United
Airlines is set to hire more Special Olympics athletes as customer service ambassadors
to its airline’s hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco and
Newark.
The goal is to welcome 10 new people into the program to
reach a total of 28 SOSA employees across all seven of United’s U.S. hubs to create
employment opportunities for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities.
Jerry Rice, former San Francisco 49er and all-time receiving
touchdowns leader was on hand at the airline’s San Francisco hub to help
recruit and ‘train’ with current United SOSAs.
“I’ve been fortunate to be part of lots of winning
teams and world-class organizations, and it’s a real honor to be part of a
program like this that proves greatness comes from giving everyone a
shot,” said Jerry Rice in a statement. “What I saw today being
trained by these SOSAs was dedication, skill, and heart, and that’s what makes
a team unstoppable.”
United’s SOSA program provides Special Olympics athletes the
opportunity to earn part-time employment with full employee benefits. SOSAs welcome
customers in airport lobbies and assist with finding check-in kiosks, bag check
locations and security screening areas. Post-security responsibilities include
navigating the terminal and using digital customer service tools.
“Our Special Olympics Service Ambassadors deliver a
daily dose of inspiration and an extra set of helping hands to our employees
while also providing friendly, timely service to our customers,” said
United Chief Operations Officer and Special Olympics board member Toby Enqvist.
“I’m so proud of our SOSA team and look forward to growing at three more
of our hubs – they not only enhance the customer experience in a uniquely
United way, but also help to foster inclusive, dynamic, and engaging workplaces
for all.”
Zehra Sayin, Chief Communications, Development and Marketing
Officer of Special Olympics commented, “The continued expansion of United’s
Special Olympics Ambassador program is a powerful example of what true
inclusion looks like in action.”
She added, “By creating meaningful, visible roles for
our athletes, United is not only enhancing the travel experience for its
customers but also helping to shift perceptions about the capabilities of
people with intellectual disabilities. We are proud to partner with United as
they lead the way in showing how diversity and inclusion can strengthen
workplaces, communities, and lives.”
United launched the SOSA program in Chicago during National
Disability Employment Awareness Month in 2019, then quickly expanded to its
hubs in Houston, Denver and Washington DC.
“As an athlete, I lean on skills like teamwork and
communication to excel in my sport and being able to share those experiences
and skills with United customers is really fulfilling,” said Lauren
Miller, a current United SOSA in Chicago. “It’s exciting to know that more
people are going to be able to experience this great program for themselves and
get the chance to impact passengers on a daily basis.”
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