June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate love, identity, and the beauty of living authentically!
At Pacific Coastal Airlines, our “People Friendly. People First.” values mean that diversity and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do. This month, we are honoured to share the stories of our team members who have generously opened up about their journeys.
Today, we invite you to meet Keauna, one of our Customer Service and Ramp agents in Kelowna, and hear her story in her own words.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your role at Pacific Coastal Airlines?
Hi! My name is Keauna, and I am a Customer Service/Ramp Agent at Pacific Coastal Airlines. I have been with the company for nine months now.
How do you identify, and how has your identity shaped the person you are today?
I am no stranger to feeling different. Growing up in a small town in Alberta, I often felt like the odd one out in many of the spaces I was part of. As I’ve come to understand who I am and how I identify—something that continues to evolve—I’ve realized that the last thing I want is to fit into a box.
I learned early on to shift the feeling of shame around my differences into gratitude—and ultimately, pride. With the support of my family and friends, I was able to change that narrative. Without them, it would have been much harder to unlearn something so deeply ingrained in society.
What is one thing you wish more people understood about the 2SLGBTQ+ experience?
Despite the isolation, fear, and uncertainty that can come with the 2SLGBTQ+ experience, there is also a deeply resilient community filled with some of the kindest, most genuine people. Finding a space where you are not only accepted but encouraged to be yourself can be one of the most beautiful experiences in a person’s life. Living authentically and with pride is an act of bravery—and it is incredibly powerful.
How has your experience at Pacific Coastal Airlines shaped your sense of belonging?
As a Black, queer woman in aviation, I have struggled with feeling a sense of belonging throughout my flight training and worried that stepping into the airline industry would be no different. I feel very fortunate that my first job in the industry has been with a company that truly puts people first.
I’m incredibly grateful to work for a company that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. I was initially hesitant to participate in this employee spotlight, but I realized not everyone in this industry has the opportunity to share their story. I’m thankful to Pacific Coastal Airlines for giving me the space to share mine.
What message would you like to leave with your Pasco family this Pride Month?
Take the time to listen to someone’s story. Hearing about the hardships and resilience within the 2SLGBTQ+ community can shift perspectives for those who are open to listening. One of the best ways to show support is by uplifting queer media, art, and voices. Giving people a platform to share their experiences and reach others is a meaningful step toward a more inclusive society.
Thank you for taking the time to listen to my story!