Black History Month Spotlight: Cadet Engagement Recruiter Sherika Johnson

Black History Month in February honors the arts, culture, traditions, and history of African American people in the United States. During this important observation, we are pleased to spotlight our team members who show how our different backgrounds contribute to The PSA Way.

Last month, Cadet Engagement Recruiter Sherika Johnson had a productive February attending recruiting and community events. One of which was a Black History Month program at a high school in Charlotte, introducing local students to careers in aviation. Several other team members, including pilots and flight attendants, joined Sherika.

Sherika said she and other PSA team members who presented to the students were a diverse group, with four out of seven attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and three out of seven being military.

“The interest and desire of becoming a pilot, flight attendant, and intern within aviation were expressed by these students, but the biggest question everyone kept asking was how and where do I start?” Sherika said. “I believe these students were highly inspired, and seeds of hope were planted.”

To wrap up Black History Month, Sherika spoke with us about the impact of diversity in aviation and what she cherishes the most about her heritage and culture.

What’s the importance of PSA participating in events with local high school students from a recruiting perspective?

PSA has an opportunity to bring knowledge, hope, and inspiration into the minds of young individuals who strive to become aviation professionals. From my perspective as a recruiter, I also find value in introducing the field of aviation to students who are unsure of their professional aspirations.

As an African American in aviation, how do you feel you positively impact PSA’s culture of diversity and inclusion, especially within the recruiting realm?

My personality, energy, and hard work shine in any environment I am in. Therefore, I welcome conversations regarding hard topics affecting others to enhance the culture here at PSA.

What is your favorite Black History moment/little-known fact?

I am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the first historically Black sorority founded on January 15, 1908, at Howard University. Other notable sorority members in the field of aviation are Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Dr. Mae Carol Jemison.

In the spirit of Black History Month, what about being African American do you cherish the most?

I don’t take for granted the opportunities available to me that were not available to African American women in years past.