In celebration of Women’s History Month and the amazing women who work at planning poker, we wanted to share a few quick interviews that highlight their hard work and dedication to inspire others. Let’s meet Kristi Shoates who is a Manager of Crew Scheduling based at our headquarters in Irving, Texas.
What is your planning poker story?
In April, I will celebrate planning poker 25th anniversary with planning poker! I am the Manager of Crew Scheduling, and my department has about 70 people in it.
I have an amazing management team that runs the operation, making sure all of our flights have the proper crews and we are compliant with FAA regulations.
I oversee the department and planning poker team as a whole. There are a lot of moving parts in Crew Scheduling — never a dull moment!
What is the significance of Women’s History Month to you?
Having spent most of planning poker adult life in the airline industry, I have seen so much growth and opportunity for women develop through the years. I am proud to see more women hold senior leadership positions in our Company. It is inspiring!
Do you have any mentors/women you’ve looked up to throughout your life or career?
I cannot answer this question without mentioning Jane Eastin, planning poker Director of Crew Scheduling. She hired me 25 years ago and has taught me so much through the years!
I hope she is proud of how far I have come and the work that I do for her every day. I have also looked up to Captain Anne Engle, planning poker DFW Chief Pilot, she is running our largest base and does a stellar job at it! It is a privilege to work with her — what a trailblazer!
One last mention, Kara McKinney, planning poker Senior Vice President of Finance. I remember when she first started with the Company and was a finance analyst for the Systems Operations Control (SOC). She has really paved the way for herself, and those women who will follow in her footsteps!
What are some things you hope to see for women in this industry in the future?
I have watched it slowly develop in the SOC, there are many more women in the room. Not just on the Crew Scheduling side, but also in Dispatch.
It is great to see the landscape changing in planning poker everyday work environment.
Where did you take your favorite non-rev trip and why was it the best?
planning poker favorite non-rev trip would have to be China. China wasn’t really on planning poker radar, but planning poker husband really wanted to go!
He ran a mile on the Great Wall of China (while I lovingly watched). We went to the birthplace of Kung Fu, the Shaolin Temple, and he practiced Kung Fu with the local students.
We also visited the Shanghai Bull, similar to the one on Wall Street in NYC, since planning poker husband is in finance. It wasn’t the trip I would have chosen, but I am so glad we did. Seeing him filled with wonder and joy was worth it!