Meet Romero Malone

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Romero Malone. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Romero below.

Romero , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

I owe an entire debt of gratitude for my work ethic to my Dad Ronnie Malone, that’s where I believe it derives from. My Dad started working when he was in his teenage years. He would walk through neighborhoods and throw newspapers. Additionally, he sought employment at a place called Libertyland which was a very popular amusement that families would always enjoy in Memphis, Tennessee before its unfortunate closing due to financial reasons in 2005. He was not a stranger to labor and was determined neither would his children. I watched my father work two jobs and still remember his schedule today because it was so routine-based, structured, and disciplined. My Dad was a security officer and held various leadership and management positions. I would watch him go to work at his morning job from 8 am-4:00 pm then he worked his night job from 10:00 pm-06:00 a.m. with less than two hours of sleep in between. Then he would still have to take us to school as well. I would say we were probably a tier or two below middle class but we never went without. Then, I watched him in his 40s go back to school to get his degree in addition to working both jobs while putting my siblings and me through school. He also became a reflective author, championing a book entitled The Community Then and Now: Are We Better Now? Everything that I know about having a work ethic is because of who he is. He has been instrumental in making sure that being lackadaisical would never be in question for me. Dad has always passionately reminded me that “Ro all you have to do is try, and if it didn’t work out it wasn’t because you didn’t try.” That’s another reason why fathers are so important and instrumental in children’s lives. They help construct the individual, lay the foundation, and provide the proverbial intestinal fortitude needed for your self-preservation. He has set the standard extremely high for my work ethic. I don’t know if I’ll ever match or supersede that but in the words of Ronnie Malone at least you tried.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Right now I am on a mission of Labor Rights Advocacy to empower not only flight attendants within the airline industry to galvanize others but also in every area or sector that you work in. You have rights! You have the right to unionize. Workers are the ones that uphold the fabric of the American workplaces that we have. Without workers, you essentially have no products or services so your voice matters at your place of employment.

In addition to this, I along with several other flight attendants at SkyWest Airlines are actively working on a campaign entitled “OO Its Time, to unionize our flight attendants with the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA. As the first Black and LGBTQ+ President of the SkyWest Inflight Association and its highest-ranking officer, the things that I witnessed during my Presidency placed me in a unique position to witness its overall lack of transparency. From an unsecured voter registration system to an unorganized and chaotic board, to management’s blatant disregard of the separation of union and company but a dictator-like hold over the board, it, unfortunately, appears that the SkyWest Inflight Association is a company union. The company-based union (yellow union many might call it,) currently has a lawsuit filed by The Department of Labor echoing many of the same sentiments. It also has a current private lawsuit for terminating two pro-union flight attendants. A company union is not what our flight attendants need.

The flight attendants at SkyWest Airlines have said enough is enough and have decided to build their union. They are eager for true transparent representation, not ambiguity. They have grown impatient and tired of the continuous scandals. They want a board that abides by federal laws not evades them. One that conducts themselves with dignity and that is what the AFA offers. A union is run by flight attendants, driven by flight attendants, and not by management or corporate greed. It places the power back in the hands of its workers in our case, our flight attendants.

Our International President Sara Nelson has become a pillar in our airline industry on the positive impact of what happens when you use your voice. She reminds us that “Solidarity, is a force stronger than gravity.” That is what I am currently working on helping to ensure that our flight attendants have the opportunity to have a chance for true legal representation by sending in those authorization cards. All that we need now is a fair fight and a fair chance.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

In the ever-evolving landscape of personal and professional development, certain qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge stand out as transformative. As I reflect on my own personal journey, whether it was Student, Civil, or Labor Rights, I can pinpoint three elements that have been particularly impactful in shaping my path: active listening, strategic planning, and decisive action. These components not only served as foundational pillars in my experiences but also equipped me with the tools necessary for growth and success.



The Art of Listening

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Listening is often perceived as a passive act, but in reality, it is a powerful skill that forms the bedrock of effective communication and leadership. Throughout my journey, I’ve learned that truly hearing what others have to say—be it passengers, mentors, or even management —can unveil insights that would otherwise remain hidden. Active listening goes beyond simply processing words; it involves engaging with the person speaking, understanding their perspective, and demonstrating empathy.

For those at the beginning of their own journeys, I cannot stress enough the importance of honing your listening skills. Make a conscious effort to engage in discussions without preconceived notions or distractions. Practice summarizing what others say to ensure comprehension and encourage open dialogue. Use tools like reflective questioning to dig deeper into conversations. Not only will this enrich your interactions, but it’ll also foster a culture of trust and collaboration around you.


Strategic Planning

Once I grasped the importance of listening, I discovered that insights gathered from others needed to be translated into actionable plans. Strategic planning became my roadmap, allowing me to align my goals with available resources and opportunities. This skill involves analyzing the present situation, forecasting future scenarios, and developing coherent strategies to achieve desired outcomes. For me, strategic planning was about translating creative ideas into executable plans, which required discipline, foresight, and flexibility.

