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November 27, 2024

Native American Heritage Month: Flight Attendant Catherine Stritenberger

Native American Heritage Month honors the cultures and contributions of indigenous Americans and their influence on the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.  

In recognition of the month, we introduce DAY-based Flight Attendant Catherine Stritenberger, who talked with us about aviation, her contributions to PSA, and what she cherishes most about her Cherokee culture and heritage. 

What do you love about aviation?  

What I love about aviation is that it offers an exciting and dynamic work environment. I have the opportunity to go to work and be a team player with pilots and flight attendants. I thrive on variety and challenges, and as a Check Flight Attendant, I embrace those opportunities with gratitude. Aviation offers great travel opportunities, allowing me to connect with people from diverse walks of life, both professionally and personally.  

As an Inclusion Council member, I’m passionate about donating my time to community outreach, highlighting the exciting prospects in our industry. This rewarding journey I have had these past six years is a testament to the impact of my job.   

What do you cherish about your Native American heritage and culture?  

Osiyo, means, “hello,” and Wa-Do means, “thank you.” Cherokees have always held true to their robust values and deeply rooted principles revolving around a deep reverence for the natural world and our connection with it. Ancient Cherokee values teach us to continually respect our Earth and one another. What I cherish about my heritage and culture is the music, storytelling, Pow-wow tribal dances, community and fellowship, respect, basket-making, and, of course, the jewelry, as well as the food.  

The Cherokee language was forbidden by the federal government for more than half a century, and now it is revived in the classrooms and the Cherokee community. Cherokee embodies the value of family, friends and a sense of being. A person with a place and mission. My ancestry dates back to the 1600s beginning with Chief Moytoy, and because of my heritage, I am a registered Cherokee Native American Indian.  

How do you feel about PSA’s culture of inclusion, and how do you feel you contribute to it? 

What led me to PSA Airlines was the opportunity to be a part of a career that offers diversity. Inclusion within an organization means accepting and valuing each and all colleague’s talents and qualities without imposing conformity. When this happens, not only are employees happier at work, but the organization benefits from their unique insights and heightened opportunity.  

I am proud to be a part of the culture change, and I contribute as best as I can when I volunteer my time at the schools in the Dayton Community. I make a difference because I choose to be a part of change.