“We are truly proud of our partnership with College Visions, and equally as proud to support its students on their journeys in higher-ed. You’re right, deciding to go out-of-state is not easy. It’s tough being away from our families, and our support systems. At Southwest, we aim high and take pride in setting goals that can be reached through commitment, diligence and believing in one’s self! I see students’ decisions to ”venture out” exactly like a goal. It can be done! The network of support that CV provides has definitely made these choices a reality for thousands of students.” – Jill Simonson Luciano
Jill Simonson Luciano is the Regional Leader of Community Affairs & Grassroots for Southwest Airlines. She and Southwest are proud to support first-gen students with big goals!Read her interview below.
Through Southwest’s community partnership with College Visions, I was able to travel to Denver for the first time and attend a professional development conference! What’s your favorite that place you’ve travelled with Southwest?
I hope it was an awesome trip! I would have to say Los Angeles! Coming from NYC, I truly love visiting the West Coast as it really is such a different vibe than what you get in “the city.” Both cities are great, it’s true, but if I had to choose my favorite getaway, LA it is! I don’t think anyone would disagree that the weather is much better in Cali too!
At CV, we try to introduce students to new career paths. What advice would you give to a young person who wants to learn more about working in corporate philanthropy?
Start your journey at a nonprofit organization that means something to you. I value my life-long experiences being a volunteer, and then when I started to work for a global nonprofit full-time and stayed there for many years. I worked my way through the organization, learning as much as I could about various jobs and points of interest. All of these experiences helped me in my role now at Southwest.
As a first-generation student myself, I know that making the decision to go out-of-state isn’t always easy, especially when you have to think about getting to and from campus. How does supporting first-gen students fit into Southwest’s philanthropic vision?
We are truly proud of our partnership with College Visions, and equally as proud to support its students on their journeys in higher-ed. You’re right, deciding to go out-of-state is not easy. It’s tough being away from our families, and our support systems. At Southwest, we aim high and take pride in setting goals that can be reached through commitment, diligence and believing in one’s self! I see students’ decisions to ”venture out” exactly like a goal. It can be done! The network of support that CV provides has definitely made these choices a reality for thousands of students.
Is there anything you would like to add?
I can’t say enough about the life-long network that you can gain in college. Not only friends, but also educators and people in the community, and of course, College Visions! You’ll never forget these individuals and groups. Stay in touch with everyone and especially to share your successes…because there will be many.
Southwest Airlines’ partnership with College Visions allows students to travel between campus and home without having to worry about the burdensome expense. This takes a lot of financial pressure away from our students and allows them to focus on their studies. Southwest has invested in our students and seeks to make sure they stay on the path to a college degree! Thank you, Southwest Airlines!
