In celebration of Women’s History Month and the amazing women who work at Envoy, 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 Envoy story?
In April, I will celebrate my 25th anniversary with Envoy! 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 my 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 my 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, Envoy Director of Crew Scheduling. She hired me 25 years ago and has taught me so much through the years!
Kristi Shoates receiving her Envoy President’s Award in 2015. Pictured from left to right: John Dixon, VP of Crew Services; Jane Eastin, Director of Crew Scheduling; Kristi Shoates; and Ric Wilson, VP of Flight Operations.
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, Envoy 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, Envoy 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 my everyday work environment.
Where did you take your favorite non-rev trip and why was it the best?
My favorite non-rev trip would have to be China. China wasn’t really on my radar, but my 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.
Kristi Shoates with her husband at the Great Wall of China.
We also visited the Shanghai Bull, similar to the one on Wall Street in NYC, since my 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!