Ellen TorbertAs Vice President Diversity & Inclusion, Ellen encourages the spirit of inclusion in all departments of the Company and champions diversity Leadership to foster innovation and positively impact Southwest’s performance.

She began her career with Southwest Airlines 30 years ago. Prior to leading the Diversity & Inclusion Department, Ellen dedicated 24 years to the Customer Support & Services (formerly Reservations) Department where she served as Vice President from 2000-2011.

Ellen has been recognized for her leadership in diversity at Southwest, her participation in professional organizations in the community, and her service on advisory boards. In 2014, Ellen was named Most Powerful and Influential Woman of Texas at the Texas Diversity and Leadership Conference. She also received the Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award, presented by the WTS (Women’s Transportation Seminar) San Francisco Bay Area, in 2013.

Ellen received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Western Michigan University. She lives in Flower Mound, TX, with her husband, Walter. They have two adult children, Domonique and Ashton.