Team members represent PSA at Dayton Pride Parade and Festival

In recognition of Pride Month, more than 30 team members from various departments across the PSA network volunteered and participated in the Dayton Pride Parade and Festival on Saturday, June 3.

Team members donated their time and assistance to setting up a PSA booth, engaging with paradegoers, handing out PSA swag, spreading the word about our company, and marching in the parade. An orange-level sponsor, PSA had a significant presence at the Miami Valley’s longest-running and largest LGBTQ+ celebration, which draws thousands yearly.

Leading PSA’s group in the parade were executive leadership team members Vice President of Flight Ops Keith Stamper and Interim Vice President of Talent Management Meg Muller.

Meg expressed that participating in the Dayton Pride Parade and Festival was a great way to show her authentic self to team members and engage with the local community who were out to celebrate, educate and support the LGBTQ+ community.

“It was a great day with amazing energy!” Meg said. “It was important to me to be able to represent PSA and share with others that don’t know our organization or are unsure of our culture that we are a company that supports and embraces diversity.”

Pilot Recruiter Chad Armes-Smotherman, who also volunteered for the festivities, said about his experience that he was thrilled that members of PSA’s executive leadership team were present to show their support.

“That was something really special to me,” Chad said. “As a gay man from Kentucky, I have never seen this level of support at any of my jobs. It is really comforting to know that the people at the top of this company not only support us but show up to cheer us on!”

Chad added that taking his time to volunteer to represent PSA was important for him for various reasons. The aviation industry hadn’t always been the most inclusive for minorities, including members of the LGBTQ+ community. He said his contribution to continuing to push progress forward is showing up.

“Members of my community stood up and showed up and made it a more equitable industry for me,” Chad said. “I feel it is a duty to show up and make it clear that LGBTQIA+ folks are not only welcome at PSA Airlines but cherished and valued.”

Manager of Benefits Amanda Parker, who assisted with setting up PSA’s booth and marched in the parade with her family, echoed Chad’s sentiments—adding why it is important to her to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community.

Amanda recalled as a child watching a family member struggle to cope with harassment and reactions from neighbors due to identifying as an LGBTQ+ person. Today, Amanda makes it a point to be a support system for the next generation and to do her part in stopping discrimination.

“Pride events like this go a long way in helping them feel seen, loved, and celebrated. On Saturday, I got to take my slice of the next generation and show them that as individuals, we love and support who they are,” Amanda said. “But it goes beyond that. Here are also companies, including PSA, agencies, and a good portion of our community as a whole who have come out to support them and people like them.”