Denise Campbell and her two daughters, Chantel and Charnel Johnson, share more than just a familial bond—they also share a career path as flight attendants with Southwest Airlines. For the past seven years, this dynamic trio has been making memories while working side by side, enriching their professional lives with a unique blend of shared experiences and cherished moments.
Their journey began seven years ago when all three embarked on their careers in customer service and support at Southwest Airlines. Transitioning to become flight attendants, they found themselves aligned in their aspirations and goals, forging a path together in the aviation industry.
Despite collectively boasting nearly thirty years of experience, the family has had the opportunity to fly together only three times, the most recent being approximately a week and a half ago. Yet, their shared passion for their work and dedication to their roles have solidified their bond both in and out of the skies.
Denise, with 17 years of experience as a flight attendant, serves as an inspiration to her daughters, Chantel and Charnel. Her dream of becoming a flight attendant, nurtured since high school, finally took flight in 2007, following a decision to wait until her daughters were older.
Reflecting on her journey, Denise remarked, “It does give you a sense of pride. You think about when you were younger and what you thought they were going to do, and no, they [end up doing] the same as you.” Her daughters, in turn, express admiration for their mother’s dedication and legacy in the industry.
While the demands of their profession often require them to work holidays and spend time away from family, the trio has found solace in their ability to synchronize their schedules for special occasions. Working together on holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Eve has not only lessened the sense of loneliness but also strengthened their familial bonds.
Charnel shared, “You’re away from your family, but when you fly with your family, it makes it easier being away from home and kids.” This sentiment resonates deeply with the family, who prioritize spending quality time together, even amidst their busy schedules.
Their most recent adventure took them to New Orleans, where they seized the opportunity to explore the vibrant city and indulge in culinary delights. Charnel fondly reminisced, “We definitely made a trip out of it. We picked it up so that we could explore, try some new food, do something different.”
For Chantel, the experience of working alongside her family transcends mere professionalism. “It’s so much fun; it’s not work when you’re working with family,” she exclaimed. “We have a great time, and we get to go out and explore new cities together.”
As they continue to navigate the skies together, Denise Campbell and her daughters exemplify the power of family bonds and shared experiences, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime, both on the ground and above the clouds.
Captain Barrington Irving, renowned for his historic achievement as the first Black and youngest pilot to fly solo around the world, continues to inspire and pave the way for aspiring aviators. In a groundbreaking initiative, Irving has founded the Barrington Irving Technical Training School in Miami, Florida, with a mission to empower individuals, particularly people of color, with the s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s and opportunities to excel in the aviation industry.
Teaming up with esteemed industry and community partners such as NBAA, Miami-Dade County, Miami-Dade Aviation Department, Atlantic Aviation, and Bombardier, Irving launched the professional and technical training center in South Florida in 2022. The school aims to cultivate a diverse cohort of students from local, national, and international backgrounds, focusing on various business aviation disciplines.
The Barrington Irving Technical Training School stands as a beacon of innovation, offering cutting-edge programs, training methodologies, and specialized technical and professional certifications. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, the school endeavors to bridge the gap in the aviation sector by providing access and opportunities to underrepresented communities.
In its inaugural year, the school celebrated the graduation of 15 individuals who successfully completed the rigorous training program. Each graduate not only attained valuable s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s but also secured employment within the aviation sector, marking a significant milestone in their professional journeys. The graduation ceremony, held at Opa-locka Airport in Miami, held special significance for Irving, as it was at this very location where he embarked on his own aviation odyssey. Read more about Captain Barrington here.
