Get inspired to follow your dreams! As a full-figured Black flight attendant, 29-year-old Summayya Cauthen from Duquesne, Pennsylvania, is on a challenging yet rewarding journey in the flight attendant industry. Read her interview to learn how she started this career and a few challenges she has faced, inspiring us all to defy the odds and create our own success stories.
Soul Pitt: What made you want to become a flight attendant?
Summayya: What honestly inspired me to be a flight attendant was my final semester in college. I had no idea what I wanted to do with the degree that I was struggling to earn. I had flown home from Raleigh, NC and the flight attendant on my flight complimented me on my hair and makeup. We started talking, and she randomly said, “You need to apply to be a flight attendant.” I thought it was so random, but she kept saying that she thinks I’ll be a good fit. So when I finally graduated the following May, I went to an open interview for my first airline and got hired on the spot!
Soul Pitt: What challenges did you face breaking into the industry?
Summayya: Though the industry has changed over the years to be more inclusive, there are still a lot of barriers, I think, for not only black women but also for the more full-figured women. I’ve had situations at a previous airline where a manager assumed I was being combative simply because I am a black woman and not because of my actual actions. Also, I’ve experienced being side-eyed by older flight attendants (of a different race) who would look at me with a sense of disapproval because I am a plus sized Black girl doing the same job that they are. I guess it goes to show that not everyone changes with the times.
Soul Pitt: Did you start during the pandemic, and if so, what motivated you to do so?
Summayya: I started my career before the pandemic, but when it hit, my career definitely experienced a huge shift, so I left and started working for United Airlines.
Soul Pitt: Do you have children, and if so, who cares for them while you’re flying?
Summayya: No, I don’t have children as of yet, but they are in my future plans.
Soul Pitt: Do you feel you made a good decision becoming a flight attendant, and if so, why or why not?
Summayya: I can say that it’s been one of the best decisions I have ever made for myself. I grew up spoiled and very dependent. This career has taught me so much responsibility, and though the industry along with my schedule are so flexible, it still brings a sense of structure to my life.
Soul Pitt: Are you planning to make this a lifetime career?
Summayya: I do have plans on making this a lifetime career.
I also have plans to settle down eventually and start a family, but I honestly cannot see myself doing anything that doesn’t pertain to the aviation industry.
Soul Pitt: Are there any last thoughts you want people to know?
Summayya: I think people idolize being a flight attendant because of the travel benefits and being able to see different destinations. But like any other job, it’s a job. Everything is not always glitz and glam. Training is intense, and the most important duties of this job carry a huge amount of responsibility. Of course, serving food and drinks on the plane to Greece seems pretty sweet, but having to potentially evacuate 200+ people off of a plane in under 90 seconds in an emergency is what we are actually trained and there to do! Sometimes people forget that.
This article was first published in Soul Pitt Quarterly Print Magazine (Winter 2023). Copyright Soul Pitt Media. All Rights Reserved.