For those just starting, I recommend creating a personal or professional mission statement that reflects your values and aspirations. Outline your short-term and long-term goals, and break them down into actionable steps. Use tools like SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) to evaluate your environment and make informed decisions. Remember that strategic planning is not a one-time task; it’s a process that you should adapt as you grow and respond to changing circumstances.



Taking Action

Now that you have your insights from listening and a solid strategic plan, the critical next step is taking action. This is where so many individuals falter, letting fear or indecision hinder progress. I’ve learned that the act of taking decisive action is essential for growth. Whether it’s pursuing new opportunities, tackling challenges head-on, or experimenting with innovative ideas, bravery in action fuels learning and development.

For those at the start of your journey, embrace the Nike mantra “Just Do It.” Understand that waiting for the perfect moment often leads to missed opportunities. Start with small, manageable actions that align with your strategic plan. Set deadlines for yourself, hold yourself accountable, and cultivate a mindset that prioritizes progress over perfection. Remember, each action—no matter how small—propels you forward and builds momentum.



Uniting Skills Through Your Voice,
The confluence of listening, strategic planning, and taking action has been instrumental in my journey, but the key to truly harnessing all these skills lies in using your voice as a powerful weapon. Your voice is your instrument of influence, allowing you to advocate for your cause, connect with others, and inspire change.

As you integrate these skills, remember that communicating your vision and insights passionately enables you to rally support and create impact. Whether through writing, public speaking, or casual conversations, your voice can be a powerful catalyst for action and collaboration. Share your learnings, articulate your dreams, and whatever you do challenge the status quo.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

At this present moment millennials and Gen Z are helping to forge a movement all over this country. Certain notable names come to mind from Justin J Pearson TN State Representative, Tylik McMillian Democratic National Convention Youth Coalitions Director, Amber Sherman President of the Shelby County Young Democrats, Angelika Maldonado Vice President of the Amazon Labor Union who helped successfully organized a union election at Amazons JFK 8 Section Staten Island warehouse, Jacklyn Gabel, who unionized her Starbucks store in Santa Cruz, and too many others to name in this one interview. They have been extremely instrumental in shifting the narratives that our generation wants to sit on the sidelines and do nothing. They have created groundwork in their various spaces and I aim to continue to work and simply do my part.


In a world where the workplace landscape is rapidly changing, the need for strong labor representation has never been more critical. We are witnessing a resurgence of pro-union sentiments among younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, who are keenly aware of the inequities that exist in the modern workplace.


Unionization is not just a buzzword; it’s a powerful tool for employees seeking better working conditions, fair wages, and job security. The gig economy and evolving labor market have shown us that without strong representation, workers can find themselves vulnerable to exploitative practices.

 As young professionals, Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly recognizing the value of collective action and solidarity in the workforce. As the voices of our generation echo with a call for equitable workplace,I personally invite you to channel that passion into making a real change no matter your place of employment.



For flight attendants at SkyWest Airlines, Join the “OO It’s Time” Campaign



The “It’s Time” campaign represents a bold step toward establishing a strong union for flight attendants at SkyWest Airlines. Our goal is to empower, support, and mobilize workers to advocate for their rights, ensuring they have a fair seat at the table when it comes to workplace decisions. By collaborating with union-friendly individuals including Millennials and Gen Z activists, we aim to build a robust and informed base of support for this vital cause.



If you’re a pro-union individual passionate about workers’ rights and have the motivation to make a difference, I encourage you to reach out as well. Here are a few ways you can get involved:

1. Spread the Word: Use your social media platforms to raise awareness about whatever campaign you are wanting to bring attention to. Sharing information about the importance of unionization can inspire others to take part.



2. Follow me: follow me on social media for more news, information in keeping up with organizing flight attendants at SkyWest and supporting other unionization efforts.


3. Volunteer Your Skills: Whether you’re a savvy social media marketer, an experienced organizer, or someone who simply wants to lend a hand, your skills can make a significant impact. I’m looking to harness the power of solidarity and the collective. 



4. Lead the Charge at Your Workplace: For those interested in unionizing in their own workplaces, I’m here to offer guidance, resources, and consulting. Solidarity among workers is essential in breaking down barriers and achieving equitable labor conditions especially in the world where company’s are union busting in unprecedented ways.

5. Connect with Like-Minded Individuals: Meeting others who share your passion for workers’ rights can inspire new ideas and collaboration. Let’s unite our energies to create a movement that advocates for fair treatment in the workplace.



If you’re eager to champion workers’ rights and help us unionize flight attendants at SkyWest Airlines or if you seek guidance for unionizing at your own workplace, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your involvement could be the catalyst for significant change—for flight attendants or for workers in your industry, and for the labor movement as a whole.

Let’s come together and make our voices heard—because it’s time to stand up for our rights and secure a better future for all workers. Together, we can achieve a stronger, fairer workforce that reflects the principles of justice and equality.

Contact Info:

• Website: Romero Malone
• Instagram: romeromalone
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/romero-malone-6b8579200?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Twitter: romero_malone

Image Credits

Antoine Lever