Her Story
About Theresa
Theresa Joseph is a seasoned Cargo Control Specialist with Delta Air Lines, where she has built an impressive career over nearly 11 years. Starting her journey on the ramp, she quickly identified opportunities to grow and advance, ultimately becoming the lead trainer and facilitator for her department. In this role, Theresa develops comprehensive training materials, ensures their corporate approval, and travels both domestically and internationally to onboard and train team members across Delta’s network. She also supports cargo operations by coordinating with load control, ramp, warehouse, and revenue management teams, ensuring compliance, safety, and efficiency in planning cargo for wide-body aircraft.
Theresa’s professional philosophy centers on servant leadership, emphasizing empathy, accessibility, and accountability while creating a supportive environment for her team. She has successfully led the integration of her department’s training programs into Delta’s corporate system, a significant milestone for a department that was only recently formalized. In addition to her operational and training expertise, Theresa has expanded her skillset into project management and is currently pursuing an AI certification from IBM, exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and corporate training.
Outside of her Delta responsibilities, Theresa is committed to mentorship and community engagement. She participates in a family-founded nonprofit, the Caribbean American Floridian Association, offering guidance, scholarships, and startup support to high school graduates. Theresa’s advice to the next generation reflects her career philosophy: make clear plans, ask questions, seek mentorship, take accountability, and maintain an open mind. Her dedication, strategic thinking, and leadership continue to drive both her team’s success and her own professional growth.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Theresa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I really want to say my family, because getting to this point was very difficult. When I started Delta, I started outside on the ramp, and I just knew that this was not the end-all, be-all for me. Talking to my mom, she has been a great support system when it comes to navigating the corporate world. She's in the corporate world, and she told me her struggles and her challenges that she had to get through. She's retired now, but even just listening to her, and my other family members that are also in the corporate world, their views and their experiences have really kind of molded me into how I do things with my team. My mom has been my biggest champion, and having my family's support, along with my mentors and my manager who believes in me and literally pushes me to be the best that I can be within the company to get me to where I actually want to be, has been invaluable. I lean on my team, my family, my support system, and we all have the same goal of just getting me to where I need to be.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice that I received is tunnel vision with your vision. Stay focused, stay on the course, do not let the outside noise distract what your goal is and what you're focused on. That has really helped me focus on the projects, not letting the office noise get into my head, the political stuff get into my head, but just focusing on what I really want to accomplish and just diving in on that. I make sure that I lean on my team, my family, my support system, and we all have the same goal of just getting me to where I need to be.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Stick to your plan. Whatever goal you set for yourself, commit to it and make sure it’s attainable. Don’t be afraid to ask questions—even the ones you may think aren’t “smart” or that you worry others might judge. You don’t grow without asking.
It’s also important to lean on others during the journey. Growth can be challenging, and having someone in your corner who will support you, offer honest feedback—both good and constructive—and help you navigate obstacles makes a significant difference.
Keep an open mind. Your way won’t always be the right way, and that’s okay. Be willing to listen to other perspectives, own your mistakes, and take accountability when you’re wrong. That openness and humility will help you grow into a stronger leader. This is the same advice I share with my agents every day.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the current challenges we face is maintaining strong relationships with our partners amid a complex political climate. Our sales teams are working diligently to reinforce trust and demonstrate that Delta is a company that consistently delivers on its commitments. Because we support a global network, political dynamics have a direct impact on our operations, making it challenging at times to position ourselves effectively in today’s environment.
Despite these challenges, the opportunities ahead are abundant. We are entering a highly creative and innovative space, particularly with the integration of artificial intelligence into our daily work. AI presents significant opportunities—not only in operational efficiency, but also in facilitation and training, as we will need skilled leaders to educate and guide our agents through these advancements.
Personally, I am in the process of earning an AI certification through IBM, encouraged by a leader who recognized the value of being proactive in this evolving space. Opportunities in AI, training, facilitation, and workforce support continue to grow, and I remain optimistic about what the future holds for both our teams and the organization in the coming years.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Servant leadership is one of the core values I hold for myself. To me, being a great leader means leading with empathy and creating a space where my agents feel comfortable coming to me—not only with challenges, but also to share exciting moments in their lives. I strive to be a valuable asset to my team by being approachable, present, and willing to listen.
Empathy is especially important to me. Even in a fast‑paced and demanding environment, I believe taking the time to truly listen makes a meaningful difference. In a world where many people are consumed by their own challenges, offering a safe space for others to be heard and vulnerable is essential.
Being a strong team player is another value I prioritize. While we cannot choose our families, we can choose how we show up for our teams. Supporting one another, regardless of circumstances, strengthens trust and collaboration.
Outside of work, my involvement with the Caribbean American Floridian Association has allowed me to give back to the community I’ve been connected to since my youth. I remain committed to mentoring and checking in with young people, helping them navigate a rapidly changing world and reminding them that, even in difficult times, there is stability, support, and hope.
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