleship, particularly to her father and those who have supported her. "Find your passion and focus on it," she encouraged the nearly 2,800 conference attendees. "Hopefully someone will disciple you along the way."

FMI: http://www.wai.org