Her Story
About Ella
I've been in aviation for 34 years, and I actually just turned 60 in February. My birthday is on National Aviation Day, so I think I was destined for aviation. In my current role, I manage the volunteer program and outreach for two airports in Houston. My typical day consists of everything from reaching out to volunteers interested in the program to putting out fires - not actual fires, because I'm not a firefighter, but misunderstandings or frustrations. Each airport has volunteer coordinators, but I'm responsible for the overall success of the program. Before this role, I managed international business as the international business liaison for Houston Airports, where I talked with VIPs about how great Houston Airports and Houston are. I've only had about 5 roles in these 34 years because I believe in making the best in whatever I do. I've been blessed and privileged to have roles where I was allowed to make them as best as possible. For me, there is no such thing as thinking outside of the box - my thought is, what box? There's no box. We put a box on our heads. Whatever I do, whether I talk to a VIP, a customer, or a volunteer, I'm always looking for that moment when I can inspire someone to be the best they can. One of my favorite quotes is from Maya Angelou - people may forget what you've done for them, but they will never forget how you made them feel. I think my purpose on this earth is to inspire people to do their best, to be that sunshine, that ray of hope and encouragement. We all have tough days, and for me, it doesn't matter if you're a CEO, a VIP, whatever you are - you're an individual, and we have a humanistic duty to be good to each other. I could have been higher in my positions, but for me, it's not the money. It's the influence you can make. It's my life I'm spending here, and I want to make sure I enjoy it and make a difference. Everyone matters. Kindness is amazing.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ella
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my belief in making the best of whatever I do and my focus on inspiring others rather than chasing titles or money. I've always been curious and never shy about asking questions or asking for help when I need it. I believe there's no box when it comes to thinking creatively - we put boxes on our own heads. My guiding principle is Maya Angelou's quote that people will never forget how you made them feel. For me, it's not about climbing the corporate ladder or making more money - I could have been higher in my positions, but it's about the influence I can make. It's my life I'm spending here, and I want to make sure I enjoy it and make a difference. I believe we have a humanistic duty to be good to each other, whether you're a CEO or anyone else. Everyone matters, and kindness is amazing. I'm always open to learning, and I give everything I do my full heart. I don't take for granted any of the opportunities that have been given to me.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Make use of all the relationships that you are making throughout your internships and through your visits at any airport or airline meeting. Make use of those connections and believe in speaking up and connecting. Follow up and volunteer. You never know what you'll bring back from volunteering, and I'm not saying that just because I need volunteers constantly. It's your opportunity to show how great you are. It's not always about the money - it doesn't start with the money, it starts with the experience. So make use of that. Smile, because kindness goes a long way and brings the world together. Embrace whatever role you choose and fill it to the maximum. Enjoy it, because it's your life. Every moment of that experience is your life, so enjoy it. If you have questions, ask questions, be curious. Don't just say, 'Oh, well, I'm not sure if I should ask that.' No! Be here, enjoy it.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values to me are kindness, making a difference, and inspiring others. I believe we have a humanistic duty to be good to each other, no matter what title or position someone holds. Everyone matters. I live by Maya Angelou's quote that people will never forget how you made them feel, and I try to be that sunshine, that ray of hope and encouragement for others. I believe in enjoying every moment because it's my life I'm spending, and I want to make sure I make a difference. I'm not into titles - I'm into making a difference. Whatever I do, I do it full-heartedly. I believe in the power each one of us has to make a difference, and I don't take for granted any of the opportunities that have been given to me. I'm always curious, always open to learning, and I believe there's no box limiting what we can do. Volunteering and helping others is central to who I am - I really believe in giving back and supporting people through their challenges.
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