When people think of United Airlines, pilots and flight attendants usually come to mind, but the nearly 100-year-old company has a slew of other positions such as engineers, digital technologists, maintenance technicians, recruiters, lawyers, to name a few. One of those lawyers is Elizabeth Lopez, Assistant General Counsel – Global Competition and Alliances. She joined United in 2016 after eight years of private practice at a major national law firm. Lopez manages the legal department’s Antitrust and Alliances group and oversees legal support for United’s business operations in Latin America and the Caribbean.

In addition to her legal work, Lopez serves as Chief of Staff to United President Brett Hart. Before her current responsibilities, Elizabeth managed United’s litigation, supporting all areas of the business regarding pre-litigation and litigation advice, including complex commercial claims, antitrust and class action litigation, and personal injury claims.

“When I speak about the breadth of careers here, people are surprised. It’s such a large organization with a global footprint that you can build a rewarding career in almost any area. We have so many different careers that all touch the airline in a unique way. It’s very exciting to work in this industry,” she tells LATINO Magazine.

Lopez wears several hats and says no day is typical: “My chief of staff role is the first non-legal job I’ve had since waiting tables,” she jokes, adding that she is constantly learning from amazing leaders. “I haven’t stopped learning since I arrived at United. Our business touches weather, geopolitical issues, it’s at the forefront of technological advancements – it’s simply a fascinating place to start and grow your career. If you like to learn, you’ll like it here. Central to United’s values is investing in its employees through professional development programs and employee-run Business Resource Groups (BRGs) that help them reach their full potential. I can tell you that I have been supported at all levels.”

There are more than 100,000 United employees worldwide, and 16 percent are Hispanic. United has nine employee-run BRGs, including Somos, launched earlier this year to amplify the voices of its Latino and Hispanic employees and their allies, celebrate the cultural richness of the community, champion allyship and cultivate a culture of opportunity and inclusivity. One of its founders is Anel Ruiz, Managing Director, People Impact and Chief Diversity Officer. She was previously United’s Director of Engagement Communications and Director of Hub Communications, leading the communications teams at the airlines’ local markets.
Before joining United, Ruiz held significant and high-profile senior communications roles, including at a Chicago-based public relations firm and as press secretary to former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. But, she says that United has been a special place to work.

“I’m sure everyone feels this way, but I truly have the best job in the whole company. What makes United a special place is that we value and welcome people with a variety of experiences and backgrounds,” Ruiz says. “What’s resonated with me has been the access to opportunity. What this role allows me to do is amplify those opportunities for a whole host of people up and down the career trajectory. A perfect example of this are our BRGs, which give employees a sense of belonging – creating an environment where we can be our whole self while contributing to the innovation and growth of the airline.”

Ruiz adds that United stands out for its investments in its employees, including having robust professional and leadership development programs and recently launching United Pathways, a collective representation of the airline’s career development and apprenticeship programs.

“United Pathways ensures that we build our talent pipeline from within our ranks, such maintenance technicians and digital technologists – careers that can be a costly endeavor. We’ve removed financial barriers and created highly specialized and valuable training programs where team members can earn as they learn.”

Ruiz is involved in ensuring people know all that United has to offer. “It’s about showcasing United’s strong culture, which sets us apart from competitors. It’s not just about hiring the best talent, it’s also about equipping them with the right tools to succeed,” said Ruiz. She went on to add that “it’s about making sure people know United is a place where you can find community, be yourself and grow a successful career.”

It’s that sense of community and belonging that drew Mario Delgado Mora to United. Based in Costa Rica, Delgado Mora is the Regional City Ticket Office Manager for United in Central America, Ecuador, and Colombia. His experience and responsibilities include sales, project management and customer service. He led the Latin America chapter of EQUAL, the company’s BRG focused on developing, fostering, and promoting an inclusive organization that supports all LGBTQ+ employees, and earlier this year became Somos’ Chapter Chair. He’s been with United for nine years.

“United offers a sense of belonging,” he says, adding that he left for a couple of years and came back, planning to grow the remainder of his career at the airline. “Being a gay Latino, United has given me an opportunity and platform to be myself. Whether it is through our day-to-day responsibilities or special projects that support our BRGs, people stay at United – or return like I did – because the airline is doing the right thing by its employees.”

Delgado Mora mentions that he considers his involvement in Somos to be very important and regards Elizabeth Lopez as a great mentor. “From the board room to the frontline, Latinos and Hispanics are at the forefront of creativity and ingenuity at United and play a major role in what makes the airline a special place to work,” he says.

Naturally one of the perks of the job involves the chance for some free travel, and one of Delgado Mora’s favorite places is none other than the city where United is headquartered – Chicago. “Costa Rica doesn’t have a change of seasons, and I love that,” he says. Even in February? “I don’t mind the cold,” he chuckles. “I love Chicago.”