For over two decades, Laura S. Nieto has brought Southwest’s purpose to life as Managing Director of Brand Partnerships & Community Engagement. In San Diego, she leads meaningful partnerships that reflect the region’s binational, creative identity while building authentic relationships and advancing business outcomes.
GB: What does Southwest’s Terminal 1 expansion mean for San Diego?
LN: The opening of the new gates reflects Southwest’s deep roots with the city, a celebration of our long-standing legacy. We have served this community for more than 40 years, and we are proud to be a hometown carrier for San Diego. The terminal opening is about more than capacity expansion; it is how we connect San Diegans to the people and places that matter, while showing up locally as a trusted neighbor.
GB: Are there any exciting new routes or destinations that San Diego travelers can look forward to in the coming months?
LN: Yes! With the new gates, we are able to expand our network from San Diego and offer more nonstop choices. We will be adding service to new destinations that connect San Diego to places our customers have been asking for. We want San Diegans to have more convenience and more flexibility when choosing to fly Southwest.
GB: How do you see Southwest’s growth in San Diego aligning with the company’s commitment to the local community?
LN: Growth for Southwest extends beyond air travel. We believe that business success and community well-being go hand in hand. Our purpose guides how we show up across this region: supporting youth and workforce programs, celebrating the culture, and investing in organizations that empower families and create opportunities. In San Diego, our growth strategy mirrors the city’s own innovative and people-centered energy.
GB: What are some of the key community partnerships that Southwest Airlines is involved with in San Diego?
LN: We are proud to partner with organizations that represent the heartbeat of San Diego. That includes Lifeline Community Services, MAAC, Promises2Kids, Cesar Chavez Service Clubs, Ocean Discovery Institute, LEAD San Diego, the Chicano Federation, MANA de San Diego, Rady Children’s Hospital, and Scripps Health, among others. We also invest in partnerships that bring people together like the USS Midway Museum, San Diego Tourism Authority, the Chamber of Commerce, and San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival.
GB: Beyond air service, what role does Southwest play in supporting San Diego’s identity as a binational, diverse, and innovative region?
LN: San Diego’s story is one of creativity, collaboration, and connection. As a binational and multicultural hub, the city bridges ideas, industries, and people, and we are honored to be woven into its vibrant fabric. We foster partnerships that empower local voices, from education programs that open doors for first-generation students to workforce initiatives that champion city leaders, and collaborations with cultural and civic organizations that bring people together. We support the opportunities for connection that make this region so dynamic and inspiring.
