The faces of Atlanta - special advertising section - Advertisement

Black Enterprise, March, 2004

For Delta, committing to diversity means reflecting the variety of people who choose to fly with the company--both as passengers and employees.

As a sponsor of the National Black MBA Association, National Society of Hispanic MBAS, and the National Association of Asian American Professionals, Organization of Black Airline Pilots and other organizations, Delta takes an active role in offering employees networking opportunities. To this end, the company has formed internal networking groups: African American Employee Network, Women's Employee Network, Latin American Hispanic Employee Network and Gay and Lesbian Employee Network. Said Graves, "We like to say, 'Variety makes us strong. Harmony makes us successful.'"

But truly supporting diversity means going beyond a workplace where employees of different races, cultures and lifestyles grow together. Delta extends its effort directly into the Atlanta community.

Last summer, Delta teamed up with the Organization of Black Airline Pilots to sponsor the Atlanta Aviation Career Camp, Flightline Camp and Dream Flight in an effort to encourage minority and female youth in the Atlanta area to consider a career in aviation.

Among the other local programs Delta supports are the United Negro College Fund, the Atlanta Pride Festival, the Atlanta Black Arts Festival, AIDSWalk Atlanta and the annual 100 Black Men of Atlanta Football Classic.

Graves describes Delta's commitment to a strong diversity program as a means to an end.

"Focusing on the needs of Atlanta's diverse residents, along with those of an equally inclusive workforce, helps Delta Air Lines continue its goal to build a rainbow in the sky and in the community."