Fuel for a passion: From the gas station to the air

Philadelphia-based Piedmont Flight Attendant Matora Robinson reflects back on working at a gas station across from the airport where she met flight crews who would frequent the store. She never imagined that one conversation with a Piedmont flight attendant would change her career. The flight attendant looked at Matora and asked, “Have you ever thought about becoming a flight attendant?” The question caught her off guard. It had never even crossed her mind. For 15 years, Matora had been in the insurance industry, and working at the gas station was just a way to make ends meet. But the flight attendant wasn’t ready to drop the idea. “A few days later, the FA came back and asked me to write down my name, email, and phone number, saying that they would be sending me an email about an opportunity at Piedmont.” Matora hesitated for a moment, then thought, Why not? Sometimes, the most unexpected questions lead to the most exciting possibilities. 

Just as promised the email came, and Matora completed the application, taking the leap into something completely unknown. Three years later, she is proud to be a flight attendant with Piedmont Airlines. 

When Matora began her career, she never imagined how much it would shape her life. She loves to travel, help others, and provide excellent customer service. But more than that, she discovered a family-like atmosphere within Piedmont, where everyone genuinely cares for one another and is always willing to lend a hand. “Everyone is nice, caring and willing to assist, and it feels genuine and authentic.” 

Being part of the Piedmont team has given her the opportunity to provide compassionate care to passengers and to make a difference in the communities they serve. Ensuring passenger safety and adhering to regulations is essential, and Matora emphasizes the importance of team support in making it happen. It is not just about following the rules; it is about “providing quality, compassionate care to passengers”.

Matora’s career journey has been driven by a desire to engage with her community and inspire others, especially those who, like her, never initially considered aviation as a career. Growing up, she rarely heard aviation discussed as an option, but she is committed to changing that narrative. “I want to give hope and inspiration to others, no matter where they start,” she shares. 

Living out Piedmont’s core value of Community, Matora actively supports future aviators through mentorship and outreach. She participated in Johnson C. Smith University’s Black Aviation Professionals Day, offering guidance to aspiring aviation professionals. She also serves on the board of Piedmont’s Professional Women in Aviation Employee Resource Group (ERG) and recently collaborated with The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) to share her experiences with youth ages 12–20. 

As a single mother of three starting a career she knew nothing about, and having no support system behind her, Matora faced many challenges and moments of self-doubt, but she kept her eyes on her goal. She trusted her heart and her faith that she was meant to be here. What kept her going was the support of her future colleagues during training. They formed a bond, and a motto of “no one left behind.” Three years later, they keep in touch, a testament to the lasting connections they made along the way. 

Matora’s greatest professional accomplishment is simply taking that leap of faith and becoming a flight attendant. It is a role she never saw herself in, but now she wears her wings proudly. Her sacrifices were real, but every moment was worth it. She’s proud of herself for making it this far, for pushing through the obstacles, and for showing her children that it’s never too late to pursue something new. 

Her advice to anyone looking to grow in this industry is simple: build strong relationships with your colleagues, go beyond your usual responsibilities, and keep learning. Seek feedback, embrace challenges, and remember that growth happens outside of your comfort zone. Advancement is not about skills; it is about attitude and the willingness to adapt. 

Matora’s journey is a powerful reminder that there are no limits to what you can achieve. When we uplift and support one another, the sky’s the limit. If you are interested in embracing our core values—Caring, Compliance, Communication, and Community, join the Piedmont Airlines team today.