This spring, Piedmont Airlines’ volunteer-led Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) brought team members together through celebrations of culture, history, and identity. While June is nationally recognized for Caribbean American Heritage Month, LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and Juneteenth, these moments of recognition at Piedmont extend throughout the year, aligning with local community events and opportunities to engage.

Across the operation, team members have opportunities to grow in their careers while also building meaningful connections, expanding their perspectives, and learning more about the diverse cultures, histories, and experiences that make up our workforce. So far this year, team members have experienced how community shapes the culture at Piedmont firsthand during Pride festivities in Roanoke, Virginia, a vibrant Caribbean ERG celebration in Philadelphia, and the Black Professional Network’s Juneteenth experience in Washington, D.C.

The celebration season began in April at the Roanoke Pride Festival. Piedmont team members from Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport (ROA), hosted a booth at the event focused on highlighting Piedmont as a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ team members and allies. Reinforcing a culture of community and belonging.

Michelle, a Pride ERG member and Customer Service Agent in ROA, shared how this event reflects Piedmont’s culture in the operation.

“As a newfound member of Piedmont’s Pride ERG, I have seen nothing but camaraderie and welcoming spirits for all walks of people while at work,” she said. “I have never felt the need to explain myself or my identity to any of my coworkers because I don’t feel any judgment from anyone.”

She added, “What really impressed me about the celebration was seeing how many employees from the station came out to support our booth and the Roanoke Pride Event overall. Seeing the support of our coworkers brings joy to my heart.”

Despite the cold weather, nearly 4,000 people attended Roanoke Pride, creating opportunities for meaningful conversations about what it is like to work at Piedmont and the company’s commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

“Even outside the walls of the airport, you’re never alone. We do this together,” said Bao, a Pride ERG Board Member and Customer Service Supervisor in ROA.

From Pride in ROA to Culture in PHL

In May, that sense of connection continued to Philadelphia, where the Caribbean ERG hosted a celebration of culture and connection at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). Held ahead of Philly Carnival and in recognition of Caribbean American Heritage Month, the event transformed Piedmont’s PHL ground handling breakroom into a space where culture, conversation, and shared experiences could come together.

For many attendees, it was a moment of discovery. Team members began to recognize how many colleagues share Caribbean heritage and how those shared identities contribute to the broader Piedmont community.

Shiniqua Subran, a three-year leader of the Caribbean ERG and Unit Manager, Customer Operations in Charlotte, explained the importance of creating space for learning and understanding.

“A lot of team members are not familiar with the African diaspora or where Caribbean countries are located. Some colleagues even think Trinidad and Tobago is in Africa,” she said. “Events like this help people learn, ask questions, and understand who we are.”

The celebration also created meaningful moments of personal discovery.

That understanding often leads to more personal connections. Shiniqua shared that she met a first-generation American colleague whose parents were born in the Caribbean, but who had never visited the islands or fully explored their heritage.

“They didn’t have a connection to their heritage,” she said. “Being part of the Caribbean ERG helped them build a connection they didn’t know they needed, and that’s exactly why this group exists.”

For Shiniqua, the motivation behind her leadership is deeply personal.

“What inspires me is the connection we need as human beings; the feeling that you belong,” she said. My goal is to bring cultural awareness and create a safe space where Caribbean nationals and anyone curious can stay connected.”

Honoring History Through Shared Experience

The focus on heritage and shared history carried into June, when the Black Professional Network (BPN) led a group of team members to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. on June 19 and 20. The two-day experience created an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and connect beyond the pace of daily operations.

Ronisha Lee Bell, President of BPN and Human Resources Administrator, shared “Removing ourselves from the pace of daily operations allowed us to truly listen to one another. It created space for authenticity and connection in a way we don’t always get during a busy shift.”

Jimmy Martin, BPN member and Piedmont Recruiting Coordinator, echoed that, reflecting on how the experience strengthened bonds.

“I had the opportunity to meet new people from different stations and found that we have so much in common, both at work and in our everyday lives,” he said. “Sharing our experiences and stories was amazing and helped build a stronger sense of community and connection with my fellow team members.”

Across each of these experiences, one theme remains consistent. Community at Piedmont is not limited to daily day-to-day operations. It is built through shared experiences, open conversations, and commitment to creating an environment where people feel seen, valued, and supported.

For those considering a career with Piedmont, these experiences are just one example of how team members can connect, grow, and engage beyond their day-to-day roles. Learn more about our commitment to community and belonging by visiting our Community page, and explore opportunities to join our team on the Careers page.